US3831476A - Capsule handling apparatus - Google Patents

Capsule handling apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US3831476A
US3831476A US00331778A US33177873A US3831476A US 3831476 A US3831476 A US 3831476A US 00331778 A US00331778 A US 00331778A US 33177873 A US33177873 A US 33177873A US 3831476 A US3831476 A US 3831476A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
capsule
venting
probes
capsules
work
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00331778A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
E Kwarsick
O Noren
C Garland
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Parke Davis and Co LLC
Original Assignee
Parke Davis and Co LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Parke Davis and Co LLC filed Critical Parke Davis and Co LLC
Priority to US00331778A priority Critical patent/US3831476A/en
Priority to IT47957/74A priority patent/IT1008759B/it
Priority to JP1556774A priority patent/JPS5724134B2/ja
Priority to CH185174A priority patent/CH581994A5/xx
Priority to DE2406355A priority patent/DE2406355C2/de
Priority to BR971/74A priority patent/BR7400971D0/pt
Priority to AU65459/74A priority patent/AU484478B2/en
Priority to FR7404499A priority patent/FR2216984B1/fr
Priority to BE140766A priority patent/BE810859A/xx
Priority to GB619274A priority patent/GB1421893A/en
Priority to CA192,167A priority patent/CA1007412A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3831476A publication Critical patent/US3831476A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
    • A61J3/07—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use
    • A61J3/071—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use into the form of telescopically engaged two-piece capsules
    • A61J3/074—Filling capsules; Related operations
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S53/00—Package making
    • Y10S53/90—Capsules
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T83/00—Cutting
    • Y10T83/02—Other than completely through work thickness
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T83/00—Cutting
    • Y10T83/04—Processes
    • Y10T83/0481—Puncturing
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T83/00—Cutting
    • Y10T83/283—With means to control or modify temperature of apparatus or work

Definitions

  • the prior art has provided means for producing impressions or welded points in hard shell capsule medicaments for the purposes of marking or sealing the capsules.
  • the art has lacked means for venting capsules, particularly for venting capsules in a uniform manner and in high volume.
  • FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the apparatus
  • FIG. 2 is a view of a segment of the apparatus, partly broken away, taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3' is an enlarged view of a supported capsule with venting probes in the work position
  • FIG. 4 is a similar view of a capsule at the work position partly cut away to show the relative position of the venting probes.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of sector wheel drive means for the loading magazine of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus includes transport elements of a capsule handling machine known in the art as a Type 8 filling machine.
  • a Type 8 filling machine For purposes of illustration, and without limitation to any specific concepts, the invention will be described with reference to this preferred apparatus.
  • the apparatus includes a hopper 10 for a supply of filled joined capsules 11, having an open base to receive a magazine 12 adapted to reciprocate up and down in the hopper for loading capsules into a battery of 7 drop tubes 13.
  • Each drop tube has a gate 14, a gate opening 15 and access slot 16.
  • the gate is provided with a knee l7 projecting for contact with a gate lifter l8.
  • a bracket from which is supported a slide or ball shelf 21 comprising a carrier 21a and a hangar 21b.
  • a pair of support shelves 22 and 23 mutually spaced at a predetermined distance by threadably engaged tie rods 24.
  • Support shelf 23 carries a heat block 25 and thermostat 26 in circuit with a suitable electrical power source (not shown).
  • Mounted parallel and adjacent to each drop tube on the working side of the heat block is a spaced array or set of thermal probes 27, seven probes in each set.
  • Each probe set is mounted on a base 28 which is removably attached to the heat block 25.
  • the points 27a of the probes [particularly in what are referred to herein as the retract (FIG. 1) and work (FIG. 3) positions] are located on a line parallel to the central axis of the respective drop tube 13 and are coplanar with or centered on the associated gate opening 15 and access slot 16.
  • Support shelf 22 carries a wheel mount 29 and guide wheel 30.
  • the guide wheel is arranged for rolling contact with a bar cam member 31 mounted on a pivot 32 in a fixed position which is adjustable to other positions by means of the slotway 33 and lock unit 34 threadably engaged on a base mounted stud (not shown).
  • the guide wheel 30, support shelves 22 and 23, heat block 25 and probes 27 remain in fixed position relative to each other, and in turn the guide wheel is held in position or biased against the cam 31 by a coil spring 35 held under tension between studs 20a and 22a extending from bracket 20 and support shelf 22.
  • the drive means for the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 includes a sector wheel 40 having an oscillatory drive (not shown) geared for driving a vertical sector rack 41 and integral guide plate 42 supported in a stationary rack housing 41a and for also driving a horizontal sector rack 44 which supports and drives a push-blade 45.
  • Guide plate 42 is rigidly connected to the magazine 12 by means of a bracket 43.
  • the apparatus performs a sequence or cycle of steps: capsule loading, feeding and indexing the capsule at the work station, piercing the capsule at the work position, retracting the probes, and removing the vented capsule.
  • a supply of filled joined capsules is added to the hopper 10, the heat block 25 is activated, and the drive means is started for oscillation of the sector wheel 40 at a steady rate of about 50 cycles per minute.
  • the thermostat 26 is set for an operating temperature range sufficient to permit easy penetration of the probe ends 27a without causing cracking, undesirable heat damage, discoloration, etc., of the capsule wall.
  • the adjustment of the cam 31, as will appear from the following description, is made so that the probe ends 270 stand clear of the capsule l 1 (FIG. 1) in the retract position but lie within the capsule interior (FIG. 3) in the work position.
  • the shift between the retract and work positions conveniently is about A inch.
  • the guide wheel 30 reciprocates vertically between the limit positions illustrated in FIG. 1 in solid and dotted outlines. It follows the cam surface (being biased against the surface by the coil spring 35) between these two positions and correspondingly governs the lateral position of the elements hanging from the ball shelf 21, viz.: the wheel mount 29, shelves 22 and 23, heat block 25, thermostat 26, and probes 27. The action is such as to cause the probes to enter into and to retract from the respective drop tubes 13 in phase with the upstroke and,
  • the magazine 12 engages the capsules in the hopper and is filled.
  • the raceway 46 is located so that it supports the capsules in the drop tube 13 as illustrated in FIG. 1 for indexing purposes.
  • the heat block 25 is moved inwardly by the cam action so that the probes are caused to move to the working position at which they enter the side wall of the capsule located at the work station (FIG. 3); also at this stage, the gate'lifter l8 releases so that the gate 14 retracts onto and holds the adjacent indexed capsule.
  • the magazine moves to the position illustrated in FIG. 1 in which position the probes are retracted and the gate lifter 18 contacts the gate knees 17 thereby releasing the perforated capsule.
  • the latter capsule supported by the raceway 46, provides support for the adjacent capsule above.
  • the push blade 45 retracts to make way for the mentioned newly perforated capsule to seat upon the raceway.
  • the push blade moves from left to right and pushes the vented capsule from the raceway onto the collect tray 47.
  • the collected capsules are further processed as desired.
  • the venting operation can be set up for a different venting pattern by replacing the'probe set 27 and base 28 for each drop tube.
  • the operation can be set up for capsules of a different size by changing the magazine assembly and the probe sets, in this case also making any necessary readjustment of the probe clearance, raceway, etc.
  • the size and shape of the probes 27 and the relative position of the probe ends 27a in each probe set can be varied widely.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 show one embodiment preferred for size No. 1 capsules, with seven probes (equal in size and circular in cross-section) in an axial line, i.e., located in a line which is substantially parallel to the central axis of each capsule at the work station.
  • the location is such that during the perforating step, at least 3 probes intersect the double wall portion (FIG. 3) and the remaining probes penetrate into the body portion; for No. capsules a 4-probe set is preferred having 2 probes located for penetration of the double-wall portion.
  • a similar arrangement for the probe pattern is a so-called zig-zag configuration wherein adjacent probes are offset on opposite sides of the line of perforation illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • Another arrangement which is suitable is a series of knife blades arranged in an axial line such that, for example, for a combination of three such blades corresponding axial vent slits are produced of which the middle vent extends across the bottom or cutting line" of the capsule cap whereas another of the slits extends across the cutting line of the capsule body.
  • the probes and probe ends may take any of various shapes such as cylindrical with convex or concave tapered points, rectangular, conoidal, pyramidal, etc.
  • the size of aperture produced depends on the mentioned penetration size of the probe and also on the probe temperature and the duration of the perforating motion.
  • the heat block 25 preferably is maintained in the range from about 260270 F. and the probe ends 27a are maintained at temperatures in the range from about to 210 F., preferably at about 200 F.
  • the perforating motion is preferably accomplished in a period of about one-third to one half seconds corresponding to a work frequency of about 50 cycles per minute. Operation at slower rates tends to be inefficient whereas at higher rates there is a tendency for the capsule walls to break or crack.
  • Apparatus for venting hard shell capsules each comprising telescopically joined cap and body parts with overlapping open ends providing an envelope with a tubular side wall having a double wall thickness in the overlapping portion and each being filled with capsule fill material
  • the apparatus comprising at least one feed member for feeding filled capsules one at a time to a work station characterized by a guide member for supporting capsules one at a time at a fixed work station,
  • a venting unit comprising a plurality of thermal probes adapted in synchronous relation to reciprocate to and from a work position adjacent the work station, the working end of each of the probes of said position relative to each supported capsule extending inside the side wall, and the working ends being evenly spaced apart on or about a line substantially parallel to the central axis of such capsule,

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
US00331778A 1973-02-12 1973-02-12 Capsule handling apparatus Expired - Lifetime US3831476A (en)

Priority Applications (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00331778A US3831476A (en) 1973-02-12 1973-02-12 Capsule handling apparatus
IT47957/74A IT1008759B (it) 1973-02-12 1974-01-25 Perfezionamento negli apparecchi per la manipolazione di capsule
JP1556774A JPS5724134B2 (it) 1973-02-12 1974-02-08
DE2406355A DE2406355C2 (de) 1973-02-12 1974-02-11 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Lochen gefüllter hartschaliger Kapseln
BR971/74A BR7400971D0 (pt) 1973-02-12 1974-02-11 Aparelho e processo aperfeicoados para sangrar capsulas de involucro duro
AU65459/74A AU484478B2 (en) 1973-02-12 1974-02-11 Improvement in capsule handling apparatus and means
CH185174A CH581994A5 (it) 1973-02-12 1974-02-11
FR7404499A FR2216984B1 (it) 1973-02-12 1974-02-11
BE140766A BE810859A (fr) 1973-02-12 1974-02-11 Perfectionnement aux appareils a manipuler des capsules
GB619274A GB1421893A (en) 1973-02-12 1974-02-11 Apparatus for and method of venting telescopic hard shell capsules
CA192,167A CA1007412A (en) 1973-02-12 1974-02-11 Capsule handling apparatus and means

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00331778A US3831476A (en) 1973-02-12 1973-02-12 Capsule handling apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3831476A true US3831476A (en) 1974-08-27

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ID=23295334

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00331778A Expired - Lifetime US3831476A (en) 1973-02-12 1973-02-12 Capsule handling apparatus

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US3831476A (it)
JP (1) JPS5724134B2 (it)
BE (1) BE810859A (it)
BR (1) BR7400971D0 (it)
CA (1) CA1007412A (it)
CH (1) CH581994A5 (it)
DE (1) DE2406355C2 (it)
FR (1) FR2216984B1 (it)
GB (1) GB1421893A (it)
IT (1) IT1008759B (it)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3983775A (en) * 1974-12-26 1976-10-05 Moore Alfred A Apparatus for indenting panels
US4188847A (en) * 1977-12-12 1980-02-19 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Method and apparatus for perforating an assembled filter used on a smoking product
US6539686B1 (en) * 1999-11-24 2003-04-01 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Device for feeding hard-gelatin capsules to a capping machine
WO2003028965A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-10 Sealed Air Limited A thermo-formed container and a method and apparatus for producing the same
CN107866848A (zh) * 2017-10-25 2018-04-03 浙江益立胶囊股份有限公司 一种胶囊自动切割装置及切割方法
CN110666847A (zh) * 2018-04-24 2020-01-10 杭州跟好科技有限公司 胶囊剖壳机构
CN111991237A (zh) * 2020-08-25 2020-11-27 北京春风一方制药有限公司 一种饮片锻药炉

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4343241C2 (de) * 1993-12-17 1999-11-18 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Verfahren zum Stanzen zweier außermittiger Löcher in eine Rohrwand
CN105456035A (zh) * 2014-11-06 2016-04-06 广东惠机制药装备有限公司 一种播囊机传动机构

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2244550A (en) * 1940-03-11 1941-06-03 Chandler Frank Jermain Perforating method and apparatus
US3466842A (en) * 1967-05-10 1969-09-16 Smithkline Corp Machine for treating capsules
US3538677A (en) * 1968-08-05 1970-11-10 Smithkline Corp Capsule closing and sealing apparatus

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT34554B (de) * 1907-02-19 1908-09-25 Felix Josef Rush Vorrichtung zum Zuschneiden von Stoffen und zum Stutzen von Florgeweben durch Sengen mit einem erhitzten Körper.
US3111873A (en) * 1958-09-02 1963-11-26 Alfred L Lind Apparatus for making perforated tubes

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2244550A (en) * 1940-03-11 1941-06-03 Chandler Frank Jermain Perforating method and apparatus
US3466842A (en) * 1967-05-10 1969-09-16 Smithkline Corp Machine for treating capsules
US3538677A (en) * 1968-08-05 1970-11-10 Smithkline Corp Capsule closing and sealing apparatus

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3983775A (en) * 1974-12-26 1976-10-05 Moore Alfred A Apparatus for indenting panels
US4188847A (en) * 1977-12-12 1980-02-19 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Method and apparatus for perforating an assembled filter used on a smoking product
US6539686B1 (en) * 1999-11-24 2003-04-01 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Device for feeding hard-gelatin capsules to a capping machine
WO2003028965A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-10 Sealed Air Limited A thermo-formed container and a method and apparatus for producing the same
CN107866848A (zh) * 2017-10-25 2018-04-03 浙江益立胶囊股份有限公司 一种胶囊自动切割装置及切割方法
CN107866848B (zh) * 2017-10-25 2023-11-03 浙江益立胶囊股份有限公司 一种胶囊自动切割装置及切割方法
CN110666847A (zh) * 2018-04-24 2020-01-10 杭州跟好科技有限公司 胶囊剖壳机构
CN111991237A (zh) * 2020-08-25 2020-11-27 北京春风一方制药有限公司 一种饮片锻药炉

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1421893A (en) 1976-01-21
CA1007412A (en) 1977-03-29
JPS5724134B2 (it) 1982-05-22
AU6545974A (en) 1975-08-14
BE810859A (fr) 1974-05-29
CH581994A5 (it) 1976-11-30
JPS49110811A (it) 1974-10-22
FR2216984B1 (it) 1978-06-16
IT1008759B (it) 1976-11-30
DE2406355A1 (de) 1974-08-15
BR7400971D0 (pt) 1974-11-05
FR2216984A1 (it) 1974-09-06
DE2406355C2 (de) 1985-04-04

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