Capsule filling device and method of operation
US6901972B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61J3/074
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device and method of operation for filling medicine capsules, in which a fixed quantity of open capsules to be filled are supported in a circular array by a holder plate beneath the periphery of a rotatable distribution drum. In use, a measured supply of filling medication, in dry granular form, is dispensed into the center of the rotating drum where it is distributed evenly by centrifugal force along the periphery of the drum. As the drum stops rotating, the medication flows by gravity into the capsules, which are then inspected, closed and packaged. The distribution of filler material is more even than if the capsules were filled by hand, and the average quantity (both by volume and by weight) of the filling material per capsule in the batch is variable to suit an individual patient's needs, and very accurately known. In addition, two or more compatible filler medications may be mixed in the same capsules to suit the specialized needs of a particular user. Because the provided quantity of medication is completely distributed into each batch of capsules, inadvertent double-filling is prevented.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.