R.p. Scherer Corporation

Ingel Technologies Ltd.

Cardinal Health 409, Inc.

George Bernard Tidy

Dennis Rowe

Allan Draisey

Ryan Grimes

David John Smith

Geoffrey J Cruttenden

Neil J Holland

Neil John Holland

Capsules, for example for the delivery of pharmaceuticals, are produced from two films () of a water-soluble polymeric material, by deforming the films to form a multiplicity of recesses, and filling the recesses, using two adjacent rotary dies () with recesses () into which the films () are deformed. The dies () act as electrodes for welding the films together by dielectric welding to form filled capsules (). The capsules () can be separated from the resulting web either by coating at least one of the dies () with an electrical insulator (), or by transferring the web from the dies () to a second pair of dies which cut the capsules () free. The polymeric material may be gelatin, or a water-soluble cellulose derivative such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and may also contain a plasticiser.

Method and apparatus for making capsules

Apparatus for producing image bearing filled gelatin capsules (and) for directing gelatin ribbon () from respective casting drums to an encapsulation station (). Along the path of at least one ribbon () is a transfer station () at which images are applied to the ribbon. The images are applied in a pattern which corresponds to the pattern of capsules formed from the ribbon at the encapsulation station (). Both the rollers () at the encapsulation station, and a support roller at or adjacent the transfer station are positively drive, and a control system ensures that the peripheral speed of a support roller () in the transfer station () is the same as the speed of the ribbon into and through the encapsulation station. The drive motor for the respective support roller in the transfer station is preferably a stepping motor, adjustable to advace or retard relative to the ribbon spped in the encapsulation station (). Sensors () may be included to postiviely monitor the alignment of ribbon with the encapsulation process. Provision is also made for monitoring the lateral positioning of images on the ribbon, and for shifting the ribbon to accommodate any lateral misalignment.

Method and apparatus for printing a ribbon for packaging gelatin capsules

A method and apparatus for producing filled gelatin capsules created from strips ( ) of gelatin ribbon. The strips are led to an encapsulation station ( ) 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 ( ) preferably, such means comprises a pivotal guide bar assembly ( ).

Gelatin encapsulation techniques

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Swindon, United Kingdom

George Bernard Tidy