Patents by Inventor Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne
Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9211659Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming hard shell capsule components, wherein the capsule components are formed from a material which undergoes gelation upon heating, such as HPMC. A heat station is provided to heat a plurality of molds prior to dipping into a solution of the thermogeling material. The drying conditions following dipping are carefully controlled to control the rate of drying.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Capsugel Belgium NVInventors: Jan Juilen Irma De Bock, Jan Donaat Sinnaeve, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne
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Patent number: 9138920Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming hard shell capsule components, wherein the capsule components are formed from a material which undergoes gelation upon heating, such as HPMC. A heat station is provided to heat a plurality of molds prior to dipping into a solution of the thermogeling material. The drying conditions following dipping are carefully controlled to control the rate of drying.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Capsugel Belgium NVInventors: Jan Juilen Irma De Bock, Jan Donaat Sinnaeve, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne
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Patent number: 8715722Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule comprising a hollow tubular body (2), a hollow cap (3) telescopically engageable on the body (2), the body (2) and the cap (3) defining an inner volume therebetween and being provided with complementary snap-fit means (12, 21) for locking the cap (3) on the body (2) in the fully closed final position, the complementary snap-fit means (12, 21) comprising a locking ring (12) formed on the body (2) and a complementary ridge member (21) formed on the cap (3), at least one air-vent (14) formed as an axial recess on the outer surface of the body (2) and suitable for ensuring fluid communication between the inner volume and the atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Capsugel Belgium NVInventors: Hilde Buydts, Jan Donaat Sinnaeve, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne
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Publication number: 20140093606Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming hard shell capsule components, wherein the capsule components are formed from a material which undergoes gelation upon heating, such as HPMC. A heat station is provided to heat a plurality of molds prior to dipping into a solution of the thermogeling material. The drying conditions following dipping are carefully controlled to control the rate of drying.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Capsugel Belgium NVInventors: Jan Juilen Irma De Bock, Jan Donaat Sinnaeve, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne
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Patent number: 8671650Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer line for the transfer of identical filled two-piece capsules between two successive processing stations comprising a and on unloading area, a plurality of identical transfer units each comprising a plurality of cavities each adapted to receive a capsule at the loading area and to let such capsule being unloaded at the unloading area, said plurality of cavities of each transfer unit being designed so as to receive in a first relative configuration the groups of filled two-piece capsules when located at a loading position in the loading area and so as to discharge these groups when located at an unloading position in the unloading area, a conveyor device adapted to temporarily and individually support the transfer units so as to transfer them from the loading position to the unloading position and vice-versa, while keeping them substantially in a same orientation in the loading and unloading positions, and at least from the loading position to the unloading position.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Capsugel Belgium NVInventors: Gunther Victor Maria Emiel Van Goolen, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne, Nigel Harrison
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Patent number: 8646591Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for handling capsules in a capsule processing equipment. The invention also relates to capsule processing equipment, such as an inspection equipment or a capsule printing equipment that includes such an apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Capsugel Belgium NVInventors: Thomas Marcelina Louis De Ruijter, Nigel David Harrison, Martin Lawrence Hughes, Mark Robson Humphries, Paul Antony Merritt, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne, Philip Jonathan West
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Publication number: 20130307962Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring a two-dimensional image of an external surface of a three-dimensional object is described. The apparatus includes a conveyor for supporting and displacing the object, a camera for capturing images of portions of the object surface, and a friction member for rotating the object. The camera is configured to capture images corresponding to successive exposed portions of the object surface, and to sequentially capture the images as respective single frames. The apparatus further includes electronic control unit adapted to read out a sub-frame from the single frame, store said sub-frame, and assemble successive sub-frames into an assembled frame corresponding to a two-dimensional image of an unpeeled surface area of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventors: Mark Robson Humphries, Paul Antony Merritt, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne
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Patent number: 8398912Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing a plurality of molded articles from respective molds each having an external molding surface oriented according to a mold axis (X), said molds (12) being arranged with their axis (X) parallel. The apparatus comprises a plurality of pairs of jaws (4,6), each corresponding to a respective mold (12) and including a first jaw (4) and an opposed second jaw (6) which are moveable with respect to the respective mold (12) according to a first relative motion, between an open position wherein the jaws (4, 6) are spaced apart from the mold (;12) and a closed position wherein the jaws (4, 6) engage the mold (12), and a substantially axial second relative motion, wherein the pair of jaws (4,6) is slidably displaced along the mold axis (X) so as to remove it from the mold (12). The jaws (4, 6), for the first relative motion, are linearly moveable in parallel directions which are radial to the respective mold axis (X).Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Capsugel Belgium NVInventors: Francies Petrus Joseph Goossens, Dominique Suzanne François Surinx, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne
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Patent number: 8181425Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sealing telescopically joined hard shell capsules. The method includes i. placing the capsule in a static sealing position in a capsule carrier assembly; ii. in the sealing position, applying a sealing fluid uniformly to the gap of the capsule; iii. rotating the capsule into a static suction position angularly spaced from the sealing position; and iv. in the suction position, providing an area of low pressure around the capsule so as to remove excess sealing liquid from the capsule. The apparatus includes a frame, a capsule carrier, a sealing device, and a suction device. The capsule carrier including a cavity configured to accommodate a capsule. The sealing device being configured apply a sealing fluid. The suction device being configured to provide an area of low pressure around a capsule in a cavity of the capsule carrier.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Capsugel BelgiumInventors: Gabriel M. McCutcheon, Gunther Van Goolen, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne
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Publication number: 20110222993Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for handling capsules in a capsule processing equipment. The invention also relates to capsule processing equipment, such as an inspection equipment or a capsule printing equipment that includes such an apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2009Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Thomas Marcelina Louis De Ruijter, Nigel David Harrison, Martin Lawrence Hughes, Mark Robson Humphries, Paul Antony Merritt, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne, Philip Jonathan West
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Publication number: 20110064802Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule comprising a hollow tubular body (2), a hollow cap (3) telescopically engageable on the body (2), the body (2) and the cap (3) defining an inner volume therebetween and being provided with complementary snap-fit means (12, 21) for locking the cap (3) on the body (2) in the fully closed final position, the complementary snap-fit means (12, 21) comprising a locking ring (12) formed on the body (2) and a complementary ridge member (21) formed on the cap (3), at least one air-vent (14) formed as an axial recess on the outer surface of the body (2) and suitable for ensuring fluid communication between the inner volume and the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: Hilde Buydts, Jan Donaat Sinnaeve, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne
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Publication number: 20110005167Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer line for the transfer of identical filled two-piece capsules between two successive processing stations comprising a and on unloading area, a plurality of identical transfer units each comprising a plurality of cavities each adapted to receive a capsule at the loading area and to let such capsule being unloaded at the unloading area, said plurality of cavities of each transfer unit being designed so as to receive in a first relative configuration the groups of filled two-piece capsules when located at a loading position in the loading area and so as to discharge these groups when located at an unloading position in the unloading area, a conveyor device adapted to temporarily and individually support the transfer units so as to transfer them from the loading position to the unloading position and vice-versa, while keeping them substantially in a same orientation in the loading and unloading positions, and at least from the loading position to the unloading position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2007Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: Gunther Victor Maria Emiel Van Goolen, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne, Nigel Harrison
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Publication number: 20110006457Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming hard shell capsule components, wherein the capsule components are formed from a material which undergoes gelation upon heating, such as HPMC. A heat station is provided to heat a plurality of molds prior to dipping into a solution of the thermogeling material. The drying conditions following dipping are carefully controlled to control the rate of drying.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2007Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: Jan Juilen Irma De Bock, Jan Donaat Sinnaeve, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne
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Publication number: 20100308074Abstract: A liquid pump for dispensing a liquid is provided. The pump comprises a body which defines a plurality of cylinders therein, each cylinder having located therein a respective piston, wherein each cylinder and respective piston is shaped and configured such that the fit between them substantially prevents leakage of the liquid to be dispensed. Such a liquid pump may be used to fill pharmaceutical dosage forms, such as capsules, with liquid pharmaceutical compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2008Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne, Gunther Van Goolen
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Publication number: 20100052221Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing a plurality of molded articles from respective molds each having an external molding surface oriented according to a mold axis (X), said molds (12) being arranged with their axis (X) parallel. The apparatus comprises a plurality of pairs of jaws (4,6), each corresponding to a respective mold (12) and including a first jaw (4) and an opposed second jaw (6) which are moveable with respect to the respective mold (12) according to a first relative motion, between an open position wherein the jaws (4, 6) are spaced apart from the mold (;12) and a closed position wherein the jaws (4, 6) engage the mold (12), and a substantially axial second relative motion, wherein the pair of jaws (4,6) is slidably displaced along the mold axis (X) so as to remove it from the mold (12). The jaws (4, 6), for the first relative motion, are linearly moveable in parallel directions which are radial to the respective mold axis (X).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2007Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: PFIZER INC.Inventors: Francies Petrus Joseph Goossens, Dominique Suzanne Francois Surinx, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne
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Publication number: 20100018167Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sealing telescopically joined hardshell capsules. The method comprises i. placing the capsule (15) in a static sealing position (52) in a capsule carrier assembly (3); ii. in said sealing position (52), applying a sealing fluid uniformly to the gap of the capsule; iii. rotating the capsule (15) into a static suction position (53) angularly spaced from the sealing position (52); and iv. in said suction position (53), providing an area of low pressure around the capsule (15) so as to remove excess sealing liquid from the capsule.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2007Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: Gabriel M. McCutcheon, Gunther Van Goolen, Stefaan Jaak Vanquickenborne