Process and machine for automated manufacture of gastro-retentive devices

Abstract

An automated process and apparatus for making a gastro-retentive device (). The method includes the steps of providing a pouch assembly having an ingredient section within a membrane; folding the membrane to form a folded pouch assembly; inserting the folded pouch assembly into a first capsule section () to form a pouch/first capsule assembly, and inserting the pouch/first capsule assembly into a second capsule section (). The process can further include the steps of providing a strip () of multiple pouch assemblies () and cutting a single pouch assembly from the strip (). Also provided is an apparatus () for carrying out the above method which includes a tooling block () having a passageway () configured for slidable movement of the pouch assembly () therein, and a tooling pocket () extending from a top surface of the tooling block to the passageway and which receives the pouch assembly. A ram () is provided for pushing the pouch assembly through the tooling pocket into the passageway, wherein the pouch assembly is folded and encapsulated.