I.m.a. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.a.

Aristide Cane

Angiolino Ribani

Nerio Mirri

Marco Marescalchi

The bases and caps are aligned in two stages, with displacement by first pointed pushers (13-31) into corresponding calibrated horizontal channels (12-29) followed by displacement by second pushers (21-44) into corresponding calibrated vertical and descending channels (312-329). The second pusher (21) pushes the bases horizontally into the wider terminal part (20) of the descending channel, where the base is sucked by its sealed end and inserted into the corresponding supporting socket (1), with a vertical disposition and with the opening upwards. The second pusher (44), operating with the caps, acts on the intermediate parts of these with a point (144) which causes the caps to rotate with the opening downwards and transfers them with a vertical disposition into the wider terminal part (42) of the descending channel where the cap is held by a suction tube (46) which inserts it into the corresponding supporting socket (2). The seats (28) to which the caps are fed for orientation are provided at their bases with supports (37-137 or 39-139) which ensure that the caps are stopped at different levels and that they have the best disposition with respect to the first orientating pusher.

Device for orientating the bases and caps of hard gelatin capsules

The apparatus makes use of a pair of rotating combs (11-14), the discs of the second comb being interposed between the discs of the first comb and positioned at the top between fixed guide plates (17). The discs of the first comb intercept the streams of closed capsules, from which any covers not provided with shells have already been removed. The capsules are inserted by their shells between the discs of the first comb and remain suspended on said discs by their covers (C1). Only capsule shells and any crushed capsules fall through the discs of the first comb. The capsules conveyed by the first rotating comb arrive on the discs of the second comb, generally with their covers at the front. The second comb transfers the capsules to the longitudinal guide channels (107') of a short vibrating table (7'), which in the initial part of each channel is provided with a longitudinal aperture (19) which allows the capsule shell to pass through but holds the capsule covers, which in this way arrive in a vertical position at a discharge hole (20). Any capsules carrying two covers pass over said hole (20) and are discharged into the hopper for rejects.

Growing community of inventors

San Lazzaro di Savena, Italy

Aristide Cane