Abstract: The invention provides a die suitable for producing a multi-chamber softgel capsule. The die comprises a die pocket defined by a die pocket wall and a bottom surface. The die comprises one or more partitioning walls dividing the die pocket into two or more chambers The top of the land of the partitioning walls have a lowest point that is lower than the plane formed by the top of the land along the perimeter of the die pocket wall by a gap. A die roll comprising a plurality of the dies is also provided, as well as rotary-die encapsulation machine comprising the die roll.

Abstract: A system for filling a chambered package includes a carrying mechanism travelling in a machine direction and having chambered recesses defined about a surface thereof, a first dispensing nozzle configured to dispense a quantity of a medium onto the surface of the carrying mechanism for direction into the chambered recesses in a first group of the chambered recesses defined about the surface of the carrying mechanism, and a first wiper blade disposed along the carrying mechanism in the machine direction after the first dispensing nozzle, the first wiper blade defining a curvilinear surface having crests configured to direct the quantity of the medium into the chambered recesses in the first group of the chambered recesses and troughs configured to direct the quantity of the medium away from entering the chambered recesses in the second group of the chambered recesses.

Abstract: A channel-less microfluidic pump includes a cartridge including a substrate and an actuatable film layer disposed on the substrate, and a manifold having at least three actuatable void volumes separated by a plurality of wall sections and an actuatable flexible layer disposed on the manifold interfacing the actuatable film layer. In operation, the pump can be in an unactuated state wherein the actuatable film layer is disposed against the surface of the substrate or an actuated state wherein at least a portion of the flexible layer and a corresponding portion of the actuatable film layer are deflected into a corresponding void volume thus forming a fluidic volume between the deflected portion of the actuatable film layer and the surface of the substrate. In the actuated state, there is a fluidic gap between immediately adjacent void volumes formed by a thinned region of the flexible layer at a point of contact with a top surface of a wall section.

Abstract: A container assembly comprising first and second compartments. The first compartment includes a base web having a formed portion and a flat portion, a lidding material joined to the flat portion and a frangible seal positioned between the base web and the lidding material. The second compartment includes first and second barriers that are sealed to one another at peripheral edges. The first barrier has an aperture through which the formed portion of the base web extends. An upper surface of the flat portion of the base web is joined to an interior surface of the first barrier, thereby encapsulating the frangible seal within the second compartment. When the frangible seal is broken, a passageway is provided for transferring material from the first compartment into the second compartment for mixing with a second material. The second compartment may then be opened to dispense the mixture.

Abstract: A paintball or other gelatin capsule has a printed image applied to its shell before encapsulation using a gelatin ribbon printing machine. The printing machine includes a motor driven cylindrical casting drum, a cylindrical print roll having a pattern formed on and around its outer periphery, said print roll being positioned relative to said casting drum so that said gelatin ribbon is sandwiched in between and in contact with both said casting drum and said print roll and so that the print roll is rotary driven by said casting drum solely through frictional contact with the gelatin ribbon. A rotary ink roller is in contact with the print roll to drives the ink roller solely through frictional contact between said print roll the inking roller. A doctor blade is configured to scrape excess ink from said inking roller. A method of printing on a gelatin capsule is also provided.

Abstract: A packaging unit (13) comprises a blister unit (1) with cavities (5) forming receiving chambers (6) accommodating a fill material, particularly a pharmaceutical active substance formulation, and a support unit (7) that supports the blister unit (1) and is releasably attached thereto, of a size corresponding to the blister unit (1). The blister unit (1) has at least one locking opening (3) and the support unit (7) forms a support shell (12) that surrounds the blister unit (1) with a raised edge (8), at least one fastening element (10a, 10b) of said support shell (12) protruding from the base surface (9) thereof and engaging into the locking opening (3) and holding the blister unit (1) removably clamped in the support shell (12).

