Method and apparatus for sorting capsules
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for sorting capsules into groups of sound and defective capsules comprising:
- (a) a control station comprising a feed path and control positions for receiving the capsules and evaluating the properties of the capsules;
(b) a feed means for feeding the capsules from a supply container to the control station;
(c) a means for producing images of the capsules arranged at control positions in the control station;
(d) a means for endedly ejecting sound capsules and defective capsules;
(e) a plurality of capsule holders for holding the capsules in the control positions;
(f) a means provided in the first control position for feeding the capsules into the capsule holders;
(g) a means for independently ejecting sound capsules and defective capsules from the capsule holders;
wherein the feed means comprises a downwardly directed tube having blocking means for piling up and separating the capsules; and
wherein the capsule holders comprise a U-shaped upwardly open rail having at its lower side a slot extending in the conveying direction of the capsules, the rail having pointed edges on which the capsules bear and the rail having at its outer end a tip for supporting the capsules.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus for sorting capsules of hard or soft gelatin, starch or another material, for faultless and faulty capsules. In the apparatus, capsules are first fed from a supply container holders in a control station, then conveyed in the capsule holders through individual control positions in the control station where they are observed using cameras. The images acquired by the cameras are evaluated to determine production faults in the capsules. The faulty capsules are finally ejected from the control station separately from faultless capsules.
38 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An apparatus for sorting capsules into groups of sound and defective capsules comprising:
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(a) a control station comprising a feed path and control positions for receiving the capsules and evaluating the properties of the capsules; (b) a feed means for feeding the capsules from a supply container to the control station; (c) a means for producing images of the capsules arranged at control positions in the control station; (d) a means for endedly ejecting sound capsules and defective capsules; (e) a plurality of capsule holders for holding the capsules in the control positions; (f) a means provided in the first control position for feeding the capsules into the capsule holders; (g) a means for independently ejecting sound capsules and defective capsules from the capsule holders; wherein the feed means comprises a downwardly directed tube having blocking means for piling up and separating the capsules; and
wherein the capsule holders comprise a U-shaped upwardly open rail having at its lower side a slot extending in the conveying direction of the capsules, the rail having pointed edges on which the capsules bear and the rail having at its outer end a tip for supporting the capsules. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification