Closing station, capsule filling machine and method thereof.

Abstract

Closing station, capsule filling machine and method thereof.The present invention discloses a closing station (100) for a capsule filling machine comprising a lower closing unit (110) and an upper closing unit (120) configured to move towards each other, such that the lower pins (112) associated with said lower closing unit are driven into through holes of a body retainer (B) to contact the closed ends of each filled capsule body section (114) and sliding them into said open ends of each capsule cap section (124), such that each capsule is partially closed against a pre-compression force exerted by the upper pins (122) and is completely closed when the force against the tilting means (130) of said upper pins (122) is exerted to provide telescopic closure of the cap (124) and body (114) sections of each capsule.

Description

1 / 18 TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE CLOSING STATION, CAPSULE FILLING MACHINE AND METHOD OF THE SAME IN THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a closing station of a capsule filling machine that provides efficient capsule closing and segregation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] A capsule is typically made of two pre-fabricated cylindrical shells referred to as a cap and a body, one end of each of which is rounded and closed and the other end is open. In a capsule filling machine, a pharmaceutical and / or nutraceutical ingredient is filled into the capsule body and the cap is inserted over the body to telescopically join the cap and body. Generally, the cap overlaps concentrically with the body when the cap and body are telescopically joined.

[003] With reference to Figure 1, it shows a conventional capsule filling machine typically comprising a tower (T) in the form of a turntable comprising a plurality of capsule retainers (CSH) mounted circumferentially on it. Each capsule retainer (CSH) comprises a cap retainer (C) and a body retainer (B), each with a plurality of through holes (O). Typically, the cap retainers (C) are mounted on the top of the tower (T), and the body retainers (B) are fixed to the side or bottom of the tower (T) so that the body retainers (B) can slide out of the tower (T) to allow filling of pharmaceutical / nutraceutical ingredients into empty capsule bodies held in the body retainers (B).The tower (T) rotates, as indicated by the arrow (TR), through a plurality of stations, such as a loading station (1) for loading empty capsules; an orientation station (2) for automatically orienting the empty capsules in. Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, p. 7 / 130 2 / 18 a predetermined orientation where the cap of each capsule is on top and the body of each capsule is below the cap, and separating the cap and body of each capsule in the cap retainer (C) and the body retainer (B), respectively; a cap detection station (3) to check and confirm the presence of the cap of each capsule in the cap retainer (C); a body detection station to check and confirm the presence of the body of each capsule in the body retainer (B), a compaction station (5), etc., for filling one or more pharmaceutical / nutraceutical ingredients into each capsule body in the body retainer (B); closed capsule ejection station (7) for ejecting unopened capsules; a closing station (9) for closing the cap and body of each capsule to form filled capsules; filled capsule ejection station (11) with a capsule ejection chute (11a) for ejecting the filled capsules typically into a collector located below; and a cleaning station (12) for cleaning the bushings, i.e., holes in the capsule cap retainer (C) and body support (B). The tower (T) may include optional stations (4, 6, 8, 10) to perform additional functions such as pellet filling or liquid filling, checking the filled capsules for compliance with predefined quality parameters, rejecting capsules that do not meet the predefined quality parameters.

[004] However, in such conventional capsule filling machines, there may be instances where the cap and body detection station may not function accurately to verify the presence of the cap and body of each capsule in the cap and body retainer. Furthermore, in such cases, the body or cap may eject from their respective through holes, resulting in a capsule with only a cap or body, and therefore the capsule can no longer be sealed or processed. This can even lead to an interruption in operation, and this improper filling and closing of capsules at the closing station causes waste of pharmaceutical / nutraceutical ingredients and economic losses. Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, page 8 / 130 3 / 18

[005] Furthermore, the closing station used in such a conventional capsule filling machine is typically spring-loaded, which not only closes the capsules but also measures the force during capsule closure. The capsule body is pushed into the cap against a lid that covers the cap sections to telescopically join the cap and body. The pressure and compression force applied can exceed the limit, and there is no mechanism to responsively adjust the force to form a good capsule, resulting only in a crushed capsule. This also leads to wasted time and material and inefficient operation of the capsule filling machine, as there is no segregation of good and bad capsules at this stage.

