US3693320A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Novel capsule finishing apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-11-09
•
Granted: 1972-09-26
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Expires: 1990-11-09
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and means are provided for finishing pharmaceutical capsules under vacuum whereby any empty capsules present are disqualified and dust and other contamination are cleared from the surfaces of capsules, capsule filling machinery, etc.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl C Garland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 00:21
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07B; B07B7/00; B07B7/06; A; A61; A61J; A61J3/00; A61J3/07; B07B4/00; B07B4/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
Apparatus for finishing pharmaceutical capsules comprising: a vertically disposed chamber; means for introducing capsules into the chamber; vacuum means for moving an air stream through the chamber in a vertical direction to cause capsules in the chamber to become airborne therein above the bottom of the chamber and to be lifted and tumbled in the air stream; baffle means above the airborne capsules adapted to pass the air stream and to confine the capsules within the chamber; and outlet means for removing capsules from the chamber, the capsule introducing means comprising an open-ended chute, the chute being pivotable to a transfer position with one end of the chute in cooperative relation with the outlet means for transfer of articles therebetween.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
Apparatus for finishing pharmaceutical capsules comprising: a vertically disposed chamber; means for introducing capsules into the chamber; vacuum means for moving an air stream through the chamber in a vertical direction to cause capsules in the chamber to become airborne therein above the bottom of the chamber and to be lifted and tumbled in the air stream; baffle means above the airborne capsules adapted to pass the air stream and to confine the capsules within the chamber; and outlet means for removing capsules from the chamber, the capsule introducing means comprising an open-ended chute, the chute being pivotable to a transfer position with one end of the chute in cooperative relation with the outlet means for transfer of articles therebetween.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the outlet means is an opening located at the bottom of the chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
An apparatus accordiNg to claim 1 in combination with means for filling and joining capsules, the latter means including housing means in communication with an open end of the chute while in the transfer position whereby joined capsules collected in the housing can be transferred from the housing via the chute to the chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 in combination with control means for interrupting the air stream whereby capsules located in the chamber lack support and are discharged from the chamber via the opening in the bottom of the chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the baffle means includes perforate walls slanted away from the vertical at an angle sufficient to cause capsules moving upwardly to rebound toward side walls of the chamber.
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) | 1975-09-26 | 1976-03-27 | 1976-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-26 | 1980-03-27 | 1980-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-26 | 1984-03-27 | 1984-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |