Abstract: A number of spaced apart first and second cavities are continuously formed in first and second thin sheets of material, respectively. Each of the first and second cavities has an edge at an opening thereof. The formed first and second cavities travel in paths that are downwardly inclined from the horizontal and approach each other. A number of first bodies are fed into the first cavities, respectively, where each of the first bodies has a liquid tight interior cavity that contains a volume of a first liquid. This liquid is one that when mixed with a second liquid starts a chemiluminescent reaction. The edge of each of the first cavities is sealed progressively with the respective edge of a second cavity, while injecting the second liquid into one or both of the first and second cavities that are being sealed. This forms a liquid tight second body that contains the first body and a second volume of the second liquid.

Abstract: An injection wedge includes a housing having a first face and a second face. A first tube extends through the housing and is coupled to a first nozzle on the first face of the housing. A second tube extends through the housing and is coupled to a second nozzle on the second face of the housing. The first face of the housing is opposite the second face of the housing. The first nozzle and the second nozzle are angled away from a vertical axis of the injection wedge. The first tube and the second tube are adapted to carry a fill material to the first nozzle and the second nozzle for injection into die pockets formed onto surfaces of a pair of rotary die drums.

Abstract: A number of spaced apart first and second cavities are continuously formed in first and second thin sheets of material, respectively. Each of the first and second cavities has an edge at an opening thereof. The formed first and second cavities travel in paths that are downwardly inclined from the horizontal and approach each other. A number of first bodies are fed into the first cavities, respectively, where each of the first bodies has a liquid tight interior cavity that contains a volume of a first liquid. This liquid is one that when mixed with a second liquid starts a chemiluminescent reaction. The edge of each of the first cavities is sealed progressively with the respective edge of a second cavity, while injecting the second liquid into one or both of the first and second cavities that are being sealed. This forms a liquid tight second body that contains the first body and a second volume of the second liquid.

Abstract: A method of encapsulation is characterized by supplying to an encapsulation unit (22) two films (14, 16) of like material capable of deforming elastically at least when partially solvated, and applying solvent to at least one of the films prior to encapsulation to cause partial solvation of the material surface, such that the partially solvated surface can adhere to and seal with the film material. In the encapsulation unit, the substance to be encapsulated e.g. a cosmetic oil or vitamin preparation is supplied between the films, the films are formed, typically by a molding process, into suitably shaped capsule portions which can adhere to each other as a result of the adhesive action of the partially solvated surface(s), and which seal together encapsulating the supplied substance, forming a capsule. The invention enables encapsulation using materials other than gelatin, such as polyvinyl alcohol. Also disclosed is encapsulation apparatus and the resulting capsules.

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: An apparatus and method for manufacturing soft capsules wherein a filling material, such as liquid medicine, is encapsulated by two gelatin sheets. The soft capsule manufacturing apparatus includes a pair of die rolls that are close to and confront each other, each die roll having capsule pockets in a plurality of rows, and a nozzle segment having an inverse projection for supplying a filling material. The inverse projection has curved faces that are positioned in opposing relation with each other at right and left sides about the lower end central portion thereof the curved faces have nozzle holes. The inverse projection confronts a curved recess that is surrounded by curved peripheral surfaces of the die rolls at the upper sides thereof. The gelatin sheets are supplied between the die rolls from the upper portion thereof to receive the filling material therein corresponding to the capsule pockets of each die roll to manufacture soft capsules.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of manufacturing soft capsules wherein a filling material such as liquid medicine is encapsulated by two pieces of gelatin sheet are provided.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for forming gelatin capsules comprising: supplying two gelatin sheets having preformed pockets between die rollers; partially suturing the gelatin sheets together by means of the die rollers to form a pocket; weighing powder or particulate capsule content in a weighing hole aligned with said pocket; utilizing a pusher to push said capsule content through said weighing hole and into the pocket; and completing the suturing of the gelatin sheets by means of the die rollers to envelop said capsule content in said pocket.

Abstract: A blister pack comprises a blister assembly (10) including two blister parts (11, 12) which are interconnected and foldable towards each other, each blister part (11, 12) having a set of blisters (16). The blisters (16) of one blister part (11) are so offset relative to the blisters (16) of the other blister part (12) that, after folding, the blisters (16) of the two blister parts (11, 12) engage between each other. The blister pack further comprises a protective unit (20) including two closure panels (21, 22) and preferably one intermediate panel (23), which is defined by two folding lines (24, 25). The blister pack also comprises a supporting unit (30) including at least one base panel (31), which has at least one hole (33). The supporting unit (30) is connected to said blister assembly (10) such that the blisters (16) of at least one blister part (11) are aligned with said at least one hole (33).