[006] Therefore, there is a need to overcome one or more of the problems mentioned above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] Consequently, one aspect of the present invention discloses a closing station for a capsule filling machine, wherein said station comprises a lower closing unit positioned under a capsule filling machine body retainer having a plurality of capsule body sections therein, wherein said lower closing unit having a lower pin for each capsule body section axially aligned with a corresponding vertical through hole of said body retainer; an upper closing unit positioned above a cap retainer with a capsule cap section for each capsule body section, wherein said upper closing unit has an upper pin for each cap section axially aligned with a corresponding vertical through hole of said cap retainer;and a control unit configured to initiate the vertical displacement of said lower and upper closing units toward each other; to propel each said lower pin toward said through holes of said body retainer to make contact and slide the closed ends of each capsule body section; Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, page 9 / 130 4 / 18 for said open ends of each capsule lid section; partially close the lid and body sections of each capsule against a pre-compression force exerted by said upper pins; and partially close the lid and body sections of each of said capsules and completely close the telescopically closed lid and body against a tilting force exerted by a tilting means positioned within said upper pins.

[008] According to one embodiment, the control unit is in communication with a detection means positioned within said upper closure unit, wherein said control unit is configured to: receive a positive feedback signal generated by said detection means upon detection of inclination of said upper pins to a predetermined limit position, indicative of complete telescopic closure of the good capsule with said body section and the lid section, and activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal generated to segregate and remove only said good capsules from the capsule retainers.

[009] According to the embodiment, the control unit is in communication with a first detection means and a second detection means equidistantly spaced and positioned adjacent to said upper pins within said upper closing unit, wherein said control unit is configured to: receive a positive signal feedback signal generated only by said first detection means upon detection of inclination of said upper pins only to a first predetermined limit position, indicative of the complete telescopic closure of a good capsule having both said body section and lid section;to receive a positive feedback signal generated by said first detection means and said second detection means upon detecting the inclination of said upper pins to a predetermined first and second limit positions, indicative of incomplete telescopic closure of the capsule with a dent in said body section or in the lid section; and to receive the negative feedback signal generated by said first detection means and / or said second means; Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, page 10 / 130 5 / 18 means of detecting that the upper pins are not tilted to the first and / or second predetermined limit position and the non-telescopic capsule with only the body section or cover section.

[010] According to the embodiment, the control unit is configured to activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal received generated by said first detection means to segregate and remove only said good capsules from the capsule holders; activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal received generated by said first and second detection means to reject the toothed capsule; and activate a control signal based on said negative feedback signal received generated by said first and / or second detection means to reject non-telescopic capsules.

[011] According to the modality, the control unit is configured to move said lower and upper closing units with a predetermined pressure at synchronized time intervals.

[012] Depending on the type, the tilting mechanism includes a spring.

[013] According to the embodiment, the body and cover retainers include at least one row of predetermined diameters configured to accommodate the plurality of said body and cover sections.

[014] According to the embodiment, each said upper pin includes at least one stepped surface to assist in tilting said upper pins.

[015] According to the embodiment, the predetermined limit position, first and / or second predetermined limit positions, are determined by said control unit.

[016] According to another aspect, the present invention discloses a capsule filling machine comprising: a closing station including: a lower closing unit positioned under a body retainer of the capsule filling machine having a plurality of capsule body sections therein, said lower closing unit having a lower pin for each capsule body section axially aligned with a corresponding vertical through hole of said body retainer; a Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, p. 11 / 130 6 / 18 upper closure unit positioned above a cap retainer with a capsule cap section for each capsule body section, said upper closure unit having an upper pin for each cap section axially aligned with a corresponding vertical through hole of said cap retainer; at least one detection means configured to detect the inclination of each of said upper pins to a predetermined limit position, indicative of the complete telescopic closure of the good capsule with said body section and cap section; and a control unit in communication with said at least one detection means is configured to receive a positive feedback signal and activates a control signal based on said positive feedback signal generated to segregate and remove only said good capsules from the capsule retainers.

[017] According to the embodiment, the control unit is configured to: initiate the vertical displacement of said lower and upper closing units towards each other; propel each said lower pin towards said through holes of said body retainer to make contact and slide the closed ends of each capsule body section towards said open ends of each capsule lid section; close the lid and body sections of each capsule partially against a pre-compression force exerted by said upper pins; and close the lid and body sections of each of said capsules partially and completely closed telescopically against a tilting force exerted by a tilting means positioned within said upper pins.

[018] According to the embodiment, at least one means of detection is positioned within said upper closure unit.

[019] According to the embodiment, the control unit is in communication with a first detection means and a second detection means equidistantly spaced and positioned adjacent to said upper pins within said upper closing unit, said control unit is configured to: receive a positive signal feedback signal generated only Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, page 12 / 130 7 / 18 by said first detection means in detecting the inclination of said upper pins only to a first predetermined limit position, indicative of the complete telescopic closure of a good capsule that has both said body section and lid section; receiving a positive feedback signal generated by said first detection means and said second detection means in detecting the inclination of said upper pins to a first and second predetermined limit position, indicative of incomplete telescopic closure of the capsule with a dent in said body section or lid section; and receiving the negative feedback signal generated by said first detection means and / or said second detection means indicating non-inclination of said upper pins to said first and / or second predetermined limit position and non-telescopic capsule with only said body section or lid section.

[020] According to the embodiment, the control unit is configured to activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal received generated by said first detection means to segregate and remove only said good capsules from the capsule holders; activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal received generated by said first and second detection means to reject the toothed capsule; and activate a control signal based on said negative feedback signal received generated by said first and / or second detection means to reject non-telescopic capsules.

[021] According to another aspect, the present invention discloses a method of operating a closing station of a capsule filling machine, wherein the method comprises the steps of: initiating, by a control unit, a vertical displacement of a lower closing unit and an upper closing unit towards each other to impel the lower pins to come into contact and slide the closed ends of each capsule body section to the open ends of each capsule cap section; closing, by a control unit, cap and body sections of each capsule partially against a pre-compression force exerted Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, page 13 / 130 8 / 18 by said upper pins; closing, by means of a control unit, the lid and body sections of each said partially and completely telescopic capsule against a tilting force exerted by a tilting means positioned within said upper pins; processing, by a control unit, of a plurality of received feedback signals generated by said first detection means and second detection means; and activating, by a control unit, a control signal based on said received positive feedback signal to segregate and remove only good capsules with said body sections and lid sections of the capsule retainers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[022] The above aspects, features and advantages and others of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more evident from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[023] Figure 1 shows a conventional capsule filling machine;

[024] Figure 2 through Figures 2A to 2F show a closing station for a capsule filling machine according to an aspect of the present invention,

[025] Figure 2A shows the closing station with lower and upper closing units in normal position before the start of operation, according to the present invention;

[026] Figure 2B shows the closing station which has a means of detection in operation providing efficient closure of the capsule with said body section and lid section, according to an aspect of the present invention;

[027] Figure 2C shows the closing station in operation providing efficient closing and detection of good capsules, according to another aspect of the present invention;

[028] Figure 2D shows the closing station in operation showing the detection of capsules with only the cap to be rejected, the cap Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, page 14 / 130 9 / 18 is rejected because the body is not detected according to the present invention;

[029] Figure 2E shows the closing station in operation showing the detection of capsules with only the body being rejected, the body is rejected because the cap is not detected according to the present invention; and

[030] Figure 2F shows the closing station in operation showing the detection of closed capsules, but with dents or improper fit of the lid and body that must be rejected, according to the present invention.

