Abstract: An apparatus and process for making pellets from a fluidizable material having a fluid bed chamber with a perforated base and an open upper end in which a rotatable means for shaping the pellets is located. Gas for the formation of a fluidized current is introduced through the perforated base. A fluid spray for the agglomeration and coating of the fluidizable material is introduced into the fluid bed chamber, preferably near the perforated base in the central area of the fluid bed chamber. Additionally, a device for channeling agglomerated material is preferably located at a distance above the perforated base and concentrically with the longitudinal axis of the sprayer. A fluidized current carries particles, while still plastic, upwardly through the channeling device causing them to impinge on the underside of the rotatable means.

Abstract: In a rotation granulator, the injection nozzles for the powder are provided along the jacket surface of the granulator container over the rotary table, so that the powder will arrive directly in the range of the stronger flow. In order to prevent any interruptions of the operation due to the filter part, a two-chamber system is proposed in which the first and second chambers may be alternately cut off. This makes it possible to operate the installation without any interruption. In order to control the air supply, the rotary table is mounted so that it may be moved up and down, in order that the width of the air gap between the rotary table and the inner wall of the conical casing may be adjusted. Lastly, a device for taking of samples provides a system of sluices or channels by which the low-pressure space of the granulator is actively prevented from being in direct contact with the free atmosphere.

Abstract: In a rotation granulator, the injection nozzles for the powder are provided along the jacket surface of the granulator container over the rotary table, so that the powder will arrive directly in the range of the stronger flow. In order to prevent any interruptions of the operation due to the filter part, a two-chamber system is proposed in which the first and second chambers may be alternately cut off. This makes it possible to operate the installation without any interruption. In order to control the air supply, the rotary table is mounted so that it may be moved up and down, in order that the width of the air gap between the rotary table and the inner wall of the conical casing may be adjusted. Lastly, a device for taking of samples provides a system of sluices or channels by which the low-pressure space of the granulator is actively prevented from being in direct contact with the free atmosphere.

Abstract: A particle coating apparatus is provided with a housing containing a drum open at both its ends and comprising a perforated cylindrical mantel. The drum is allowed to rotate and pivots at one of its ends with a bearing. An air transmission shoe having an opening arranged at one of the lower quadrants of the drum. The opening is adjustable and extends along the contour of the drum. The opening directs the gas through the tablets. The drum has a taking opening extending along the entire width of the mantel. The opening may be closed by a hinged pneumatic shutter. The bottom of the housing located under the drum has an opening which may be closed. When the tablets contained in the drum are coated, they may come out under the effect of gravity after the release of the taking opening and of the bottom opening of the housing.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for coating particles, particularly particles of medicinal drugs. The apparatus has a rotating drum provided with a perforated cylindrical center section. Particles to be coated are introduced into the interior of the drum and form a layer in a lower quadrant of the cylindrical section during rotation of the drum. A spraying device is located in the interior of the drum for coating the particles with an appropriate mixture or solution. A device is positioned adjacent the portion of the drum containing the particles for introducing gas through the perforations into the layer of particles so as to dry the particles. A device also is provided for removing gas from the drum through the perforations. The device for introducing gas can be separated from the device for removing gas by a central partition, with both devices being carried by a common support. Also, it is possible to introduce gas into a portion of the interior of the drum that is spaced from the layer of particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating apparatus comprising a coating vessel rotatably supported at one end and connected to a vacuum source by a coaxially arranged and co-rotatable tube containing a spray nozzle. The tube is supported separately from the coating vessel and is arranged for movement along the axis of rotation of the coating vessel. The coating vessel includes a discharge opening closable by a cover which is carried by the tube. The tube is preferably guided for movement along the axis of the coating vessel within a piece of pipe which is rotatably supported within a bearing box which is pivotable away from the coating vessel.

Abstract: Fluidized bed apparatus, comprising a fluidized bed vessel in which a substantially horizontal rotor disc is arranged above a perforated bottom or above an air chamber for rotary movement about an at least approximately vertical axis and for adjustment along said axis. The fluidized bed vessel is tapered upwardly, one portion inwardly and one outwardly to enhance the flow therein and the rotor disc forms a flat cone and the disc may have a central cone with the rotor disc covering at least the central part of the perforated bottom.

Abstract: A device for the formation of a granulated substance. The device has a container which is open at the bottom and can be closed off by a movable bottom member of solid construction. Additionally, two other bottom members, which have lattices with different mesh widths or openings, can be optionally moved under the container instead of the solid member, which bottom member does not have openings. A stirrer is arranged in the container, which has a top container section that contains a filter connected to a suction fan. In order to form a granulated substance, the container is first closed off by the solid bottom member and a powdery material and a liquid are introduced into the container for mixing with each other by means of a stirrer. Subsequently, the solid bottom member is replaced by one of the lattice bottom members and warm air is drawn into the container. In this way, the humid mixed material is whirled about, dried and granulated.

Abstract: Fluidized bed apparatus, comprising a fluidized bed vessel in which a substantially horizontal rotor disc is arranged above a perforated bottom or above an air chamber for rotary movement about an at least approximately vertical axis and for adjustment along said axis. The fluidized bed vessel is tapered upwardly, one portion inwardly and one outwardly to enhance the flow therein and the rotor disc forms a flat cone and the disc may have a central cone with the rotor disc covering at least the central part of the perforated bottom.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/000,329, filed 02/15/83, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e).