US2701545A

US2701545A - Capsule encircling machine

Info

Publication number: US2701545A
Application number: US302450A
Authority: US
Inventors: Scherer Robert Pauli
Original assignee: Catalent Pharma Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Catalent Pharma Solutions Inc
Priority date: 1952-08-02
Filing date: 1952-08-02
Publication date: 1955-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 1972-02-08

Description

Feb. s, 1955 Filed Aug. 2, 1952 R. P. SCHERER CAPSULE sucmcuus MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 8, 1955 R. P. SCHERER CAPSULE ENCIRCLING momma B'Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 2, 1952 Feb. 8, 1955 Filed Aug. 2, 1952 R. P. SCH ERER CAPSULE ENCIRCLING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Feb. 8, 1955 R. P. SCHERER v 2,701,545

CAPSULE ENCIRCLING MACHINE Filed Aug. 2, 1952 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Feb. 8, 1955 R. P. SCHERER CAPSULE ENCIRCLING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 2, 1952 Feb. 8, 1955 R. P; SCHERER- CAPSULE ENCIRCLING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Aug. 2. 1952 5 m y ,o fl Z7M//m 0 4 g M W 9 My a a I MM w 1 Feb. 8, 1955 R. P. SCHERER CAPSULE ENCIRCLING MACHINE Filed Aug. 2; 1952 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 United States Patent 2,701,545 CAPSULE ENCIRCLING MACHINE Robert Pauli Scherer, Detroit, Mich., assignor to R. P. Scherer Corporation, Detroit, Mich-,a corporation of Michigan Application August 2, 1952,1Serlal No. 302,450

19 Claims. (Cl. 118--219) This inventionrelates to a capsule encirchng machine, that is, a machine which encircles capsules or other cylindrical objects with circles of ink or the like. 0

One object of the invention is to prov de a machine for applying colored'media such as an aqueous solution around capsules or other cylindrical ob ects in the form of narrow bands which on drying provide colored stripes sharply contrasting with the color of the gelatin capsule, the stripes giving the capsules a distlnctlve appearance. Location, width and number of encircling stripes as well as their color may be varied to identify dlfferent contents of capsules having the same color or to act as'mdication of the product or of manufacturing Ollgll].

Another object is to provide an encircling machine which is adapted t6 receive a mass of capsules m a hopper or thelike and to properly feed the capsules to a capsule supporting rotor which carries them in sequence to a capsule receiving station, an inking station and a discharge station.

Another object is to provide at the capsule receiving station a reciprocably mounted feed tube to WhlCh the capsules are supplied in a column end-to-end and from which they may be discharged one at a. time into holding chucks of the rotor.

Still another object is to provide at the inking station of the machine inking wheels adapted to contact with the periphery of the capsules and apply circles of ink thereto, the capsules being rotated at this station by a rotating chuck which also rotates the holding chuck as well as the capsule during the inking operation.

A further object is to provide travel of the encircled capsules a substantial distance from the wiring station to the discharge station so that the ink is permitted to dry on the capsules before they are discharged into chute or the like and subsequently fall into a tray or other container to be later packaged. v

Still a further object is to provide a rotating shaft with suitable cams and other driving mechanisms for the rotor to advance it intermittently or step-by-step and to reciprocate thefeed tube as well as the rotating chuck for the purpose of automatically encircling the capsules without the necessity of manual handling of any character.

An additional object is to provide a combination of compressed air and vacuum connections to the feed tube and the holding chucks of the rotor respectively to effect proper discharge of the capsules from the feed tube and proper holding thereof by the holding chucks for subsequent engagement by the rotating chucks and for performing the g operation.

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of my capsule encircling machine, whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a capsule encircl ng machine embodying my present invention, parts being broken away and other parts shown in section to illustrate details.

Figure 2 is a side e in cross section.

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical view partly in section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2 showing particularly the feeding of capsules from a hopper into a selector and a coil spring that leads them to a feed tube of the machine.

Figure 4 is a detail sectional view on the hne 4-4 of Figure 3 showing the drive for feed tubes in the hoppers.

levation thereof with the base shown 2,701,545 Patented Feb. 8, 1955 2 1 Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 55 of Figure 3 showing details of a selector.

Figure 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional view substantially on the line 66 of Figure 2 and shows the recipro- 5 eating mechanism for the rotating chucks and the feed tubes of the machine.

. Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view on the line 77 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a'vertical sectional view on the line 8-4 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a horizonta of Figure 8. 1

Figure 10 is' an enlarged sectional view of a portion of Figure 6 showing the capsule feed tube with the parts in one position during the operation thereof.

Figure 11 is a similar view showing the parts in a different position.

Figure 12 is a detail vert 12- 1z of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a vertical detail sectional view on the line 13 13 of Figure 11.

Figure 14 is a further enlarged detail view on the line 14-14 of Figure 2, this detail being enlarged in respect to that shown in Figure 6. 25 I Figure 15 is a sectional view on the line 1515 of Figure 14, these two figures showin the inking mechanism. I Figure 16 is also a vertical sectio al view of the inking mefllignism as taken on the lines 1616 of Figures 9 an Figure 17 is a horizontal sectional view taken on tho line 1717 of Figure 16. 1

Figures 18 to 20 are enlarged details showing the chucking and dechucking operations, Figure 20 being a detail sectional view on the line 20-20 of Figure 19; and 35 Figures 21 and 22 are enlarged details showing the engaging and retracting operations of the rotating'chuck for encircling of the capsule.

On the accompanying drawings I have used the reference numeral 25 to'indicate a supporting frame for my capsule encircling machine. The machine itself has the various parts thereof mounted on a base plate 26 which 1s supported on the top of the frame 25.