Abstract: A method of making a delivery device (10) for therapeutic agent, drug or vaccine is disclosed. The method includes providing a flat panel wafer, forming a plurality of reservoirs, with each reservoir defining a cavity, within the flat panel wafer, and attaching a cover layer (20) across the plurality of reservoirs. The method also includes filling the plurality of reservoirs with at least one of a therapeutic agent, drug, and vaccine to form a plurality of filled reservoirs, and providing a housing portion adjacent each of the plurality of filled reservoirs to form a composed layer. The method also includes separating the composed layer into a plurality of delivery devices, wherein each delivery device includes a reservoir. The delivery device may be suitable for self-injection use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for printing on the surface of soft gelatin capsules during filling. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for printing a pre-determined figure or symbol on the surface of a soft gelatin capsule while a product is being encapsulated, including means for transporting the gelatin ribbon, inking means and means for shaping the soft capsule, including an injection, molding and die-cutting station and additional printing means.

Abstract: A drug capsule and a method for making a drug capsule for a drug delivery device, such as an auto injector or needle-free injector, with improved stability and container closure integrity. The injector comprises a drug capsule sealed by a piston fabricated from PTFE modified by the inclusion of a co-polymer of PPVE, preferably in an amount less than 1% by weight, resulting in better performance while the device is stored and subjected to temperature cycling.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing compositions in blister packages using complex aluminum substrate materials, wherein said complex aluminum substrate materials comprise an intermediate aluminum layer, and first and second outer layers, wherein the material of the first outer layer differs from that of the second outer layer, and the flexural rigidity of the first outer layer differs from that of the second outer layer by 0-30%.

Abstract: In an intermittent rotating machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products, each capsule is opened in a respective pocket of a conveying wheel, is filled with a pharmaceutical product, is closed and is finally released from the pocket itself; a supporting block fitted above the conveying wheel defining an upper stopping device for stopping the capsules during the closing thereof, and further defining an upper diverting device for moving the capsules outside the conveying wheel, and supporting a sucking pneumatic device for cleaning the pockets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a device, and a control program for the fluid-tight sealing of capsules containing medicaments, wherein the capsules consist of at least one capsule body and a capsule cap which are set one into the other telescopically and provided with a tight band in the abutment region on the exterior side of the capsule, wherein the capsule components are filled with gas which has a changed temperature and/or a changed pressure in relation to the environment, and wherein a reduction of the difference in pressure in the capsule occurs via gaps between capsule body and capsule cap after the capsule components have been placed one inside the other. The capsules produced via the method according to the invention are disposable capsules and preferably contain a single dose of an orally administered pharmaceutical formulation in the form of a powder or a liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a soft capsule containing a filling coated with a shell portion formed of a shell-sheet, having a sheet molding section forming a shell-sheet having an almost uniform thickness from a molten shell material, a capsule molding section feeding shell-sheets between a pair of die rolls and joining the shell sheets, and a filling supply section supplying a filling to the shell-sheets in time for joining the shell-sheets, in which the sheet molding section has a dryer equipped with a medium wavelength infrared heater; the shell-sheet is irradiated with a medium wavelength infrared ray from the heater to thereby obtain an almost uniform thickness, an appropriate viscosity, and moisture content; and the sheet of this state is fed to the capsule molding section.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a belt of capsules comprising: providing a first strip of material, forming a matrix of receptacles in the first strip, depositing a quantity of at least one material in each receptacle, attaching a second strip of material over the first strip to close the receptacles and form a matrix of capsules, and cutting the matrix of capsules into rows to thereby form a plurality of belts of capsules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for printing pattern or indicia onto a gelatin ribbon. It comprises a transfer station with a print roll and a motor-driven casting roll provided for forming a gelatin ribbon. The transfer station is positioned in relation to the casting roll in such a way that the gelatin ribbon is sandwiched between the casting roll and the transfer station; elastic tackiness of a passing gelatin ribbon causes the rotation of the print roll. The apparatus further comprises an adjustment means, wherein the adjustment means are adapted to provide finely-tuned positioning of the transfer station in relation to the casting drum, and balance pressure exerted by the transfer station on the passing gelatin ribbon thus facilitating on optimal printing result.

Abstract: A capsule pressure control assembly for regulating or controlling the internal pressure of filled capsules, whereby instances of capsule elongation are reduced or eliminated, thus resulting in an increased yield rate of acceptable filled capsules.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to processes for manufacturing internally pierced shaped articles for unit-dose packaging with at least one formed recess (e.g., a blister), in particular for unit-dose packaging of pharmaceutical dosage forms. In certain embodiments, the first step of the process is directed to drawing the film material (e.g., metal-plastic foil) with one or more plungers to form a primary contour, the contour having a depth of at least 100% and up to 150% of the depth of the formed recess. The second stage involves shaping the primary contour with one or more plunger(s) to the desired formed recess, with a depth that is less than the depth of the primary contour, while substantially maintaining the surface area of the primary contour formed in the first stage. The formed recess may be formed using warm-forming or cold-forming techniques. The third stage involves the automatic placing of an internal piercing device stably into the shaped article.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to a rotary die device for producing soft capsules, comprising a capsule forming unit for forming a soft-capsule shell and a dosing unit for feeding a filling material into the capsule forming unit, characterized in that the dosing unit comprises a conveying apparatus of viscous melts and a portioner, wherein the portioner is connected at an end thereof to the conveying apparatus of viscous melts and is arranged in a filling wedge with a section in such a way that filling material from the portioner reaches the location of the capsule filling directly or by means of one or more channels having a length of at most 30 mm. Using said device, high-viscosity filling materials can be filled and thus novel soft capsules can be made accessible.

Abstract: A web packaging system provides easy access and changing of forming plug tooling.

Abstract: An improved automated process and apparatus for making a gastro-retentive device (10). The method includes the steps of providing a pouch assembly (18) having an ingredient section within a membrane; rotating the membrane to form a folded pouch assembly; inserting the folded pouch assembly into a first capsule section (20a) to form a pouch/first capsule assembly, and inserting the pouch/first capsule assembly into a second capsule section (20b). The process can further include the steps of providing a continuous strip (32) of multiple pouch assemblies (18) and cutting a single pouch assembly (18) from the strip (32).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for blister packing products (9), comprising the step of packaging said products (9) in a blister web (1) or a blister sheet (2) and storing said blister web or blister sheet intermediately (12). Following said intermediate storing (12) several blister packs (4) are formed from said blister web (1) or blister sheet (2).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making a gastro-retentive device (10). The method includes the steps of providing a pouch assembly having an ingredient section within a membrane; folding the membrane to form a folded pouch assembly; inserting the folded pouch assembly into a first capsule section (20a) to form a pouch/first capsule assembly, and inserting the pouch/first capsule assembly into a second capsule section (20b). Also provided is an apparatus (38) for carrying out the above method which includes a tooling block (44) having a passageway (62) configured for slidable movement of the pouch assembly (18) therein, and a tooling pocket (60) extending from a top surface of the tooling block to the passageway and which receives the pouch assembly. A ram (86) is provided for pushing the pouch assembly through the tooling pocket into the passageway, wherein the pouch assembly is folded and encapsulated.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to processes for manufacturing shaped articles for unit-dose packaging with at least one formed recess (e.g., a blister), in particular for unit-dose packaging of pharmaceutical dosage forms. In certain embodiments, the first step of the process is directed to drawing the film material (e.g., metal-plastic foil) with one or more plungers to form a primary contour, the contour having a depth of at least 100% and up to 150% of the depth of the formed recess. The second stage involves shaping the primary contour with one or more plunger(s) to the desired formed recess, with a depth that is less than the depth of the primary contour, while substantially maintaining the surface area of the primary contour formed in the first stage. The formed recess may be formed using warm-forming or cold-forming techniques.

Abstract: A container suitable for the preparation, storage and dispensing of compounded suppositories is provided. Methods of preparing, storing and dispensing compounded suppositories utilizing such a container and related kits are also provided.

Abstract: A machine (1000) for filling capsules (CS) or similar. The machine (1000) has a number of seat assemblies (10), each of which incorporates a capacitive transducer (14) and possibly other devices, such as an energy storage device (17) and a microprocessor (15), in addition to devices for external connection for power supply and/or communication.

Abstract: A blister package and a method of forming and filling the blister package are disclosed. The blister package includes a first member having a 3-dimensional bubble and a peripheral flange. A major portion of the peripheral flange is folded to create at least one channel and a minor portion of the peripheral flange has a hook hole formed therethrough. A securement mechanism is formed with the minor portion of the peripheral flange which permits the blister package to be opened and closed. The securement mechanism includes a hinged tab and first and second cooperating attachment members. The blister package further includes a second member sized and configured to be slideably received within the at least one channel when the securement mechanism is in an open position. The second member is retained within the at least one channel when the securement mechanism is in a closed position.

Abstract: There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product which comprises the steps of a) closing off a perforation (12a, 12b) in a perforated plate (10); b) directing powder (30) into said closed-off perforation; and c) transferring the contents of the perforation to said container.

Abstract: An automated process and apparatus for making a gastro-retentive device (10). The method includes the steps of providing a pouch assembly having an ingredient section within a membrane; folding the membrane to form a folded pouch assembly; inserting the folded pouch assembly into a first capsule section (20a) to form a pouch/first capsule assembly, and inserting the pouch/first capsule assembly into a second capsule section (20b). The process can further include the steps of providing a strip (32) of multiple pouch assemblies (18) and cutting a single pouch assembly from the strip (32). Also provided is an apparatus (38) for carrying out the above method which includes a tooling block (44) having a passageway (62) configured for slidable movement of the pouch assembly (18) therein, and a tooling pocket (60) extending from a top surface of the tooling block to the passageway and which receives the pouch assembly.

Abstract: Capsules, for example for the delivery of pharmaceuticals, are produced from two films (18) of a water-soluble polymeric material, by deforming the films to form a multiplicity of recesses, and filling the recesses, using two adjacent rotary dies (14, 15; 42) with recesses (16) into which the films (18) are deformed. The dies (14, 15; 42) act as electrodes for welding the films together by dielectric welding to form filled capsules (30). The capsules (30) can be separated from the resulting web either by coating at least one of the dies (14) with an electrical insulator (21), or by transferring the web from the dies (14, 15; 42) to a second pair of dies which cut the capsules (30) free. The polymeric material may be gelatin, or a water-soluble cellulose derivative such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and may also contain a plasticiser.

Abstract: A liquid filling apparatus for filling capsules formed by joining two films carried on cylindrical surfaces of respective drums that are arranged in parallel to define a nip comprises two members (150,152) having an arcuate tapering cross-section so as to be positionable in such a nip defined by two such drums having a predetermined diameter. Each of the two members has opposed arcuate surfaces that, in use, face the cylindrical surfaces of the respective drums. The arcuate surfaces are provided with apertures through which, in use, a pressurised gas is emitted to provide a gas barrier to prevent a filling liquid supplied into the nip between said members from escaping past the arcuate surfaces.

Abstract: There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product which comprises the steps of a) closing off a perforation in a perforated plate; b) directing powder into said closed-off perforation by the action of a first leveller blade moveable in a sweeping path relative to the perforated plate; and c) transferring the contents of the perforation to said container, and an apparatus for achieving such method.

Abstract: An improved automated process and apparatus for making a gastro-retentive device (10). The method includes the steps of providing a pouch assembly (18) having an ingredient section within a membrane; rotating the membrane to form a folded pouch assembly; inserting the folded pouch assembly into a first capsule section (20a) to form a pouch/first capsule assembly, and inserting the pouch/first capsule assembly into a second capsule section (20b). The process can further include the steps of providing a continuous strip (32) of multiple pouch assemblies (18) and cutting a single pouch assembly (18) from the strip (32).

Abstract: A method and a machine for assembling a blister sheet and a linerboard, the board optionally having a flap. The blister sheet, the linerboard and the optional flap are flat stacked on top of one another; and the layers are subsequently heat sealed, preferably by means of thermal conduction or induction between a counter electrode and an electrode, continuously and in respective closed circuits, in order to produce cases for packaging such items as medicaments, electronic components, small tools, perfume samples or any other product which is to be enclosed in at least one bubble of the blister sheet.

Abstract: A web packaging system provides easy access and changing of tooling, to change a product receiving cavity pocket in a lower web.