Abstract: A method for producing and coating melt portions includes two sheet strips, which form coating material layers, being continually fed. The melt portions embedded between the sheet strips are cooled and calibrated according to their thickness. The sheet strips are longitudinally and transversely separated in the region of their connection points such that the melt portions become isolated and the sheet strips are connected to each other such that each melt portion is embraced tightly.

Abstract: An apparatus for enrobing tablets in a gelatin layer includes a pair of die assemblies with each assembly including a rotatable, cylindrical die support and a series of die blocks mounted on this support for movement along a circular path. Each block has recesses formed in a top surface thereof and each recess of one assembly cooperates with a similar recess in the other assembly to form a cavity at a nip formed by the two assemblies. Each cavity is dimensioned to receive loosely therein one of the tablets. Two casting drums deliver gelatin strips to the die assemblies and each strip is pulled by one assembly into the nip. A time tablet dispensing mechanism is used to dispense tablets onto one of the strips at a feeding location. The preferred die blocks are made of hard plastics material. The tablet dispensing mechanism employs vacuum applying members operatively connected to a vacuum source and air cylinder transfer mechanisms for moving these members from a tablet pick-up position to the feeding location.

Abstract: A process for the production of divisible tablets by melt calendering in which two molding rolls are combined together, at least one of which has depressions with at least one bar which extends up to the surface line of the molding roll and forms a score.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling with high accuracy a finely divided powdered medicament having a particle size smaller than 10 .mu.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 .mu.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: Methods and apparatus for forming capsules provides novel processing flexibility including dies which are independently movable, even during capsule formation, the ability to vary the speed of the dies even during the formation of a single capsule, independently controlled drums and dies. Advantageously, at least one and most preferably a plurality of independently actuatable pumps are provided for greater control over the dispensing of fill material. For example, the fill rate can be varied during the filling of a single capsule. Preferred embodiments provide electric/electronic signals to actuate the f fill material dispensers, provide for the independent control of rotatable drums, rotatable dies and the dispensers.

Abstract: Rotary die apparatus for producing filled gelatin capsules comprises two cylindrical rollers mounted with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel and defining a nip therebetween, with at least one roller having a plurality of recesses on its outer surface; and means for feeding gelatin ribbon to each roller surface and thereby to the nip. The apparatus includes a metering system for delivering particulate material between gelatin ribbons at the nip; and means for rotating the rollers in synchronism with the metering system such that particulate material is supplied over a recess in said at least one roller, and the juxtaposed ribbon sections close over the particulate material to form a capsule. Air mechanisms may be used to shape the gelatin ribbon into the roller recesses, and such mechanisms can also be used to facilitate the flow of particulate material in the metering system.

Abstract: A continuous solvent free gelatin encapsulation apparatus and process includes an oil roll back assembly (20) for applying a controlled amount of a food-approved lubricant to a first side of the gelatin ribbon and an applicator guide bar assembly (40) for applying a controlled amount of food-approved lubricant to a second side of the gelatin ribbon. Two opposing food-approved lubricant coated gelatin ribbons are then united in a die assembly (50) to form gelatin capsules which are then dried and recovered.

Abstract: Apparatus for joining cohesive coated plastic sheets in a closed peripheral pattern with bulging of at least one sheet within the closed peripheral pattern to provide a sealed compartment containing only a gas such as air, or foam, under superatmospheric pressure. A method for forming a sealed bulging compartment containing substantially only a gas at superatmospheric pressure comprises joining two cohesive material coated sheets by engagement of said portions of said cohesive material coating at a closed periphery while causing at least one of the sheets to be bulged by gas at superatmospheric pressure. A bulging sealed cushion formed of two sheets each coated on one side with cohesive, air impervious material, at least one of the sheets being bulged outward, and containing substantially only a gas at superatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method of packaging an article includes tensioning first and second webs enveloping an article seated in one of a plurality of through openings. The webs are sequentially supplied to at least one through opening and the article to be packaged is, in sequence, inserted between the first and second webs. Once the article is generally overwrapped by the first and second webs, overhanging portions of webs about the article are sealed thereby forming a packaged article. The packaged article is then relieved from the through opening by preferably cutting or punching it through the opening.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for encapsulating small articles such as medicines in caplet or cylindrical form are disclosed. Gelatin half capsules are formed on the pins of pin blocks and are delivered to a station at which they are trimmed and fitted over the opposite ends of the product to be encapsulated. The capsule halves are first dried to a condition in which they have about 20 wt. % moisture and are thereafter press fitted over the ends of the caplets and allowed to dry to shrink fit tightly onto the caplets making it virtually impossible to remove them from their gelatin coverings without leaving visible evidence of tampering. The finished product has a smoother outer surface which lends itself to overprinting.

Abstract: In a method and an appliance for manufacturing a blister pack having a carboard inlay (blister cardboard pack) a blister pack is provided as an endless tape having the products sealed in blisters. At a unification station a cardboard inlay having recesses for the blisters of the blister pack and having in the direction of conveyance of the blister pack substantially the length of a blister cardboard pack, is placed true-to-size on the blister pack tape, the recesses of the cardboard inlay surrounding the blisters of the blister pack. By a feed pawl, a holding collet and outfeed rollers the blister pack tape is fed to the unification station incrementally and further conveyed incrementally after placement of the cardboard inlay. In a sealing station the cardboard inlay is sealed to the blister pack tape. Subsequently the individual blister cardboard packs are separated from the blister cardboard pack tape in a cutting station.

Abstract: Method for encapsulating small articles such as medicines in caplet or cylindrical form are disclosed. Gelatin half capsules are formed on the pins of pin blocks and are delivered to a station at which they are trimmed and fitted over the opposite ends of the product to be encapsulated. The capsule halves are first dried to a condition in which they have about 20 wt. % moisture and are thereafter press fitted over the ends of the caplets and allowed to dry to shrink fit tightly onto the caplets making it virtually impossible to remove them from their gelatin coverings without leaving visible evidence of tampering. The finished product has a smoother outer surface which lends itself to overprinting.

Abstract: A multi-station apparatus and method of manufacture allows the manufacture of an article having a fluid filled cavity fabricated from simultaneously fed twin thermoplastic webs. A web transport means simultaneously feeds twin thermoplastic webs into an apparatus, where a oven raises the temperature of the material of the webs for thermoforming and molding. The cavity then is partially fusing to provide an injection and outlet port and a fluid is injected into the cavity, which is then sealed to provide a finished article. The fluid can be formed from a super absorbent material as a thick, viscous gel-like colloidal substance.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant, caplet like medicament that masks the taste of poor tasting drugs and possesses an improved lubricity for easier swallowing is produced by shrinking a gelatin-based capsule about a caplet-shaped tablet of the medicament at specific temperatures, pressure and relative humidity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel simulated capsule medicament consisting of a solid core covered with two shrink-wrapped, hard-shell gelatin capsule halves. The solid cores are covered with the hard-shell gelatin capsule halves by individually shrink-wrapping onto first one end of the core a first hard-shell gelatin capsule half and then individually shrink-wrapping onto a second end of the core a second hard-shell gelatin capsule half.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composition comprised of gellan, carrageenan and mannan gums and a process for producing flexible films for encapsulation comprising the gellan, carrageenan and mannan gum composition. The mannan gums include the galactomannans and the glucomannans. Advantageously, soft capsules of the above composition are produced using the novel process. The composition comprises a blend of a gellan gum: (carrageenan/mannan gum) wherein the gellan gum concentration ranges from about 0.1 to 50 weight percent and the ratio of carrageenan/locust bean gum ranges from 3:1 to 1:3. Additional reagents are added to this gum blend to form a film-forming polymer composition useful in the production of gelatin-free capsules or microcapsules.

Abstract: A method of packaging, comprising the steps of disposing an article in a package and airtightly sealing an air sensitive reagent, which changes color upon contact with air, as at least part of the package for the article such that the seal must be broken to access the article and thereby cause the reagent to contact the air or another agent and change color. A semi-permeable membrane will allow the same reagent to function as a shelf-life indicator.

Abstract: A medicine tablet is described as a new article of manufacture. The table is enrobed in a gelatin coating formed by application of respective layers of elastic gelatin film to opposite sides of the tablet. The applied gelatin layers conform tightly to the tablet surface, bond securely to the tablet, and are sealed together in essentially edge-to-edge manner at a seal line which extends around the tablet at a desired place on the tablet. The gelatin layers can be colored differently from the tablet and differently from each other. A range of formulations are described for film which can be peelable from a tablet or other product core, and for films which bond to the core. A presently preferred formulation for producing tablets having a bonded tamper-evident coating comprises a water-based gelatin preparation having about 45% gelatin and about 9% plasticizer (glycerin and/or sorbitol) by weight.Method and apparatus for producing such new products are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for filling a powder, lipid or granule into a soft shell capsule employing a flat linked track of cavity blocks to prevent spillage.

Abstract: A cassette containing a group of sealed cells is used as a means for delivering doses of fluid to be injected into a sterilizing chamber. After the cassette is automatically positioned over a piercing mechanism, the cassette is moved downwardly so that a cell is pierced. Fluid is then forced out of the cell by pneumatic pressure into an injector valve, which opens in a manner which does not adversely affect a vacuum within the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing gelatin capsules and method therefor are provided. The apparatus comprises a gelatin sheet forming mechanism which includes a rotatable cooling drum, a gelatin capsule forming mechanism which includes a pair of die rolls and a gelatin capsule recovery mechanism. The inner space of the cooling drum is provided with a coolant. The thickness of the gelatin sheet and the gap between the die rolls are numerically indicated respectively. The driving mechanism for the gelatin capsule recovery mechanism is independent from the other driving mechanism provided in the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing flexible packages and particularly transdermal medication patches. The method includes the continuous and rapid production of a plurality of such packages while continuously treating one portion of the laminate forming the package by corona discharge in order to modify the surface adhesion properties thereof to provide, simultaneously, a proper seal of a transdermal membrane in the laminate forming the package, while maintaining the desired medication dispensing properties thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the continuous and rapid production of a plurality of flexible packages containing a non-solid substance such as an ointment, by continuously forming and vacuum sealing the packages from two webs of material in the nip of cooperating roller surfaces. The packages each contain a precise quantity of medication which may be, for example, the kind of medication which is self-administered by the user by transdermal application. The method and apparatus herein joins together two specially prepared webs of material continuously drawn from supply rolls while at the same time incorporating and vacuum sealing a desired quantity of the medication therebetween.

Abstract: The two halves of medicine-filled, gelatin capsules are fitted together and passed through a field of microwave energy to selectively melt the overlapping portions of the two halves whereby they become sealed together when the capsules are removed from the microwave energy field and permitted to cool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a porous laminated sheet product having upper and lower web members connected about their periphery and having at least one compartment formed therein, and containing a predetermined quantity of inner product within such compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a pouch-forming surface having at least one inner product loading area formed therein which further includes a cavity surrounded by peripheral land areas, a passageway adapted to place the product loading area cavity in fluid communication with a vacuum source such that suction can be selectively applied to the cavity, and one or more apertures formed through the peripheral land areas and adapted to be selectively placed in fluid communication with a source of pressurized air whereby outward air flow can emanate from the peripheral land areas.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming sealed pharmaceutical capsules containing precisely compacted charges of a powdered material. A pair of substantially cylindrical sealing rolls are arranged in nipping relationship for directing a pair of webs of gelatin material along predetermined paths between the nip of the sealing rolls. For each sealing roll there is provided a powder supply hopper which contains a supply of powdered material and a cylindrical roll rotatably mounted adjacent the supply hopper. The cylindrical roll has chambers extending radially inwardly from the surface thereof for receiving therewith powdered material as the cylindrical roll rotates past the supply hopper. A compaction mechanism is associated with each cylindrical roll for compacting the predetermined charge of powdered material in the chambers so as to form a compacted slug.

Abstract: A method of packaging and machine capable of continuously forming an array of packages from a double web film. A first web is fed over a rotating thermoforming drum which vacuum forms a plurality of pouches for receiving a product to be packaged, and a second web, maintained under constant pressure, is progressively disposed in sealing relation to the peripheral edges of the formed pouches in the first web as the pouches approach a vertical position while the product is simultaneously introduced into the progressively formed package at a rate not exceeding the volume of the package as it is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet metal container adapted so that it can withstand an internal pressure. The container comprises two combined shell-shaped cavities, compression-moulded from the same web which cavities are brought together as the web is doubled along pre-impressed folding lines in two steps, namely a first step wherein the longitudinal edges of the web are joined together to form a tube of an elongated, substantially triangular cross-section, and a second step when the tube formed, after the contents have been introduced, is pressed flat and is sealed around the shell-shaped cavities. Finally the web is cut or punched around the hollow bodies formed by the shell-shaped portions to form a flange, closed in itself, which flange is folded down or beaded.