[031] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may not have been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[032] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that similar reference numbers are used to represent equal or similar elements, features and units. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION EMBODIMENTS

[033] In general, the present invention claims a closing station for a capsule filling machine comprising a lower closing unit and an upper closing unit configured to move towards each other, such that the lower pins associated with the lower closing unit prevent the through holes of a body retainer from contacting closed ends of the filled capsule body sections and sliding them to the open ends of each capsule cap section, so that each capsule is partially closed against a pre-compression force exerted by the upper pins and is completely closed when the force against the tilting means of the upper pins is exerted to provide the telescopic closing of the cap and body sections of each capsule.

[034] Other aspects, advantages and salient features of the invention are Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, page 15 / 130 10 / 18 will become evident to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken together with the accompanying drawings, reveals exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[035] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes several specific details to aid in this understanding, but these should be considered merely exemplary. Consequently, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Furthermore, descriptions of known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[036] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to allow a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Consequently, it should be evident to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative purposes only and not for purposes of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, upper and lower locking units, upper and lower pins, first and second detection means, first and second predetermined limit positions, etc. are cited in the description for purposes of understanding and in no way limit the invention.The rows of through holes, elongated upper and lower pins, locking units, body and cover retainers, sensing means, and tilting means in no way limit the specific number and arrangement disclosed in the invention. Furthermore, vertical, axial, and adjacent are mentioned in the description for the sake of clarity and in no way limit the invention.

[037] The figures discussed below and the various modalities used for Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, page 16 / 130 11 / 18 The principles of the present disclosure described in this patent document are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any suitably organized environment. The terms used to describe various embodiments are illustrative. It should be understood that these are provided only to aid comprehension of the description, and that their use and definitions in no way limit the scope of the invention.

[038] With reference to Figure 2, Figures 2A to 2F show a closing station (100) for a capsule filling machine according to a preferred aspect of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2A, the closing station (100) is in the normal position before the start of operation. According to a preferred embodiment, the closing station (100) comprises a lower closing unit (110) positioned below a body retainer (B) with a plurality of capsule body sections (114). The lower closing unit has a lower pin (112) for each capsule body section (114) axially aligned with a corresponding vertical through hole (O) of said body retainer (B).

[039] According to the embodiment, an upper closing unit (120) positioned above a lid retainer (C) having a capsule lid section (124) for each capsule body section (114). The upper closing unit has an upper pin (122) for each lid section (124) axially aligned with a corresponding vertical through hole (O) of said lid retainer. The upper closing unit (120) includes a first detection means (150) and a second detection means (160).

[040] Figure 2B with reference shows the closing station (100) having a detection means (140) in operation providing efficient closure of the capsule with said body section (114) and lid section (124), according to another aspect of the present invention. As seen in Figure 2B, a control unit (not shown) initiates the vertical displacement of the Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, page 17 / 130 12 / 18 lower (110) and upper (120) closing units towards each other, driving the lower pins (112) into the through holes (O) of the body retainer (B) to contact the closed ends of each capsule body section (114) and sliding them to the open ends of each capsule lid section (124), so that a capsule is partially closed against a pre-compression force exerted by the upper pins (122) and is completely closed when the force against the tilting means of the upper pins (122) is exerted to provide the telescopic closure of the lid (124) and body sections (114) of each capsule.

[041] According to the embodiment, the upper closing unit (120) includes a detection means (140) positioned vertically and adjacent to said upper pins (122). The control unit is configured to receive a positive feedback signal generated by said detection means (140) upon detection of inclination of said upper pins (122) to a predetermined limit position, indicative of complete telescopic closure of the good capsule (170) with said body section (114) and lid section (124), and activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal generated to segregate and remove only said good capsules (170) from the capsule retainers.

