US3670865A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rectifying means
Assignee: Parke Davis and Co LLC
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Filing: 1970-07-23
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Granted: 1972-06-20
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Expires: 1990-07-23
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus means are provided to rectify and convey cap-and-body pharmaceutical capsules, for printing or other work operation, from a random supply of joined capsules, thereby making for significant advantage in materials handling. For labeling purposes especially, this enables selective printing either on the cap, on the body, or on both, with the same or different legends, as desired.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl C Garland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 06:37
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61J; A61J3/00; A61J3/007; A61J3/07; A61J3/071; A61J3/074
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
269 words
In combination with telescopically joined cap-and-body capsules of a predetermined axial length and diametrical size in which said cap is larger than and telescopes over said body, machine means for conveying said joined capsules in a line in correctly oriented position from a random supply of said joined capsules, a plurality of driven rectifier or guide means, each of which comprises a carrier having an upright tubular recess defined in terms of machine direction by leading and trailing concave surfaces for loading with the body of a capsule in a closE fit and for conveying the capsule upright to a work station, the carrier having a length axis in the machine direction, characterized in that the tubular recess is sufficiently narrow to fit the body but not the cap so that a capsule presented to the recess in cap-down position is prevented from loading into the recess and is sufficiently deep to support the body of a capsule mounted in the recess, the upper portion of the trailing surface adjacent the position of the cap of a capsule in loaded position is flat instead of concave, the flat being generally perpendicular to the length axis and rearwardly offset from the trailing concave surface, the amount of offset being such as to clear the cap of a capsule in loaded position whereby a capsule presented to the recess in cap-down position is allowed to ride against the flat temporarily but is prevented from loading into the recess or nesting in a concave trailing surface and means to drive said plurality of driven rectifier or guide means through said random supply.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
269 words
In combination with telescopically joined cap-and-body capsules of a predetermined axial length and diametrical size in which said cap is larger than and telescopes over said body, machine means for conveying said joined capsules in a line in correctly oriented position from a random supply of said joined capsules, a plurality of driven rectifier or guide means, each of which comprises a carrier having an upright tubular recess defined in terms of machine direction by leading and trailing concave surfaces for loading with the body of a capsule in a closE fit and for conveying the capsule upright to a work station, the carrier having a length axis in the machine direction, characterized in that the tubular recess is sufficiently narrow to fit the body but not the cap so that a capsule presented to the recess in cap-down position is prevented from loading into the recess and is sufficiently deep to support the body of a capsule mounted in the recess, the upper portion of the trailing surface adjacent the position of the cap of a capsule in loaded position is flat instead of concave, the flat being generally perpendicular to the length axis and rearwardly offset from the trailing concave surface, the amount of offset being such as to clear the cap of a capsule in loaded position whereby a capsule presented to the recess in cap-down position is allowed to ride against the flat temporarily but is prevented from loading into the recess or nesting in a concave trailing surface and means to drive said plurality of driven rectifier or guide means through said random supply.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
Guide means according to claim 1 comprising a rearward bevel joining the flat and the top of the guide means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
Guide means according to claim 2 wherein the bevel extends from the flat at an angle of approximately 45*.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
Guide means according to claim 2 wherein the rearward bevel includes a pivot located for contact with the sidewall of a capsule presented to the recess in the cap-down position whereby a capsule in the latter position is pivotable away from the recess.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
Guide means according to claim 2 wherein the rearward bevel includes a pivot located for contact with the sidewall of a capsule at the mid-point of the capsule or lower when such capsule is presented to the recess in the cap-down position whereby a capsule in the latter position is pivotable away from the recess.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
Guide means according to claim 1 supporting pivot means in association with the flat located for contact with the sidewall of a capsule presented to the recess in the cap-down position whereby a capsule in the latter position is pivotable away from the recess.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
Guide means according to claim 6 wherein the pivot means is located for contact with the sidewall of a capsule at the mid-point of the capsule or lower when such capsule is presented in the cap-down position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-20 | 1975-12-20 | 1976-06-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-20 | 1979-12-20 | 1980-06-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-20 | 1983-12-20 | 1984-06-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |