Abstract: Method to condition water-swellable hydrocolloids for use in mechanical forming processes such as die molding or injection molding. To avoid long conditioning times at high temperature, the hydrocolloids are conditioned to the predetermined water content at ambient temperature and then rapidly heated, just before processing, in a gaseous stream loaded with water to the equilibrium conditions needed to maintain the predetermined water content of the hydrocolloids at the high process temperature of the mechanical forming.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for sealing edible capsules comprised of telescopically engaged tubular capsule halves that define a junction seam between them. The method comprises adhesively applying against at least a portion of the seam a frangible, edible label adapted to cover the seam at the point of intersection therewith, and to fracture upon slight displacement of the capsule halves with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the present method comprises the preparation of individual labels, the application to such labels of a quantity of adhesive and the subsequent application of the labels to the capsule. In an alternate embodiment, the labels, comprising a film forming material, are directly applied to the capsule by the projection of a hot melt of the film forming material onto the capsule at the location of the seam.

Abstract: The offset printer is intended for printing annular codes of colors on small solids of revolution like contact pins or necks of ampoules. A plurality of axially shifted devices for distributing the color, each one comprising a color disc are assigned to the inking cylinder. The color discs enter into a color chamber and come out from this chamber free from play between axial limitations which act as strippers. The color discs are joined with their drive in a slightly loose manner so that they can fully adapt themselves to the position of the axial limitations. This permits to print fully clean, small rings of colors on small solids of revolution.