Abstract: The invention provides machines and methods for continuously filling and closing containers supplied in random orientation. In one embodiment, apparatus in accord with the invention comprises a machine frame 10 that supports devices for continuously orienting, filling and closing containers. Device A supplies the containers in random orientation. Device B continuously orients the containers into a predetermined orientation. Device C continuously fills containers. Device D supplies powder or granular filler material to device C. Device E supplies plugs or stoppers for closing the containers. Device F continuously inserts plugs into filled containers to close the containers. The machine frame 10 contains the driving elements for the various devices of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for sealing two-piece capsules has a capsule carrier and a capsule holder which are movable relative to one another for the purpose of attaching a cap to a capsule body. In order to bond a cap firmly and tightly to the body of a capsule, the device has a nozzle for applying a viscose sealing material to the inside of the cap. To prevent an excess of sealing material from being applied to the cap, the nozzle is provided with a vacuum mechanism in the form of an annular channel by means of which excess sealing material is removed during the application.

Abstract: Apparatus for selecting elongate containers from a mass of randomly-disposed containers such as capsules open at one end and at least partially closed at the other and depositing them with their open ends aligned for receiving a charge of material. The apparatus including first and second rotors, the first rotor including radially-disposed bores for receiving the containers and the second rotor including radially-disposed spokes for receiving containers with open ends toward the spokes. The first and second rotors including operable elements for removing the containers from the bores or spokes for transfer of the containers to a receiving device with the containers in the same orientation.

Abstract: A machine for making fuel elements/aerosol generating cartridges useful for smoking articles, the machine providing for receiving a random supply of tubular, open-end containers, orienting the containers to position them for filling, filling the containers with a predetermined amount of aerosol generating material, and capping the open ends by inserting fuel elements therein.

Abstract: A platform conveyor having an articulated chain and bearing elements secured thereon. In order to secure the retention of the bearing elements, which lock into place with claws on the linking bolts of the articulated chain, adjacent claws locking into place on the same linking bolt mesh form-fittingly with one another. To this end, the claws alternate in having protrusions and recesses.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing carton blanks, erecting and transferring cartons to a conveyor apparatus which includes a magazine for cartons and a rotor with a plurality of radially offstanding suction units. To attain a high output with an apparatus which is simple in structure, the rotor is disposed on a pivotable arm. On each pivoting movement of the rotor during one operating cycle, a carton blank is removed from the magazine while simultaneously formed carton is inserted into the conveyor apparatus at a transfer station. A counterpart suction device, which is associated with a station between the magazine and the transfer station, erects the cartons and breaks them on themselves.

Abstract: A machine is proposed for filling and closing hard gelatine capsules, in which the powder to be filled into the capsules is located in a filling product container, the base of which is a revolving dispensing disc. The dispensing disc has openings into which the powder is pressed with the aid of filler punches. A ring is firmly connected with the dispensing disc and has openings for receiving upper capsule portions. Curve controlled elements having openings for receiving lower capsule portions are pivotably disposed on the underside of the ring. The pivoting movement of the elements is effected via a stationary curve and a curved roller. The curve is embodied such that the elements can be moved both outward, that is, beyond the circumference of the ring, and inward, that is, underneath the openings in the dispensing disc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are proposed for the combined guidance, incorporating a register, of two continuously advanced foil strips, such as when attaching a foil cover strip to a lower foil strip including container-like recesses. The foil cover strip is preferably of aluminum and has printed legends which must be oriented precisely with respect to the container-like recesses of the lower foil strip. A marking is associated with each legend for scanning by a photo cell. The distribution of the legends and thus of the markings is somewhat closer together than the distribution of the container-like recesses. By stretching the foil cover strip, the distribution of the legends and of the markings can be adapted to the distribution of the container-like recesses.

Abstract: The invention sets forth a method and a corresponding stamping tool for waste-free stamping out packaging strips such as the so-called press-through packages. These press-through packages are made of a strip of foil comprising a lower foil strip with depressions for receiving tablets, lozenges or the like and a foil cover strip which closes off the depressions. The individual packaging strips, in order to enable problem-free further processing and to avoid injuries, have rounded corners.

Abstract: A method is proposed providing push-through containers with removable stickers making possible a simple and sure affixing of the stickers to the push-through containers. In addition, this method has the further advantage of making possible the simple and easy removal of the sticker from each container unit separated from the push-through container.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for aseptic measurement and filling of a fluid product is proposed, which, particularly as a result of the simple embodiment of a control slide valve, is especially suitable for the development of a multiple dispensing apparatus. A groove-like recess provided in the control slide serves both to connect the fluid reservoir chamber with the dispensing chamber and to connect the dispensing chamber with the particular container to be filled.

Abstract: In order to sort a quantity of hard gelatin capsules of the type having at least a top and bottom and being filled with powdery contents, and to remove therefrom defective capsules which do not have a top or which may be cut or deformed in some way, the apparatus includes a first member with apertures for the capsules and a second member with similar apertures which are aligned with the first apertures in a first relative position of the two members. By applying suction to the top of the second member, intact capsules are urged into the second member while defective or deformed capsules are retained in the calibrated bore of the lower member. The two members undergo a relative displacement subsequent to which a discharge device moves rods into the individual orifice causing the discharge of intact capsules and defective capsules into different receiver chutes.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid or pasty substances to gelatin capsules and the like, in particular for dispensing pharmaceutical products thereto. In order to maintain the substance to be dispensed in relative motion to prevent deleterious thickening, the apparatus includes a reciprocating dispensing control plunger which periodically enters a capsule or container to be filled. If no container is present and no dispensing is to take place, the control plunger retreats into a position wherein a separate metering piston continues to transport the material but returns it to a storage container via a conrol channel in the control plunger.

Abstract: Defective and/or deformed capsules, for example, hard gelatin capsules, are identified and removed from a supply of such capsules by causing the ordered, sequential transport of capsules through a dimensionally calibrated passage in which a defective capsule is arrested while the preceding train of capsules is permitted to continue. The gap in the train of capsules is detected by a photoelectric sensor or the like, after which the machine member in which the calibrated passage is located is moved to the vicinity of a reject container, compressed air is admitted to the passage and the defective capsule is expelled into the reject container. The application of the compressed air and the movement of the machine member to the reject container may be under the control of the photoelectric sensor signal.

Abstract: A childproof design for packages for tablets, pills and the like includes a conventional base foil provided with indentations or cups to receive the tablets. A cover foil is provided, as a seal, over the base foil. The package is rendered tamperproof by the inclusion of cavities in the base foil within which the cover foil can be grasped and peeled off but which are concealed and inaccessible until an individual tablet package is severed from the whole pack.