Abstract: In a device for conveying capsules containing at least one pharmaceutical product, each capsule is fed along a feed line defined by two pocket conveyors connected to each other at a transfer station having a detecting device for determining at least the weight of the pharmaceutical product in the capsule, and is transferred from one pocket conveyor to the other of the feed line with no change in its orientation.

Abstract: In manufacturing an aspherical seamless capsule comprises, firstly, a seamless capsule C1 having a filler encapsulated with a shell membrane is provided, then it is dried in a dryer 12 until a predetermined percentage content of solvent in the shell membrane reaches a predetermined value. Subsequently, the seamless capsule is heated by a heater 38 so that the shell material may get to a semi-sol state. Then, the heated seamless capsule is formed into an aspherical shape using a forming machine such as a compression molding machine. Because the spherical seamless capsule has a shell membrane which is dried to get semi-sol so that it may have a reduced elasticity and a shortened stress relaxation time, the capsule can be formed in a short time and suppressed from restoring to the original spherical shape. The semi-sol shell membrane has almost no change in properties, and so allows easiness in temperature control for treatment.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an annular sustained release pheromone-dispenser which has a shape favorable for packaging and transportation, can easily be installed, can maintain its installed condition over a long time period and can easily be handled even after use without any trouble. Also provided is a tool for easily and rapidly installing a pheromone-dispenser at elevated spots of, for instance, fruit trees. The sustained release pheromone-dispenser comprises a plurality of plastic tubes 2a and 2b arranged in parallel and capable of being semi-resiliently deformed, whose ends 3 are connected together by fusion and whose central portions are independent and can form a annular space therebetween by pulling them apart from one another; and a liquid synthetic sex pheromone 1 enclosed in these plurality of plastic tubes 2a, 2b without impairing the pheromone-release capacity.

Abstract: The invention concerns polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) compositions for the use in pharmaceutical, veterinary, food, cosmetic or other products like films for wrapping food, aspics or jellies, preferably for predosed formulations like soft or hard capsules. Compared with hard gelatine capsules (HGC) capsule films consisting of PVA have extremely low water vapour permeability and much lower water content.

Abstract: An output supply assembly has a horizontal base receiving a container of a flowable material. A platen is positionable in the container. A pump feeds the pressurized flowable material from the container. A dispensing and handling assembly has two film-forming dies of similar configuration. A pair of hoses is provided between the output supply assembly and the dispensing and handling assembly. A control assembly couples the output supply assembly and the dispensing and handling assembly. Flowable material is fed through the assembly to form film. A pair of film-movers are beneath the film-forming dies. A pair of rotary dies are beneath the film-movers. An injector is located above the film-movers for periodic dispensing of particulate material. Containers are formed upon the solidification of the flowable material moving between the dies.

Abstract: The filling wedge (4) with its preferably concave wedge surfaces (12, 12?) is provided with feed channels (5) and preferably with a heating device (13) for heating up the wedge surfaces. To prevent heat-sensitive filling material from being heated up when it is passed through the filling wedge, arranged between the feed channels and the wedge surfaces is a means reducing the heat transfer, preferably in the form of a respective cooling channel (8, 8?). Consequently, a thermal separation is achieved in the filling wedge between the feed channels and the wedge surfaces, which makes it possible to work with high operating temperatures for the capsule shell material. Such high temperatures are required, for example, in the case of capsule shells of thermoplastic starch.

Abstract: A process for preparing a water-soluble container which comprises: a) thermoforming a first poly(vinyl alcohol) film having a water content of less than 5 wt % to produce a pocket; b) filling the pocket with a composition; c) placing a second film on top of the filled pocket; and d) sealing the first film and second film together.

Abstract: Pouches which can then be filled and sealed are made by thermoforming a film (29) into moulds (23) in a conveyor (8, 10, 11, 21) while holding the side edges (45) of the film to the side margins (46) of the conveyor by under-pressure applied to the underside of the film through a plurality of holding orifices (44) which extend up through the conveyor and into each side margin (46).

Abstract: A compact and efficient continuous wrapping machine capable of measuring out certain amounts of a magnetic powder automatically and wrapping them in wrapping film, the continuous wrapping machine comprising a measuring drum, a sealing drum, and a sealing device. The measuring drum includes a means for retaining measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder on its periphery and a means for cutting off the retaining force of the retaining means to transfer the measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder to the sealing drum. The sealing drum includes a means for retaining the measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder on a first continuous wrapping film fed onto its periphery. The sealing device seals the first continuous wrapping film and a second continuous wrapping film, which is fed onto the measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder on the sealing drum, together around each of the measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a topical composition in a breakable capsule, includes the steps of elastically deforming at least a portion of a first deformable film that is impermeable to the composition so as to constitute at least one blister; injecting the topical composition into the blister; applying a second film that is impermeable to the composition onto the first film so as to close the blister; and sealing the second film and the first film together around the periphery of the blister, the portion of the first film being suitable for shrinking after release of the capsule so as to cause the pressure inside the capsule to be greater than atmospheric pressure. While the capsule is being made, at least one weak region is made in the blister, thus making the capsule suitable for being broken by exerting pressure on the capsule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing filled gelatin capsules created from strips (4) of gelatin ribbon. The strips are led to an encapsulation station (6) where they are enclosed around the fill that is delivered thereto. Means are provided for controlling the lateral alignment of the strip in its path to the encapsulation station (6) preferably, such means comprises a pivotal guide bar assembly (52).

Abstract: Capsules, for example for the delivery of pharmaceuticals, are produced from two films (18) of a water-soluble polymeric material, by deforming the films to form a multiplicity of recesses, and filling the recesses with a flowable filling material. This is performed using two adjacent rotary dies (14, 15), with recesses (16) into which the films (18) are deformed. The dies (14, 15) also act as electrodes for welding the films together by dielectric welding to form filled capsules (30). The capsules (30) can readily be separated from the resulting web. The polymeric material may be gelatin, or a water-soluble cellulose derivative such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and may also contain a plasticizer.

Abstract: The present provides a thermoforming system for film on blister packing machines that forms pockets without any extreme reduction of thickness of the sheet at the top face portion of the pocket and enables sheets to be placed one upon another without warping. The thermoforming system for film for blister packaging machines pinches and heats a film, fed intermittently in synchronization with an open/close drive of a pair of dies on a thermoforming system, between the dies of the thermoforming system, and partially extends the heated film along an inner circumferential face of the pocket holes of the forming die to form pockets. The dies of the thermoforming system are constructed with a forming die provided with pocket holes, a heating die provided with a plugs for locally heating only the pocket forming portion of the film F disposed facing the pocket holes of the forming die, and injecting mechanisms that inject compressed air disposed on the forming die side and the heating die side, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling with high accuracy a finely divided powdered medicament having a particle size smaller than 10 &mgr;m into cavities having a size corresponding to the volume of powder to be filled, wherein said device comprises oscillating and rotating means for breaking down aggregates formed in the finely divided powdered medicament and filling and for compacting it in said cavities. The invention also includes a method of filling with high accuracy of a finely divided powdered medicament having a particle size smaller than 10 &mgr;m and to fill said finely divided powdered medicament into cavities, wherein the finely divided powdered medicament is transported and compacted in said cavities by oscillating and rotating means.

Abstract: A method for producing a package of a fluidized substance is disclosed. The method includes a supplying step in which a prescribed amount of a fluidized substance (103) is supplied onto a first sheet (a first sheet 101′ of continuous length) by use of a metering-applicator (2) for the fluidized substance comprising a metering through-hole (21) having an outer opening and an inner opening. The supplying step comprises positioning the first sheet so as to be brought into contact with the outer opening of the metering through-hole (21), and then supplying the fluidized substance (103) from the inner opening of the metering through-hole (21) via the metering through-hole (21) onto the first sheet while the first sheet is conveyed.

Abstract: A forming roller for manufacturing moulded bodies with the rotary die method comprises a surface which is roughened at least in the region of the forming roller webs. By way of the roughening of the forming roller webs the adhesive friction for the material tapes from which the moulded bodies are manufactured is increased. The roughness of the surface parts of the forming roller is advantageously produced by the processing of the surface with a blast means.