Abstract: An apparatus for mass producing smokable products filled with cannabis, hemp, and/or other smokable materials includes a cone loading station that separates individual paper cones from stacks of cones, a cone weighing and filling station for dispensing precisely weighed amounts of powdered biomass into the cones, and a cone twisting station for twisting ends of the cones to complete the smokable products. A transport mechanism is provided to transfer the cones between stations and hold the cones during filling and twisting. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing smokable products that enables production steps to be performed simultaneously while also providing for capacity expansion within a limited production facility footprint.

Abstract: A device for filling soluble containers is provided. The device includes an assembly for orienting capsules comprising a sheet component having a top sheet, a bottom sheet and a sliding sheet adapted to move between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet includes slots for accommodating capsules, and the bottom sheet includes notches adapted to orient the capsules into a filling position. In a first position, the slots in the sliding sheet align with the slots in the top sheet. In a second position, the slots in the sliding sheet align with the notches in the bottom sheet. The assembly also includes a base component for guiding the oriented capsules therethrough. The base component can have an antistatic sheet fastened to the bottom surface. The sheet component can be loose fitted to the base component. An assembly for filling capsules is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a device, and a control program for the fluid-tight sealing of capsules containing medicaments, wherein the capsules consist of at least one capsule body and a capsule cap which are set one into the other telescopically and provided with a tight band in the abutment region on the exterior side of the capsule, wherein the capsule components are filled with gas which has a changed temperature and/or a changed pressure in relation to the environment, and wherein a reduction of the difference in pressure in the capsule occurs via gaps between capsule body and capsule cap after the capsule components have been placed one inside the other. The capsules produced via the method according to the invention are disposable capsules and preferably contain a single dose of an orally administered pharmaceutical formulation in the form of a powder or a liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a soft capsule containing a filling coated with a shell portion formed of a shell-sheet, having a sheet molding section forming a shell-sheet having an almost uniform thickness from a molten shell material, a capsule molding section feeding shell-sheets between a pair of die rolls and joining the shell sheets, and a filling supply section supplying a filling to the shell-sheets in time for joining the shell-sheets, in which the sheet molding section has a dryer equipped with a medium wavelength infrared heater; the shell-sheet is irradiated with a medium wavelength infrared ray from the heater to thereby obtain an almost uniform thickness, an appropriate viscosity, and moisture content; and the sheet of this state is fed to the capsule molding section.

Abstract: A method of coupling a container body (2) and a cover member (3) in a capsular container (1) includes a filling step for filling liquid medicine, powdered medicine, or granular medicine in the container body (2), and a fitting step for fitting the container body (2) to the cover member (3) under an atmosphere at a negative pressure which is lower than atmospheric pressure. Consequently, the pressure inside the joined container (1) does not exceed atmospheric pressure, the filling (37) which fills the inside of the container (1) can be prevented from leaking out between the container body (2) and the cover (3), and it is also possible to prevent bending of the container (1) which starts from the weak portion of the container (1).

Abstract: In a machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products, the bottom of each capsule is moved forward along a path determined in phase with a dosing device, which transfers the pharmaceutical product from a tank to the bottom, and has a cylinder, a piston engaged in the cylinder, a spring interposed between the cylinder and the piston for normally maintaining the piston in contact with a stopping element, and a tappet carried by the cylinder, engaged in a cam, and adapted to move the cylinder and the piston with respective mutually identical laws of motion.

Abstract: In a machine for filling capsules, each of which defined by a bottom and a cap, with pharmaceutical products, the bottoms and the caps of the capsules are moved forward in sequence about a plurality of wheels provided with at least two actuating members movable under the control of respective tappets engaged in respective cams to open and close the capsules themselves, respectively; the cams being obtained on the outer surface of a drum mounted to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axes of the wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weighing device for a packaging machine. Empty capsules that are still closed are removed from a capsule holder, weighed on a gravimetric scale, placed back into an empty capsule holder, and then taken apart. The device makes it possible to remove empty capsules and replace them at full machine speed, without a loss of any consequence in output. It is possible to use a gravimetric measurement method to carry out a tare weighing of the capsules. An additional weighing device for filled capsules is integrated into a capsule transport device to determine the net weight based on the tare weight and the weight of the full capsules. Such a combination of a gravimetric tare weighing and a gross weighing to statistically determine the net weight is particularly well-suited to an intermediate capsule filling device.

Abstract: A unit (100) for filling containers (2) with products (1), in particular pharmaceutical products (1), includes a hopper (3, 3a) containing a mass of products (1) in bulk, conveying means (5, 6) aimed at feeding the products (1) leaving the hopper (3) along a predetermined path (P) up to a station (SR), where the containers (2) are filled with the products (1). The containers (2) are fed to the filling station (SR) by transporting means (4, C). A checking station (SC) for checking the products (1) is situated along the path (P) upstream of the filling station (SR). The conveying means (5, 6) include first means (51, 52, 53) consisting of vibrating planes and second conveying means (6). The second conveying means (6) are situated at the checking station (SC) between the conveying/vibrating planes (51, 52, 53) and the filling station (SR).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one pharmaceutical product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a container into the bottom shell; a control device weighing the product in the metering chamber to cut off supply of the product into the metering chamber, when the weight of the product substantially equals a given reference value.

Abstract: A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device having a metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a tank into the bottom shell; the metering chamber having a weighing device for weighing the product contained in the metering chamber.

Abstract: A machine (1000) for filling capsules (CS) or similar. The machine (1000) has a number of seat assemblies (10), each of which incorporates a capacitive transducer (14) and possibly other devices, such as an energy storage device (17) and a microprocessor (15), in addition to devices for external connection for power supply and/or communication.

Abstract: Apparatus for dosing powdery or granulated materials in capsules, or the like. The apparatus comprises an engine associated with a transducer controlling chuting means. The engine imparts to the chuting means movements which are proportional to an electric signal controlled by an electronic control unit. The movements of the chuting means, together with the regulation of the spatial position assumed by the chuting means, are such to accurately dose the powdery or granulated material in the bases of the capsules.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for instantly manufacturing a batch of customized pharmaceutical dosages are provided. A batch of customized pharmaceutical dosages is manufactured as per the requirements of an individual, which may depend on age, gender, health, lifestyle, disease, habits, etc. The ingredients or components of the customized pharmaceutical dosages are selected as per the requirement of the individual. These ingredients or components are mixed/blended to form a homogenous mixture. The requisite quantities of the homogenous mixture, based on the individual's requirement, are then measured and converted to a desired final form, e.g., tablets, capsules or sachets. These tablets, capsules, etc., are then packaged and the packages are labeled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for dosing a pharmaceutical product in a packaging machine having at least one volumetric dosing unit with a dosing chamber. The system check-weighs the volumetrically dosed product with appropriate speed and is integrated into a filling or packaging machine. In accordance with the invention, a volume of a first pharmaceutical component is metered and weighed before being introduced into a package. The procedure is repeated with a second pharmaceutical component. The package containing the components is then weighed. Advantageously, accuracy and precision of the amount of the weighed components can be monitored with the present invention to secure the quality of the pharmaceutical product.

Abstract: A capsule orienting and separation apparatus is provided which allows a multiplicity of gelatin capsule shells to be uniformly oriented in a separable condition and for the caps of those shells to be separated from the capsule bodies. The apparatus allows a multiplicity of capsule shells all to be concurrently oriented in an upright disposition by a manually operated mechanism. The capsule caps are all uniformly oriented atop the capsule bodies and are exposed for gripping by a capsule cap lift assembly. The capsule caps are concurrently lifted from the capsule bodies while the capsule bodies remain in position in a matrix of openings in a capsule receiving tray. The capsules can then be filled with capsule filler material and tamped down as appropriate. The capsule caps are then all concurrently replaced on the capsule bodies and the capsule caps and capsule bodies are then concurrently permanently sealed together.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to dispense radiopharmaceuticals from a sealed source vial into capsules. The apparatus is particularly well suited for volatile radiopharmaceuticals such as radioiodine. This apparatus shields the operator from the radiopharmaceutical and also allows use of highly concentrated stock solutions.

Abstract: A capsule orienting and separation apparatus is provided which allows a multiplicity of gelatin capsule shells to be uniformly oriented in a separable condition and for the caps of those shells to be separated from the capsule bodies. The apparatus allows a multiplicity of capsule shells all to be concurrently oriented in an upright disposition by a manually operated mechanism. The capsule caps are all uniformly oriented atop the capsule bodies and are exposed for gripping by a capsule cap lift assembly. The capsule caps are concurrently lifted from the capsule bodies while the capsule bodies remain in position in a matrix of openings in a capsule receiving tray. The capsules can then be filled with capsule filler material and tamped down as appropriate. The capsule caps are then all concurrently replaced on the capsule bodies and the capsule caps and capsule bodies are then concurrently permanently sealed together.

Abstract: A device for filling soluble containers such as capsules comprises an assembly for orienting and separating capsules including double blind capsules which have a longer cap length and shorter body length wherein such assembly has a top sheet for loading the capsules and a bottom sheet for orienting the capsules loaded therein and such said sheets capable of being relatively displaced with respect to each other. Slots are provided in the top sheet for limiting such displacement by setting free configuration for orientation of the capsules. An open closable gate is mounted to the top sheet for enabling easier loading and containment of the capsules within the top sheet, for orienting the capsules. The filler assembly has at least a pair of sheets having profile cut portions and profile-cut strip for gripping the body of the capsules especially capsules having a longer cap length and shorter body length such as double blind capsules.

Abstract: In manufacturing an aspherical seamless capsule comprises, firstly, a seamless capsule C1 having a filler encapsulated with a shell membrane is provided, then it is dried in a dryer 12 until a predetermined percentage content of solvent in the shell membrane reaches a predetermined value. Subsequently, the seamless capsule is heated by a heater 38 so that the shell material may get to a semi-sol state. Then, the heated seamless capsule is formed into an aspherical shape using a forming machine such as a compression molding machine. Because the spherical seamless capsule has a shell membrane which is dried to get semi-sol so that it may have a reduced elasticity and a shortened stress relaxation time, the capsule can be formed in a short time and suppressed from restoring to the original spherical shape. The semi-sol shell membrane has almost no change in properties, and so allows easiness in temperature control for treatment.

Abstract: An encapsulating machine includes a pair of offset die rolls with one die roll mounted on slides urged by an adjustable fulcrum spring toward the other die roll. An offset drive coupling between the axle of the die roll and the associated drive shaft allows independent movement of the die axle to compensate for die wear. A split gear between die roll shafts accommodates for backlash and gear wear. Precise pulley-driven timing belts and phase adjusters extend between the die roll drive and a tablet feed roll to synchronize the clocked introduction of tablets onto film of one of the die rolls for encapsulation at the co-acting nip between the die rolls. The die cavities for tablets include a step-cut to improve the sealing of films around the tablets and a circumferential rub rail on opposite edges of each die prevents excessive wear of the die cavity lands.

Abstract: The capsule filling-sealing apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a filling unit in which various mechanisms for carrying out filling processing for empty capsules are functionally disposed, a sealing unit for securely sealing filled capsules, and a connection unit for transferring the filled capsules from the filling unit to the sealing unit, wherein the filling unit, the connection unit and the sealing unit are disposed organically and integrated substantially, and the sealing processing is carrying out sequentially after the filling processing on the same production line without requiring unnecessary storage and transfer after the filling processing for capsules.

Abstract: A method of sealing parts of a plastic capsule by forming a weld seam in an overlapping region of the parts of the capsule, wherein the capsule comprises a capsule cap having an open end and a capsule body having an open end, the method comprising: (a) holding the capsule cap and the capsule body in a capsule holder comprising a first holding part and a second holding part which can be guided synchronously with one another, wherein the first holding part interlockingly surrounds the capsule cap and the second holding part interlockingly surrounds the capsule body; (b) closing the capsule holder holding the capsule cap and the capsule body so that the open end of the capsule cap and the open end of the capsule body form a sealed cavity therebetween and form an overlapping region, wherein the overlapping region is not covered by the capsule holder, to obtain a closed capsule; and (c) welding the closed capsule using an energy beam of hot gas or laser light on the overlapping region by forming the weld seam t

Abstract: A capsule filling machine (1) for the production of hard gelatine capsules (C) of the type with a capsule lid and a capsule body and containing a product, preferably a pharmaceutical product, comprises at least a first station (2), rotating with a stepping motion, for supporting and moving at least one capsule body (3) to a second station (4) for feeding and dosing the product, the second station (4) rotating with a stepping motion synchrozised with that of the first station (2) and having at least one cylindrical hole (5) containing a dose (6) of the product; between the first station (2) and the second station (4) there being slide means (7) for supporting and moving the capsule body (3) between a first operating position, in which the capsule body (3) is distanced from a lower end (5a) of the cylindrical hole (5), and a second operating position, in which the capsule body (3) is exactly below the lower end (5a) of the cylindrical hole (5), allowing the dose of product (6) to be released into the capsule bo

Abstract: There is provided an automated packaging apparatus for depositing a predetermined number of pills into a series of containers. The packaging apparatus includes a plurality of independently rotatable rotary slats. Each rotary slat includes an outer peripheral edge portion and the rotary slats are configured so that the outer peripheral edge portions define a common interior space. Each outer peripheral edge portion also defines an inner surface and a plurality of pill apertures. The pill apertures are configured to receive one of the pills from the common interior space at a first position and transmit the pill outside the rotary slats at a second position. A conveyor is configured to move a plurality of open containers along a predetermined path of travel and position each of the containers adjacent a respective rotary slat to define a delivery path that extends between the second position of the rotary slat and the container. At least one drive motor is in driving engagement for rotating the rotary slats.

Abstract: A unit (6) for checking the dosing of pharmaceutical material (M) in a capsule filling machine (1) for the production of capsules (CF) of the type with a capsule lid (C) and a capsule body (F), the machine (1) comprising a fixed structure (15) fitted with a rotary drum (2) for supporting a plurality of capsules (CF) on its edge, opening each capsule (CF) by separating the capsule lid (C) from the capsule body (F), filling the capsule body (F) with a dose of material (M), then closing the capsule body (F) again with the relative capsule lid (C); the rotary drum (2) having a tank (5) containing the pharmaceutical material (M) and supporting a plurality of doser elements (3), each comprising at least one piston (8) sliding inside a hollow cylinder (4) to pick up and compress a dose (DS) of material (M) from the tank (5) and discharge it into a capsule body (F) of a capsule (CF).

Abstract: A tablet detecting system ascertains whether a tablet exists in a receiving hole of a loader unit used for a molding tablet supplying apparatus or, if exists, whether the tablet has a standard size, by using a mechanical contact manner. The tablet detecting system has a push rod, a contact head, an insulation plate, a conductive assembly and a control unit. The push rod is inserted into the receiving hole and moves upward just as high as the tablet. The contact head is formed on a top of the push rod and the insulation plate is located over the contact head. The conductive assembly is formed in the insulation plate and the control unit is electrically connected to the conductive assembly. When the tablet in the receiving hole has a standard size, the contact head mechanically touches the conductive assembly and gives electrical connection to the conductive assembly, and the control unit senses the electrical connection.

Abstract: A capsulle filling machine (1) for the production of hard gelatine capsules (c) with between a first station (2) and a second station (4) slide means (7) for supporting and moving the capsule body (3) between a first operating position, in wich the capsule body (3) is distanced from a lower end (5a) of the cylindrical hole (5), and a second operating position, in wich the capsule body (3) is exactly below the lower end (5a) of the cilyndrical hole (5), the slide means (7) comprising a first and a second support (8, 9) operating in conjunction with one another, the first support (8) being carried by the first station (2) and the second support (9) being carried by the second station (4); there also being drive means (10) acting on at least the first support (8) to move the first support (8) towards the second support (9) with both radial and transversal motion until the first support (8) gradually makes contact with the second support (9), with a consequent thrust by the first support (8) on the second support

Abstract: The capsules are disposed on a first rigid support (A1) movable in steps provided with a first plurality of seats (B1) designed to each contain a respective capsule (7), the support (A1) being designed to feed the capsules to means (5) designed to distribute a sealing solution along the rim of the cap (7B) of each capsule. The capsules (7) that have received the solution are then transferred from said first rigid support (A1) to a second rigid support (A3) movable in steps provided with a second plurality of seats (B3) designed to contain a respective capsule (7), the second rigid support (A3) then in turn transferring the capsules (7) to an unloading station (8) after a time sufficient to consolidate sealing.

Abstract: A forming roller for manufacturing moulded bodies with the rotary die method comprises a surface which is roughened at least in the region of the forming roller webs. By way of the roughening of the forming roller webs the adhesive friction for the material tapes from which the moulded bodies are manufactured is increased. The roughness of the surface parts of the forming roller is advantageously produced by the processing of the surface with a blast means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable conveyor for use with an apparatus handling contamination-sensitive discrete items. The conveyor has at least one cavity, each cavity capable to carry at least one discrete item. The conveyor is adapted to be mounted on the contamination-sensitive apparatus that, in operation, is capable to impart movement to the conveyor for displacing the conveyor, and its cavities, along a predetermined path. The present invention also relates to a method for transporting discrete items in a machine performing production runs with different types of contamination-sensitive discrete items. The method involves installing a conveyor as described above on the machine and using it to perform a first production run with a first type of discrete items. The conveyor is then disposed of and a new conveyor installed on the machine, used to perform a second production run with a second type of discrete items, different from the first type.

Abstract: Respective secondary thrusters (70, 71) are added to the primary horizontal thruster (7) and primary vertical thruster (12) of a guiding device of the known type and the guide channel (6) is provided with dimensions such that the steps of guiding and feeding the capsule (C) are performed with minor successive displacements of the said capsule (C). The primary vertical thruster (12) operates, in a position distant from the sleeve (13) of the capping machine so as to allow discarding and free removal of the defective capsules (C) which have a double lid (C2) or the capsule parts which reach this thruster. The last section (206) of the guide channel (6) inside which the secondary vertical thruster (71) operates, has a width slightly smaller than that of the upstream section (106) of the said channel so as to retain firmly the end of the defective capsule (C) having lids (C2) on opposite ends of a base (C1).

Abstract: A capsule filling machine is provided which is characterized in that contents substance m is force fed into a body B accommodated and held in a body pocket 221 using a force feeding screw 33 to fill the contents substance m.

Abstract: A packaging device for a pill packaging apparatus is provided, wherein the packaging device is used for inserting pills into a series of pill receptacles being conveyed generally horizontally thereunder. The packaging device generally comprises a resilient pad driven in an orbital motion. The orbitally driven resilient pad is brought into engagement with pills protruding from the pill receptacles. The orbital motion of the resilient pad imparts a rotational motion to the pills in contact with the pad and thereby urges the protruding pills into the receptacles. An associated method of packaging pills is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a defective capsule removing mechanism characterized in that a defective capsule discharging window 131 is provided for a capsule pocket 11 and the capsule pocket 11 is subject to suction through the discharging window 131 so that a cap or a body of a coupling defective capsule is drawn into the defective capsule discharging window in a rolling manner from one end side directed forwardly and then discharged to the outside of the capsule pocket, and there is also provided another defective capsule removing mechanism characterized in that one end side of a capsule pocket 21 is formed as a cap holding portion 211a having a width smaller than a diameter of the capsule cap and a scraper is inserted in a scraper insertion groove extending transversely to the capsule pocket 21 such that the cap portion of a reverse defective capsule is fitted into the cap holding portion 211a and is not discharged from the capsule pocket at a predetermined location but is further transported, whereafter it is scrap

Abstract: The present invention tablet filler device system includes a plurality of individually secured cells with a tablet hopper and drum functionally adapted to regulate and orient gravity outflow of tablets, a gravity feed chute connected to and downstream from the hopper to singularly align and feed tablets, and a rotatable starwheel having slots to receive tablets from the feed chute to move tablets to a container filling substation. There is also a tablet inspection mechanism located on the feed chute to discern quality characteristics of tablets moving down the feed chute in accordance with a predetermined standard, and a tablet ejector to eject unacceptable tablets. A stepper drive motor with a counter capability for driving the starwheel in a step fashion for controlled release of tablets is included, and an optional counting verification sensor. The cells are interconnected for computer controlled automatic order filling for a variety of tablet types and container sizes.

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 process and apparatus for holding a plurality of medicaments to be coated is disclosed. A support member is provided having a receiving surface with a plurality of channels to communicate a vacuum across the receiving surface and an aperture operable to couple the plurality of channels to a vacuum source. A flexible mat having a perimeter shaped to engage the support member in a sealed relation is provided on the support member. The flexible mat includes a plurality of medicament receptacles mounted to a first surface and adapted to receive the medicaments. The medicament receptacles initially are in a first position when no vacuum is applied. In the first position, the medicament receptacles are positioned to receive a medicament. When a vacuum is applied, the medicament receptacles change to a second position in which the medicament receptacles are positioned to hold the medicament and permit coating thereof.

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: 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. In one version of the apparatus, the blocks have substantially enclosed recesses except for their open tops and each block has one or more vacuum applying passageways including one with an open end at one end of the block.

Abstract: An automated positive count rotary slat packaging apparatus and related methods include independently rotatable rotary slats. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a positive count mechanism disposed in the pill delivery path adjacent the containers and a controller which is capable of generating an alarm or determining when a bottle is filled incorrectly. Accordingly, underfilled containers can be independently filled by further rotating only the respective rotary slat. A drive device for each rotary slat is also provided having frustoconical drive wheels connected to the ends of counterrotating drive shafts. The drive wheels, which are driven by a motor, engage corresponding frustoconical drive surfaces of the rotary slats to thereby rotate the slats.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capsule filling apparatus mainly including a capsule positioning mechanism, a powder filling mechanism, and an assembling mechanism. Both the capsule position and powder filling mechanisms include a capsule holding means formed form an upper and a lower part. The lower part of the capsule holding means is controlled to move by a motor and coupler, clutch, sensing plate mounted on the shaft of the motor. A suction hole is formed at the bottom of each capsule holding hole on the lower part of the capsule holding means to communicate with an external vacuum source. A locating means is provided below a seat of the lower part of the capsule holding means in the capsule positioning mechanism. The powder filling mechanism includes a powder tank. An air cylinder drives the powder tank to move to or away from the capsule holding means by eccentrically connecting a piston shaft to a lower outer side of the powder tank.

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: Disclosed is an appearance inspecting device for a solid formulation, including a supply section for continuously supplying solid formulations such as capsules; an inspecting drum for holding on its outer peripheral portion the solid formulations supplied from the supply section, carrying the solid formulations in such a manner as to allow the solid formulations to be intermittently revolved, and allowing the solid formulations to be rotated on their axes at a specific carrying position; an image pickup device for photographing surfaces of the solid formulations being thus rotated on their axes; a quality determining section for processing images of the solid formulations thus picked up from the image pickup device and determining whether the solid formulations are nondefective or defective; and a classifying section for classifying the solid formulations into defective and nondefective solid formulations on the result determined by the quality determining section and recovering the defective and nondefective

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 machine includes groups of bushes (1) of dimensions suitable for the superposed and aligned containment of a base cover (14), of a tablet (52) and of a lid cover (14).

Abstract: Electrostatic phototechnology is used to package microgram quantities of fine powders such as drugs in discrete capsule and tablet form. An electrostatic "image" having a given size and charge density is exposed to ionized drug powder to attract a known amount of drug to the image. The resultant drug "image", is then transferred to a an open ended capsule, a partially formed tablet or edible wafer or belt. The capsule is then sealed, i.e. by capping, or the tablet finished.

Abstract: A band seal is formed between a body and a cap of a capsule by fitting the cap on the body, and applying a gelatin-base sealant at least one time in the form of a band spanning the cap and the body. Band sealing is carried out by at least one of the following steps (A) to (E): the step (A) of applying the sealant at a temperature of 30-40.degree. C. at least when the sealant is first applied, the step (B) of applying the sealant at a viscosity of 50-200 centipoises at 50.degree. C. at least when the sealant is first applied, the step (C) of after the sealant is applied, blowing cold air at a temperature of up to 10.degree. C. to the band seal to cool the band seal below 10.degree. C., the step (D) of reducing the joint distance between the body and the cap shorter than the standard capsule length, and the step (E) of applying the sealant to only an edge adjacent portion of the cap surface when the sealant is first applied. The invention prevents bubbles from generating in the band seal.

Abstract: A capsule handling system is formed of a loader component and an opener/encapsulater component. The system can handle different sized capsules, and has interchangeable parts so that a compounding pharmacist can conveniently produce a variety of distinct filled capsules, on the order of a prescribing medical professional to meet the unique needs of patients.