[042] According to the embodiment, the detection means (140) further segregate the capsules by not triggering any signal when there is no inclination of said upper pins (122) to both said predetermined limit positions, thus indicating a capsule with said body section (114) or lid section (124) to be rejected.

[043] According to the present invention, the control unit is configured to control the removal of only good capsules (145) from the capsule holders based on the response signal.

[044] According to the embodiment, each said upper pin (122) includes at least one stepped surface to assist in the inclination of said upper pins (122).

[045] With reference to Figure 2C shows the closing station (100) in Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, p. 18 / 130 13 / 18 operation providing efficient closure and detection of good capsules, according to the preferred aspect of the present invention. As seen in Figure 2C, the upper closure unit (120) includes a first detection means (150) and a second detection means (160) equidistantly spaced and positioned vertically adjacent to said upper pins (122), configured for closure and segregation of capsules.The control unit is in communication with a first detection means (150) and a second detection means (160) is configured to receive a positive feedback signal generated only by said first detection means (150) upon detection of inclination of said upper pins (122) to only a first predetermined limit position, indicative of complete telescopic closure of the good capsule (170) having both said body section (114) and lid section (124) and activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal received generated by said first detection means (150) to segregate and remove only said good capsules (170) from the capsule holders;.

[046] Depending on the embodiment, the capsule body sections (114) may be filled with a pharmaceutical and / or nutraceutical ingredient.

[047] According to the present invention, said control unit under a predetermined pressure is configured to move said lower (110) and upper (120) closing units at synchronized time intervals.

[048] According to the present invention, the tilting means (130) includes a spring.

[049] According to the present invention, the body (B) and the lid retainers (C) include at least one row of predetermined diameters configured to accommodate the plurality of the body (114) and lid sections (124).

[050] With reference to Figure 2D, the closing station is shown in operation, demonstrating the detection of capsules with only the cap being rejected. The cap is rejected because the body is not detected, according to the present invention. As seen in Figure 2D, the lower pin (112) fits completely into the through holes (O) of the body retainer (B). However, Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, page 19 / 130 14 / 18 the lid section (124) is not driven to initiate movement of the upper pins (122). The control unit is configured to receive a negative feedback signal generated by said first detection means (150) and / or said second detection means (160) indicating no inclination of said upper pins (122) to said first and / or second predetermined limit position and non-telescopic capsule (180) with only lid section (124) and activate a control signal based on said negative feedback signal received generated by said first and / or second detection means (150, 160) to reject the non-telescopic capsule (180).

[051] With reference to Figure 2E, the closing station is shown in operation, showing the detection of capsules with only the body being rejected; the body is rejected because the cap is not detected, according to the present invention. As seen in Figure 2E, the lower pin (112) pushes completely into the through holes (O) of the body retainer (B). However, the body section (114) is not driven to initiate movement of the upper pins (122).The control unit is configured to receive a negative feedback signal generated by said first detection means (150) and / or said second detection means (160) indicating no inclination of said upper pins (122) to said first and / or second predetermined limit position and non-telescopic capsule (180) with only said body section (114) and activate a control signal based on said negative feedback signal received generated by said first and / or second detection means (150, 160) to reject non-telescopic capsule (180).

[052] Referring to Figure 2F, the closing station is shown in operation, demonstrating the detection of closed capsules, but with dents or improper fit of the lid and body, which must be rejected, according to the present invention. The control unit is configured to receive a positive feedback signal generated by said first detection means (150) and said second detection means (160) upon detection of inclination of said upper pins (122) to a first and a second limit positions. Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, p. 20 / 130 15 / 18 predetermined, indicative of telescopic closure of the capsule (190) which has a notch in said body section (114) or in the lid section (124); and activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal received generated by said first and second detection means (150, 160) to reject the toothed capsule (190).

[053] According to the present invention, the control unit is configured to control the removal of only good capsules (170) from the capsule holders based on feedback signals.

