Patent · US Expired

Gravity fed type two-drum rectifying and rotary printing system

US4377971A · kind A · utility

21Cited by
13References
18Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 2, 1981
Grant dateMar 29, 1983
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 2, 2001

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB41F17/36
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed which transports and rectifies objects, such as pharmaceutical capsules, and prints appropriate indicia on the objects. The apparatus comprises a two-drum system, the first drum being used to shift objects from a radial to a longitudinal position, and then to reorient some of the capsules so that, when the capsules are delivered to a second drum, the cam drum, all capsules are pointing in the same direction. The system takes advantage of gravity for rectification. Spin printing means are provided to print indicia on the rectified objects, as the objects travel along the periphery of the cam drum. A process for operating the apparatus is disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.