The mechanism of the encircling machine includes a drum-like rotor 28 mounted on a shaft 29 which is jour- 45 naled in bearings 30, the bearings being supported by a suitable framework extending upwardly from the base plate-26. This framework includes a yoke 32 from which a post 33 extends upwardly to support a hopper 34.

The rotor 28 as will hereinafter appear is adapted to support capsules 162 located adjacent its periphery and projecting from each of its two sides. I provide a dual 1 sectional view on the line 9-9 ical sectional view on the line capsule feeding means for the two sides of the rotor and each comprises a hopper throat 36 (see Figure 3) in which a hopper feed tube 37 is rotatable, the upper end of the feed tube being mutilated for orienting the capsules 162 in 'the hopper and feeding them in a column end-to-end to a conduit 38 which may comprise a coil spring. This coil spring extends downwardly to a capsule feed tube 39.

For rotating the hopper feed tube 37, I provide a pulley 41 thereon belted by a belt 42 to a pulley 43. The pulley 43 is driven by a gear reducer 44 which in turn is driven by an electric motor 45. As shown in Figure 4, there arg two of the belts- 42 for driving the two hopper feed to es.

Interposed between the hopper feedv tube 37 and the conduit 38 is a selector 47 (see Figure 3-omitted from Figures 1 and 2) having an openable door 48 preferably formed of transparent material. A latch pin 49 (see Figure 5) is provided for latching the door 48 closed, and a latch release button 50 carries the pin 49 for releasing the same.

'A plate 51 is provided with a stud 52 slidable in the selector 47' and biased ,toward the right in Figure 5 by a spring 53. The plate 51 carries an upper'capsule holding pin 55, a lower guard pin 55a, and a capsule ejecting pin 56, and the purpose of the selector is to catch any odd-shaped capsules such as the capsule 162a usually called a -banana' capsule, as it is unsuitable for encircling. The bore of the selector 47 (formed partly in the door 48) is tapered for this purpose as shown in Figure 3.

When such a capsule 162a is caught in the selector the pin 50 may be depressed for permitting the spring 53 to throw the door 48 open whereupon the

pins

55, 55a and 56 move into the bore of the selector, the pin 55 holding the row of capsules above the selector, pin 55a preventing the ejected capsule 162a from-entering the tube 38 while the third pin 56 acts as an ejector for forcing the capsule 162a out of the selector. The selector 47 and the hopper feed tube 37 are shown and claimed in my copending application, Serial No. 276,866, filed March 15, 1952.

For rotating the rotor ,28 and for operating'the various mechanisms of my encircling machine, I provide a main shaft 58 journaled in bearings 59 (see Figures 1 and 6). A pulley 60 is mounted on the shaft 58 and is belted by a belt 61 to a pulley 62. The pulley 62 is driven by a gear reducer 63 which in turn is driven by a motor 64.

A motor support 66 is provided for the motor 64 and is hinged at 67. It is provided with an adjustment 68 for the purpose of tightening the belt 61 when required.

One rotation of the main shaft 58 constitutes one cycle of operation of the encircling machine. During such cycle, the rotor 28 is advanced the distance of one rotor division represented by the distance between the holding chucks 70 carried thereby. Intermittent rotation of the rotor 28 is effected by a ratchet wheel 71 for driving the rotor shaft 29, and a pawl 72 coacting therewith and carried by an oscillatable rod 73, the two being pivoted together at 74. A pawl spring 89 is secured to the rod 73 for biasing the pawl 72 toward the ratchet wheel 71. The rod 73 is slidable in a guide sleeve 76 secured to the base plate 26 as shown in Figure 7 and is provided with a rod extension 77 on its lower end carrying a roller 78.

To prevent rotation of the rod 73 in the guide sleeve 76, I provide a pin 91 mounted in the sleeve and passing through a slot 90 of the rod. A spring 92 is interposed between the pin 91 and a shoulder 93 of the rod 73 to return the rod downwardly and keep the roller 78 in contact with the cam 79. The roller 78 rides a cam 79 on a countershaft 80. A gear 82 is mounted on the countershaft 80 and meshes with the gear 83 on the main shaft 58, the gears being the same size so as to effect one rotation of the countershaft 80 during a cycle of operation of the machine.

With further reference to the details in respect to the intermittent or step-by-step drive for the rotor 28, the rotor shaft 29 has secured thereto an arm 85. This arm extends through an opening 84 in the ratchet wheel 71 and is engaged on opposite sides by set vscrews 86 carried by the ratchet wheel.

At this point it might be well to mention that there are three operating stations of the encircling machine. These are indicated at A, B and C in Figure 7, and they are two holding chuck divisions apart. The station A is a loading station where capsules are loaded into the holding chucks. The station B is an inking station where the capsules are engaged by a rotating chuck and rotated and inked, and station C is a discharge station for the encircled capsules. The rotor 28 rotates clockwise. The adjustment 8586 permits the holding chuck 70 to be properly aligned at the stations A, B and C when the ratchet wheel 71 is stopped in a predetermined position.

For predetermining the position of the ratchet wheel, a stationary bracket 87 is provided and an adjusting screw 88 is carried thereby for the pawl 72 to positively engage against. This screw is adjusted so that all elements (77, 73 and 74) from the cam 79 to the adjustmg screw are snugly engaged when the peak of the cam 79 engages the roller 78. Once the adjustment 88 is made the position of the ratchet wheel 71 at the end of an operating cycle is predetermined whereby the ad usting screws 86 may be adjusted for lining up the holdlng chuck 70 with the stations A, B, and C as already referred to. To prevent backlash of the ratchetingmechamsm, a brake 98 is provided and adjusting screws 99 may be used for adjusting the tension to the proper degree.

The capsule feed tube 39 and rotary chucks later to be described are operated through mechanism from the main shaft 58. These mechanisms are in timed relat1on to the rotation of the shaft and in 9 d? to P y H sleeve 143 journaled in a stationary bearing 144.

time the intermittent rotation of the rotor 28 with these mechanisms I provide a projection 96 on the gear 82 and a bifurcated arm on the countershaft 80 which are adjustablyconnected together by means of set screws 97 carried by the bifurcated arm and engaging opposite sides of the projection 96 as shown in Figure, 7.

Referring particularly to Figures 6 and 10 to tion A in the following described manner. The tube is welded to a mounting block 100 which has a slide rod 101 pinned at 109 therein. The rod slides in a bearing sleeve 102 which is stationarily mounted on a frame plate 118 and the bearing sleeve carries a guide bar 103 adapted to coact with the bifurcated lower end 104 of the mountingblock 100 as shown partic ularly in Figure 13. t

For reciprocating the capsule feed tube 39 I provide an arm 106 pivoted at 107 to the frame of the machine. It has a bifurcated upper end 108 through which the pin 109 extends. The lower end of the arm 106 is bifurcated as indicated at 110 and is provided with a roller 111. This roller travels in the cam groove of a capsule feed tube cam 112.

Referring to Figure 6, it will be. noted there are two cams 112, and likewise two of the feed tubes 39 and two of the mechanisms for reciprocating them inasmuch as the holding chucks 70 are'provided on both sides of the rotor 48 sothat dual 0 erations are performed tllilroughout the cycle of operation of the encircling mac me.

Referring to Figure 11, a capsule holding element 114 is shown which is formed of spring wire. It is supported in a rod 115 secured by a bracket 116 to the frame plate 118. It has an inclined capsule engaging end 114a extending through a slot 119 through the upper wall of the feed tube 39.

A compressed air conduit 121 is connected with the capsule feed tube 39 so as to discharge tangently thereinto as shown particularly in Figure 10. A flexible hose 122 is connected therewith as shown in Figure 6 for supplying compressed air continuously to the conduit 121 for a purpose which will hereinafter appear. Each capsule holding chuck 70 as shown in Figures 10, 18, 19 and 20 is rotatable in a bearing sleeve 124 pressed into a cavity 128 of the rotor 28. The holding chuck 70 has a cup-shaped outer end in which is received an insert 127 of resilient material such as rubber or Neoprene.

A spring 125 is force fitted into the chuck 70 and an eccentric 126 is forcefitted on the inner end of the spring as shown best in Figure 18. The eccentric 126 is slightly less in diameter than the journaled part of the chuck 70 and the spring 125 permits the eccentric to be entered through the bore of the bearing sleeve 124 to the position shown in Figure 18 whereupon the eccentric snaps up to the position shown therein for retaining the chuck 70 assembled with respect to the rotor, yet permitting removal thereof by anerely pulling out the chuck so thata chuck of a different size for a different capsule may be readily inserted. Also the .pin 109 of Figure 10 may be removed and the feed tube 39 replaced by one of another size for a different size of capsule 162.

Means is provided for applying vacuum to the interior of the insert 127 consisting of a passageway 129 in the rotor 28 leading to the cavity 128, a port 130 in a shoe 131, and a vacuum conduit 137 connected with the port 130 as shown in Figure 7 to which a vacuum hose 138 is connected. The shoe 131 is slidable in a shoe carrier 132 and is held engaged with an internal surface 134 of the rotor 28 by apair of springs 133. Angle brackets 135 are secured to the frame of the machine and carry adjusting screws 136 for engaging opposite sides of the shoe carrier 132 to adjust the port 130 so that it properly overlaps stations A and B of the encircling machine.

Describing now the mechanism at station 13, reference being made to Figures 7, 6, l4, 15, 21 and 22, a rotating chuck 140 is provided for each side of the rotor 28. Describing one of the chucks, it has ashaft-like extension 141 keyed at 142 for sliding movement in a An arm 146 is mounted on a rock shaft 147 and has a bifurcated upper end 148. A pivot block 149 is mounted in the bifurcated upper end of the arm 146 and is 12, each capsule feed tube 39 is reciprocably mounted at starotatable and non-slidable relative to the chuck shaft 141. The block 149 is provided with pintles 150 located in slots 151 of the arm 146 and rollers 152 are mounted on the pintles and in the slots for reducing friction at' this point. g

An arm 154 is also secured to the rock shaft 147 as shown particularly in Figure 14 and on its lower end carries a roller 155 adapted to coact with the groove of a rotating chuck cam 156.

The

arms

146 and 154 have extensions to the right of the rock shaft 147 as shown in which a spring 157 is located. I An adjusting screw 158 determines the angle of the arm 146 relative to the arm 154 for setting the right hand limit of movement of the chuck 140 shown in this figure so as to accommodate longer or shorter capsules than the one illustrated.

Each chuck 140 is provided with an ejecting in 159 backed by a spring 160. In the chuck is a chuc insert 161 of resilient material such as rubber or Neoprene, the 'purpose of which will hereinafter appear.

For rotating each of the two chucks 140, 1 provide a sprocket 163 on the main shaft 58 and a chain 164 extending therefrom to a second sprocket 165 mounted on Figure 14 between the sleeve 143. The speed ratio is such that the chuck is rotated somewhat more than one revolution during each cycle of operation to insure complete encircling 'of the capsule with the line of ink which is shown at 166.

The inking mechanism will now be described. Reference is made particularly to Figures 6, 8, 9, l6 and 17 for this purpose. Ink wheels 168 are shown (two for each side of the rotor 28). Each ink wheel has an ink wheel shaft 169 journaled in bearings 170 and these hearings are carried by arms 171. The arms 171 are oscillatably mounted on a stationary pivot shaft 172 mounted in inner stationary brackets 173, outer stationary brackets 174, and intermediate stationary brackets 175. These are shown respectively 173, 175 and 174 from top to bottom in Figure 17.

Each of the

brackets

173 and 175 is provided at its right hand end with a guide plate 176 located between hardened wear buttons 177 carried by the arms 171 so that side slop in the ink wheel ends of the arms is minimiied by reason of the buttons 177 sliding against the opposite faces of the guide plates 176 as the ink wheels are raised and lowered as will hereinafter appear. The

brackets

173 and 175 are rigidly connected together by means of

tie bolts

178 and 179 with

spacer sleeves

180 and 181 on them as shown in Figure 17. The arms 171 are bifurcated as shown in Figures 16 and 17 to clear the ink wheel drive shaft l83 as the arms are rocked on the shaft 172.

I provide an ink wheel drive shaft 183 suitably journaled in the

brackets

173, 174 and 175, there being a single shaft 183 for both sets of ink wheels. On the right hand end of this shaft, as shown in Figure 6, I

, provide a gear 184 meshing with a pinion 185 on a pinion shaft 186. A sprocket 187 on the shaft 186 is connected to a sprocket 189 on the drive shaft 58 by a chain 188. The drive ratios are such that the periphery of the ink wheel 168 will rotate at substantially the same speed as the surface of the capsule 162a being encircled with the lines 166.

An ink wheel pressure spring 191 is provided for each ink wheel 168. An adjusting screw 192 is provided for the spring, the spring being interposed between a stationary bracket 190 and the adjusting screw 192 which is carried by the arm 171. The tension of the spring is adjusted (for the particular size of capsule being operated upon) to lightly engage the ink wheel 168 therewith.

For retracting the ink wheel 168 from the capsule, I provide an ink wheel disengaging cam 193 on the main shaft 58. A rock arm 194 is pivoted at 195 and carries

rollers

196 and 197 on its opposite ends. The roller 196 is adapted to engage the cam 193 and the roller 197 to engage a wear pad 198 on a cross bar 199. As shown best in Figure 14, the cross bar 199 is supported on the lower ends of vertically extending slide 'rod 200. An upper cross bar 201 is connected with the upper ends of these rods and the rods slide in slide bearings 205. Return springs 202 are located on the rods 200 between the bearings 205 and the bar 201 to bias the bar 199 toward engagement with the roller 197 and thereby the roller 196 into engagement with the cam 193.

An operative connection between the upper cross bar a bar 201. The adjustment at 204 permits individual adjustment of each of the ink wheels 168 for proper spacing from the capsule when the lobe of the cam 193 pulls the bar 201 downwardly.

. For applying ink to the peripheries of the ink wheel 168, I provide an ink cup 207 for each pair of wheels. e ink is shown at 208 therein and the level is such that only the peripheral edges of the wheels dip into it. This level .is maintained by an ink tube arrangement 209 feeding from an ink reservoir 210 on the fountain" principle, that is, the level of the ink when it lowers below the ink tube 209 permits entrance of air into the reservoir 210, which is sealed to atmosphere except through the ink tube 209. Thus the level is maintained as desired at all times as long as there is ink in the reservoir 210.

Adjacent the discharge station C, I provide a projection 212 fixedly mounted on the frame of the machine, as best shown in Figures 8 and 9. When the capsule 162 strikes the projection 212, it is knocked out of the holding chuck 70 and drops into a discharge chute 213. It may then drop into a container 214 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the container when filled may be removed for transfer to the packaging department and another container placed on the shelf of the frame 25 to receive further capsules being encircled.

Practical operation In the operation of my encircling machine, the capsules 162 may be dumped at random into the hopper 134 and the

motors

45 and 64 energized for operating the machine. The hopper feed tubes 37 will rotate in the hopper throats 136 for orienting the capsules 162 and feeding them in a column end-to-end down the feed tube through the selector 47 and into the spring conduits 38. Since these conduits are flexible and are connected to reciprocatmg feed tubes 39, they are constantly agitated by the reciprocations of the feed tubes for proper feeding of the column down to the position shown for instance in Figure 11. In this figure, the lead capsule is shown at 1620 and is held by the spring finger 114:! against discharge even though compressed air is being supplied constantly through the conduit 121 and through the feed tube 39 in a direction to tend to discharge the column of capsules from the right-hand end of the feed tube.

About the time one of the holding chucks 70 reaches the position shown in Figure 10 in alignment with the feed tube 39, the tube is reciprocated toward the right as shown and the rear edge of the slot ll9 lifts the fingers 114a so that the lead capsule 162a'may be blown by the compressed air into the insert 127 of the holding chuck 70 and its movement thereinto is facilitated by the application of vacuum to the interior of the insert 127 as in Figures 18 and 19, the passageway 129 for this particular holding chuck being at that time in registry with the port 130 of the shoe 131.

Accordingly, the vacuum produces a suction through the interior of the spring 125 and aids the action of the compressed air by sucking on the advance end of the capsule 1620 to firmly seat it in the insert 127. Thereafter the feed tube 39 is reciprocated in the opposite direction back to the position of'Figure 11 to clear the capsule now held by the chuck 70 and permit it to move on to another station of the machine.

When the capsule 162a reaches the station B, the rotating chuck 140 and its shaft 141 are reciprocated toward the right to the position shown in Figures 14 and 21. As shown in Figure 22, the ejector pin 159 is normally the ejector pin engages the capsule, it is forced back against the action of the spring as shown in Figure 21 and the insert 161 is forced over the outer end of the capsule 162a, the outer end of the insert being slightly constricted as shown in Figure 14 for the purpose of securing a good grip on the capsule.

As already described, the shaft 141 and the chuck are rotating so that when the insert 161 engages the capsule. it rotates the capsule and also rotates the holding chuck 70 for the capsule. Soon after rotation starts, the ink .wheel disengaging cam 193 assumes a position that permits the ink wheels 168 to engage the capsule as in Figure 21 and start the encircling indicated at 166.

spouses Adjacent the end of the cycle, the chuck 149 is retracted as in Figure 22 and during the retraction the ejector pin is forced outwardly by the spring 160 to aid in disengaging the insert 161 from the capsule. Also to prevent the capsule from being withdrawn from the holding chuck, the vacuum is still applied at this time as evident by observing Figure 7 as the holding chuck at station B is still in communication with the port 130 of the vacuum shoe 131. At this time the ink encircling is completed as shown at 166 in Figure 22.

The freshly inked capsule is now carried around almost a complete circle by the rotator 28 from station E clockwise in Figure 7 to station C where the capsule is knocked off by the projection 212 and drops into the discharge chute 213 as shown at 16% in Figure 8. The distance of travel of the capsule from station B to station C permits time for the ink encircling 166 to dry before the capsule is knocked off into the chute 213 and thereby smearing of the ink is prevented.

From the foregoing specification, it is believed obvious that I have provided an efiicient encircling machine for capsules and the like which may be operated at relatively high speed and properly encircles each capsule that passes through the machine, drys the 'circles of ink thereon, and discharges the capsules for subsequent packaging. A chucking arrangement is provided which is high speed in operation and positive in action, yet at the same time does not impose undue strains on the capsules so as to fracture them.

The application of compressed air and vacuum in coniunction with each other for the chucking operation insures foolproof operation of the machine for chucking and dechucking with assurance that the dechucked capsule will remain held by the holding-chuck 70 until the capsule is properly dried and knocked off at station C into the discharge chute. Adjustments throughout the machine have been provided to coordinate all operations with respect to each other and assure each operation occurring at the proper time during the operating cycle of the machine. At the same time, it is possible to adjust the machine for different size capsules within certain limits by changing the holding and rotating chucks and adjusting the screws 158 in Figure 14 for length of capsule.

If it is desirable to apply only one band of color to the capsule, this may be accomplished by suitable adjustment of the appropriate screws 204 to prevent one or the other of the pair of ink wheels 168 from contacting the capsule in the uppermost limit of movement of the bar 201.

Some changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts of my capsule encircling machine without departing from the real spirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claims any modified forms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents which may be reasonably included within their scope.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a capsule encircling machine, a rotor, means for imparting intermittent rotation thereto, a plurality of capsule holding chucks carried thereby and each adapted to receive one end of a capsule, said capsule holding chucks being rotatable in said rotor, a reciprocably mounted capsule feeding tube at one station of said rotor, means for feeding a column of capsules end-to-end to said feeding tube, said feeding tube being adapted for the discharge of capsules therefrom to enter said capsule holding chucks, means for supplying compressed air to said feeding tube in a direction toward said discharge end thereof, means for normally holding the capsules against discharge under the action of such compressed air,

reciprocable means for moving said feeding tube toward and away from said rotor and a capsule holding chuck at said one station, said reciprocable means serving to render said holding means inoperative when said feeding tube is moved toward said rotor, whereby the compressed air in said feeding tube can move the column of capsules and engage the lead capsule in said holding chuck, a vacuum connection with the holding chuck at said station to aid in the movement of the lead capsule into the holding chuck. said reciprocable means then operating to retract said feeding tube away from said rotor, a reciprocably mounted rotatable chuck for rotating the capsule held by the holding chuck, means for rotating said rotatable chuck, said rotatable chuck being at a second station of said rotor, means for driving said rotating chuck, means for moving said rotatable chuck into engagement with the other end of the capsule heldby the holding chuck for rotating the capsule and the holding chuck, a rotatable inking wheel at said second station, means for rotating said inking wheel, means for moving said inking wheel bodily mto engagement with the capsule as it is rotated to enc rcle the capsule with a line of ink, means for retracting said inking wheel and said rotatable chuck and disengaging the chuck from the capsule whereby it is held only by the holding chuck, said vacuum connection with said holding chuck being maintained during the retraction of the rotatable chuck, and means for engaging the capsule held by said holding chuck at a third station of said rotor for disengaging the capsule from the holding chuck, said third station immediately preceding said first station to permit drying of the ink on the capsules as they travel from said second station to said third station.

2. In a capsule encircling machine, a rotor, means for imparting intermittent rotation thereto, a plurality of capsule holding chucks carried thereby and each adapted to receive one end of a capsule, a reciprocably mounted capsule feed tube at one station of said rotor, means for feeding a column of capsules end-to-end thereto, said feed tube being adapted for the discharge of capsules therefrom to enter said capsule holding chucks, means for supplying compressed air to said feed tube in a direction toward said discharge end thereof, reciprocable means for moving said feed tube toward and away from said rotor and a capsule holding chuck at said station, the compressed air moving the column of capsules and engaging the lead capsule in said holding chuck, a vacuum connection with the holding chuck at said station to aid in the movement of the lead capsule into the holding chuck,

said reciprocable means then moving said feed tube in a direction away from said rotor, a reciprocably mounted rotatable chuck for rotating the capsule, means for rotating said rotatable chuck, said rotatable chuck being located at a second station of said rotor, means for moving said rotatable chuck into engagement with the other end of the capsule held by the holding chuck for rotating the capsule, a rotatable inking wheel at said second station, means for rotating said inking wheel, means for moving said inking wheel bodily into engagement with the capsule as it is rotated to encircle the capsule with a line of ink, means for retracting said inking wheel and said rotatable chuck and disengaging the chuck from the capsule whereby it is held only by the holding chuck, said vacuum connection with said holding chuck being maintained during the retraction of the rotating chuck, and means for engaging the capsule held by said holding chuck at a third station of said rotor for disengaging the capsule from the holding chuck, said third station immediately preceding said first station to permit drying of the ink on the capsules as they travel from said second station to said third station. I

3. In a capsule encircling machine, a rotor, means for imparting intermittent rotation thereto, a plurality of capsule holding chucks carried thereby and each adapted to receive one end of a capsule, a reciprocably mounted capsule feed tube at one station of said rotor, means for feeding a column of capsules end-to-end thereto, said feed tube being adapted for the discharge of capsules therefrom to enter said capsule holding chucks, means for supplying compressed air to said feed tube in a direction toward said discharge end thereof, reciprocable means for moving said feed tube' toward and away from said rotor and a capsule holding chuck at said station, the compressed air moving the column of capsules and engaging the lead capsule in said holding chuck, said reciprocable means for moving said feed tube then moving it in a direction away from said rotor, a reciprocably mounted rotatable chuck for rotating the capsule, means for rotating said rotatable chuck, said rotatable chuck being located at a second station of said rotor, means for moving said rotatable chuck into engagement with the other end of the capsule held by the holding chuck for rotating the capsule, a rotatable inking wheel at said second station, means for rotating said inking wheel, means for moving said inking wheel bodily into engagement with the capsule as it is rotated to encircle the capsule with a line of ink, means for retracting said inking wheel and said rotatable chuck and disengaging the chuck from the capsule whereby it is held only by the holding chuck, and means for engaging the capsule held by said holding chuck at a third station of said rotor for disengaging the capsule from the holding chuck.

4. A capsule encircling machine comprising a rotor for supporting capsules, a plurality of holding chuck-s can'ied by said rotor and rotatable relative thereto, each of said holding chucks having a resilient socket member to receive one end of the capsule, said socket member being hollow, a vacuum connection therewith to effect a suction action on the capsule end at a loading station of said rotor, a reciprocably mounted 'feed tube at said loading station, means for supplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means for reciprocating said feed tube whereby it moves toward and then away from a holding chuck at said station, means for releasing the lead capsule therefrom as said feed tube moves toward said holding chuck, compressed air means for effecting movement of said lead capsule into said socket member of said holding chuck, means for advancing said rotor step-by-step and thereby said holding chuck to an inking station of said rotor, a reciprocably mounted rotatable chuck at said inking station, means for reciprocating said rotatable chuck whereby it moves toward the capsule in said holding chuck and then away therefrom, said rotatable chuck having a resilient socket member to receive the other end of the capsule and rotate it and the holding chuck, inking means at said inking station for the capsule as it is rotated, said rotatable chuck subsequently moving away from said holding chuck to disengage the capsule and leave it held by the holding chuck, said rotatable chuck having an ejecting means and said vacuum connection to said holding chuck being maintained to aid in insuring disengagement of -the rotatable chuck from the capsule and the holding of the capsule by the holding chuck, and means for removing the capsules from said holding chucks at a discharge station of said rotor substantially spaced from said inking station to permit drying of the ink on the capsules as they travel between the inking station and the discharge station.

5. In a. capsule encircling machine, a rotor, a plurality of capsule hqlding chucks carried thereby and each adapted to receive one end of a capsule, a reciprocably mounted capsule feed tube atone station of said rotor, means for feeding a column of capsules end-to-end to said feed tube, said feed tube being adapted for the discharge of capsules therefrom to enter said capsule holding chucks, means for supplying compressed air to said feed tube in a direction toward said discharge end thereof, means for normally holding the capsules against discharge under the action of such compressed air, reciprocable means for moving said feed tube toward and away from said rotor and a capsule holding chuck at said station, said reciprocable means serving to render said holding means inoperative when said feed tube is moved toward said rotor, whereby .the compressed air can move the column of capsules and engage the lead capsule in said holding chuck, said reciprocable means for moving said feed tube then moving it in a direction away from said rotor, a reciprocably mounted rotatable chuck for rotating the capsule held by the holding chuck, said rotatable chuck being at a second station of said rotor, means for moving said rotatable chuck into engagement with the other end of the capsule held by the holding chuck for rotating the capsule, inking means at said second station, means for holding chuck and then away therefrom, said rotatable chuck having a resilient socket member to receive the other end of the capsule and rotate it, and inking means for the capsule as it is rotated, said rotatable chuck subsequently moving away from said holding chuck to disengage the capsule and leave it held by the holding chuck, said rotatable chuck having an ejecting means,- and said vacuum connection to said holding chuck'being main tained to aid in insuring disengagement of the rotatable" chuck from the capsule and the holding of the capsule by the holding chuck, and means for removing the capsule from said holding chuck.

7. In an encircling machine of the character disclosed, a rotor for supporting capsules, a plurality of rotatably mounted holding chucks carried by said rotor, each of sa1d hold1ng chucks having a resilient socket member to receive one end of a capsule at a loading station of said rotor, a reciprocably mounted feed tube at said station, means for supplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means for reciprocating said feed tube and discharging by compressed air a capsule therefrom into a holding chuck at said station, means for moving said rotor so that said holding chuck and capsule are presented at another station, rotatably mounted means at said another station for supporting the other end of the capsule, rotatably mounted inking means at said another station, said rotatable holding chuck, supporting means and inking means constituting banding means for applying a band of ink to the capsule, and means operatively associated with said banding means for efiecting relative rotation between the capsule and said inking means.

8. A capsule encircling machine comprising a rotor for supporting capsules, a plurality of holding chucks rotatably carried by said rotor, each of said holding chucks having a resilient socket member to receive one end of the capsule, a vacuum connection therewith to efiect a suction action on the capsule end, a reciprocably mounted feed tube, means for supplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means for reciprocating said feed tube whereby it moves toward and then away from a holding chuck, means for releasing the lead capsule therefrom as said feed tube moves toward said holding chuck, compressed air means for effecting movement of said lead capsule into said socket member of said holding chuck, means for advancing said rotor step-by-step and thereby said holding chuck to an inking station of said rotor, a reciprocably mounted rotatable chuck at said inking station, for rotating the capsule held by the holding chuck, means for rotating said rotatable chuck, means for reciprocating said rotatable chuck whereby it moves toward the capsule in said holding chuck and then away therefrom, said rotatable chuck having a resilient socket member to receive the other end of the capsule and rotate it and the holding chuck, inking means at said inking station for the capsule as it is rotated, said rotatable chuck subsequently moving away from said holding chuck to disengage the capsule and leave it held by the holding chuck, said vacuum connection to said holding chuck being maintained to aid in insuring disengagement of the rotatable chuck from the capsule and the holding of the capsule by the holding chuck, and means for removing moving said inking means into engagement with the v capsule as it is rotated to encircle the capsule with a line of ink, means for retracting said inking means and said rotatable chuck and disengaging the chuck from the capsule whereby it is held only by the holding chuck, means for engaging the capsule held by said holding chuck at a third station of said rotor for disengaging it from the holding chuck.

6. A capsule encircling machine comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted holding chucks each having a resilient socket member to receive one end of a capsule, said socket member being hollow, a vacuum connection therewith to effect a suction action on the capsule end, a reciprocably mounted feed tube, means for supplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means for reciprocating said feed tube whereby it moves toward and then away from said holding chuck, means for releasing the lead capsule therefrom as said feed tube moves toward said holding chuck, compressed air means for effecting movement of said lead capsule into said socket member of said holding chuck, a rotatably and reciprocably mounted chuck for rotating a capsule, means for rotating said rotatable chuck, means for reciprocating said rotatable chuck whereby it moves toward the capsule in said the capsule from said holding chuck after the drying of the ink thereon.

9. In an encircling machine, a rotor for supporting capsules, a plurality of rotatably mounted holding chucks carried by said rotor, each of said holding chucks having a resilient socket member to receive one end of a capsule at a loading station of said rotor, a reciprocably mounted feed tube at said station, means for supplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means for reciprocating said feed tube and discharging compressed air into said feed tube at said loading station to discharge a capsule therefrom into a holding chuck, means for moving said rotor so that said holding chuck and capsule are presented at another station, rotatably mounted means at said another station for supporting the other end of the capsule, rotatably mounted inking means at said another station, said rotatable holding chuck, supporting means and inking means constituting banding means for applying a band of ink to the capsule, and means operatively associated between the capsule and said inking means.

10. In an encircling machine, a rotor for supporting capsules, a plurality of rotatably mounted holding chucks carried by said rotor, each of said holding chucks having feed tube at said station, means for supplying a column of capsules to said feedtube, means for reciprocating said feed tube and discharging by compressed air a capsule therefrom into a holding chuck at said station, means for moving said rotor'so that said holding chuck and capsule are presented at another station, means at said another station for inking the capsule, said socket member being hollow, a vacuum connection therewith to effect a suction action on the capsule end as it enters said socket member, and a rotatable chuck at said another station for-engaging the other end of the capsule and rotating the same while it is being ink encircled.

11. In an encircling machine of the type including inking means, means for rotatably supporting a capsule, comprising a rotatably mounted holding chuck having a resilient socket member to receive one end of a capsule, a reciprocably mounted feed tube, means for supplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means for reciprocating said feed tube and discharging by compressed air a capsule therefrom into said holding chuck, means for moving said supporting means so that said holding chuck and capsule are presented to the inking means for inking a band around the capsule, and a rotatablechuck for engaging the other end of the capsule and rotating the same whileit is being inked.

12. An encircling machine of thecharacter disclosed, comprising a rotor for supporting capsules, a plurality of rotatable holding chucks carried by said rotor, 'each of said holding chucks having a resilient socket member to receive one end of a capsule at a loading station of said rotor, a reciprocably mounted feed tube at said station, means for supplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means for reciprocating said feed tube, discharge means controlled by reciprocation of said feed tube for discharging by compressed air a capsule from the feed tube into a holding chuck at said station, means for moving said rotor so that said holding chuck and capsule are presented at another station for inking the capsule there- 'at, inking means at said another station, said socket memher being hollow and having a vacuum connection therewith to effect a suction action on the capsule end as it enters said socket member, a rotatable chuck at said another station for rotating the capsule held by said holding chuck, means for rotating said rotatable chuck, and a resilient insert in said rotatable chuck for engaging .and gripping the other end of the capsule and rotating the same while it is being ink encircled.

13. A capsule encircling machine comprising a rotor for supporting capsules, a plurality of holding chucks carried by said rotor and rotatable relative thereto, a feed tube at one station of said machine, means for feeding a column of capsules thereto, means for supplying compressed air into said tube for discharging the capsules therefrom toward said holding chucks, means at another station of the machine for engaging and rotating the capsule held by said holding chucks and means at said another station for applying ink thereto, said engaging and rotating means comprising a rotatable chuck reciprocably mounted for movement toward the capsule,

means for rotating said rotatable chuck, said rotatable chuck having an ejecting pin resiliently mounted therein for ejecting the capsule with respect to the rotatable chuck when the chuck is reciprocated away from the capsule, and a vacuum connection to said holding chuck to aid in the receipt of the capsule therein and in retention of the capsule as the rotatable chuck is disengaged therefrom. 1

14. An encircling machine of the character disclosed, comprising a rotor for supporting capsules, a plurality of rotatable holding chucks carried by said rotor, each of said holding chucks having a resilient socket member to receive one end of a capsule at a loading station of said rotor, a reciprocably mounted feed tube at said station, means for supplying a column of capsules to said feed tube, means for reciprocating said feed tube, discharge means controlled by reciprocation of said feed tube for discharging by compressed air a capsule from the feed tube into a holding chuck at said station, means for moving said rotor so that said holding chuck and capsule are presented at another station for inking the capsule there,-

at, inking means at said another station, a rotatable chuck at said another station for gripping the other end of the capsule and rotating the same while it is being ink enl2 circled, and a spring'eirtended ejector in said rotatable chuck, and means for driving said rotatable chuck.

15. A capsule encircling machine comprising a holding chuck for receiving-one end of a capsule, a feed tube aligned therewith, means for feeding a column of capsules to said feed tube, means for supplying compressed air mto said tube for discharging the capsule therefrom toward said holding chuck, means for engaging and rotatmg a capsule held by said holding chuck, inking means for applying ink to the capsule, said engaging and rotating means comprising a rotatable chuck reciprocably mounted for movement toward said holding chuck, means for rotating said rotatable chuck, said rotatable chuck having an ejecting pin resiliently mounted therein for ejecting the capsule with respect to said rotatable chuck when the rotating chuck is reciprocated away from said holding chuck, and. a vacuum connection to said holding chuck to aid in the receipt of the capsule therein. and in retention of the capsule as said rotatable chuck 1S reciprocated in said last mentioned direction.

16. A capsule encircling machine comprising a rotor for supporting capsules, a plurality of holding chucks carried by said rotor and rotatable relative thereto, a feed tube at one station of said machine, means for feeding a column of capsules thereto, means for discharging compressed air into said tube for discharging the capsules therefromtoward said holding chuck, means at another station of the machine for engaging and rotating the cap 'sule held by said holding chuck, inking means at said gaging and rotating means compri g a rotatable chuck reciprocably mounted for movement oward the capsule, means for driving said rotatable chuck, a vacuum connection to said holding chuck to aid in the receipt of the another station for ink encirclinggtgj capsule, said encapsule therein and in retention of the capsule when the rotating chuck is disengaged therefrom, said rotor carrying the encircled capsule a substantial distance to a discharge station of the rotor, and a'projection at said station for engaging the capsule and knocking it out of the 40 holding chuck.

17. A capsule encircling machine comprising a holding chuck for receiving one end of a capsule, a feed tube aligned therewith, means for feeding a column of capsules to said feed tube, means for discharging the capsules therefrom toward said holding chuck, a rotatable chuck for gripping and rotating the capsule held by said holding chuck, means for driving said'rotatable chuck, inking means for encircling the same with ink or the like, said rotatable chuck being reciprocably mounted-for movement toward the capsule, an ejecting pin resiliently mounted therein for-ejecting the capsule with respect to the rotatable chuck when the rotatable chuck is reciprocated away from the capsule, and a vacuum connection to said holding chuck to aid in the receipt of the capsule therein and in retention of the capsule as the rotating chuck is disengaged therefrom.

' 18. A capsule encircling machine comprising a movable support for capsules, a plurality of holding chucks carried by said support and rotatable relative thereto, a

00- feed tube at one station of said machine, means for feeding a column of capsulesthereto, means for supplying compressed air into said tube for discharging the capsules therefrom toward said holding chucks, means at another station of the machine for engaging and rotating the 0!! capsule held by said holding chuck, inking means for applying ink to the capsule, said engaging and rotating means comprising a rotating chuck reciprocably mounted for movement toward the capsule, means for driving said rotating chuck, a vacuum connection to said holding chuck to aid inthe receipt of the capsule therein and in retention of the capsule when the rotating chuck is disengaged from the capsule, said support carrying the encircled capsule to a discharge station of the rotor, and

means at said station for engaging the capsule and knocking it out of the holding chuck as said support moves relative to said means.

19. In a capsule encircling machine, a rotor for supporting capsules, a plurality of rotatably mounted holding chucks carried by said rotor, a feed tube at one sta- 50 tion of said machine, means for feeding a column of capsules thereto and for discharging the capsules therefrom toward said holding chucks, means at another station of the machine for gripping and rotating the capsule held by said holding chuck, inking means for applying ink to encircle the capsule, said gripping and rotating means comand a projection at said station for engaging the capsule 6 h disengage it from the holding chuck.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Rollings Mar. 23, 1937 Gladfelter et al. t. 14, 1943 reene et al an. 2, 1945 Wahl Mar. 13, 1951 Wright et al. Feb. 12, 1952 Schener Dec. 30, 1952 Fisher Jan. 6, 1953