Apparatus For Regulating Release Of Tablets Into Cells Of A Heat Formed Strip

• US 20130153595A1
• Filed: 12/11/2012
• Published: 06/20/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/14/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
• Original Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
• Inventors: MONTI, Giuseppe
• Granted Patent: US 9,135,769 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 221/30
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 37/02 by gravity flow
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 5/103 for packaging pills or tablets
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/56 the storage containers or supports both rotating and moving axially

Abstract

An apparatus for regulating release of tablets into cells of a heat-formed strip has a frame (2), and at least one supply channel (3) for directing tablets (4) to an outlet (5). A tooth (6) is movable between a first position (A) where the tooth blocks the supply channel and a second position (B) which allows transit of the tablets (4) to the outlet. An elastically flexible blade (7) is fixed to the frame (2) and equipped with the tooth (6). A tube (8) supplied with a fluid elastically expands or retracts in a radial direction as a function of the fluid pressure. The tube (8) abuts the flexible blade (7) in such a way that by regulating the pressure of the fluid internally of the tube (8), it is possible to control the position of the tooth (6).

Claims

1. An apparatus for regulating release of tablets into cells of a heat-formed strip, comprising:

a frame (2);

at least one supply channel (3) which can be crossed by tablets (4) and which comprises an outlet (5) of tablets (4);

a tooth (6) which is mobile between a first advanced position (A), in which the tooth (6) blocks the supply channel (3) so as to interrupt transit of tablets (4), and a second retracted position (B) for consenting transit of tablets (4) along the supply channel (3);

an elastically flexible blade (7) fixed to the frame (2) and equipped with the tooth (6);

a tube (8) which can be supplied with a fluid for elastically expanding or retracting the tube (8) in a radial direction as a function of a pressure the fluid attains internally of the tube (8);

the tube (8) being arranged so as to abut the flexible blade (7) in such a way that regulating the pressure of the fluid internally of the tube (8), controls the position of the tooth (6).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tube (8) is interposed between the supply channel (3) and the blade (7), such that an expansion of the tube (8) determines flexing of the blade (7) with a consequent displacement of the tooth (6) towards the second retracted position (B).

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade (7) is interposed between the tube (8) and the supply channel (3) such that an expansion of the tube (8) causes flexing of the blade (7) with a consequent displacement of the tooth (6) towards the first advanced position (A).

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade (7) is fixed to the frame (2) at a first end (9) of the blade (7).

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tooth (6) is arranged at a second end (10) of the blade (7).

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade (7) is made of a material comprising a fiberglass tissue impregnated with resin.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tube (8) is made of silicone.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade (7) conforms the tooth (6) in a single body.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an end of the tube (8) is closed.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of supply channels that are flanked to one another, a plurality of blades flanked to one another, each blade (7) being equipped with a tooth (6) for intervening in a corresponding supply channel (3), the tube (8) being arranged transversally with respect to the plurality of blades (7) such that by regulating the pressure of the fluid internally of the tube (8), it is possible to contemporaneously command the position assumed by the teeth (6).