[054] According to another aspect, the present invention discloses a capsule filling machine comprising the closing station (100) including: a lower closing unit (110) positioned under a body retainer (B) of the capsule filling machine having a plurality of capsule body sections (114) therein, said lower closing unit having a lower pin (112) for each capsule body section (114) axially aligned with a corresponding vertical through hole (O) of said body retainer (B); an upper closing unit (120) positioned above a cap retainer (C) having a capsule cap section (124) for each capsule body section (114), said upper closing unit having an upper pin (122) for each cap section (124) axially aligned with a corresponding vertical through hole (O) of said cap retainer (C);at least one detection means (140) configured to detect the inclination of each of said upper pins (122) to a predetermined limit position, indicative of complete telescopic closure of the good capsule (170) with said body section (114) and lid section (124)); and a control unit in communication with said at least one detection means (140) is configured to receive a positive feedback signal and activates a control signal based on said positive feedback signal generated to segregate and remove only said good capsules (170) from the capsule holders.

[055] According to another aspect, the present invention discloses a method Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, page 21 / 130 16 / 18 of operation of a closing station (100) of a capsule filling machine, wherein the method comprises the steps of: initiating, by a control unit, a vertical displacement of a lower closing unit (110) and an upper closing unit (120) towards each other to impel the lower pins (112) to contact and slide the closed ends of each capsule body section (114) into the open ends of each capsule cap section (124); closing, by a control unit, cap (124) and body sections (114) of each capsule partially against a pre-compression force exerted by said upper pins (122); closing, by a control unit, cap (124) and body sections (114) of each said capsule partially telescopically closed and completely against a tilting force exerted by a tilting means (130) positioned within said upper pins (122);processing, by a control unit, of a plurality of received feedback signals generated by said first detection means (150) and second detection means (160); and activating, by a control unit, a control signal based on said received positive feedback signal to segregate and remove only good capsules (170) that have both said body sections (114) and lid sections (124) of the capsule retainers.;

[056] A good capsule is defined as a closed capsule with body and lid sections without any dents on the capsule surface. A bad / rejected capsule is defined as a capsule with a body section or lid section that is not completely closed. A dented capsule is defined as a closed capsule that has both body and lid sections with dents on the capsule surface. The controller is configured to eject only good capsules and reject bad and dented capsules.

[057] According to an exemplary implementation, the control unit includes a processor configured to execute the above-described features of a closing unit and a capsule filling machine. Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, page 22 / 130 17 / 18

[058] According to another exemplary implementation, the control unit includes a PLC configured to perform the above-described features of a closing unit and a capsule filling machine.

[059] Thus, the present invention provides an improved capsule closure system that can operate to implement the closure and segregation method / technique continuously for the efficient manufacture of capsules with increasing handling capacity and eliminates the disadvantages and inconveniences inherent in conventional prior art capsule sealing apparatus and technical procedures. Thus, at least some of the technical and economic advantages provided by the present invention include: efficient segregation of good and bad capsules before capsule sealing, thereby reducing waste, ensuring that there is no interruption in the manufacturing cycle and providing efficient capsule closure without any waste due to the predetermined pressure applied during capsule closure.

[060] The present invention has been described in the context of a closing station with an upper closing unit and a lower closing unit and a body retainer and a lid retainer with a plurality of lower pins and upper pins. However, the number of upper and lower closing units is not limited to those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the closing station may have a plurality of body and lid retainer and sensing means and is not limited to those specifically described herein. The station may be made of any material and the tilting means are not limited to springs, but to any means that can provide tilting. Furthermore, the closing station as described herein may be modified according to the scope of the present invention and is not limited to the manner specifically described herein.The pre-compression force and the force exerted against the spring of the upper units are not. Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, p. 23 / 130 18 / 18 limited to those specifically described in this document.

[061] In the preceding detailed description of aspects of the embodiments of the invention, several features are grouped into a single embodiment for the purpose of simplifying disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than those expressly cited in each claim. Instead, as the following claims reflect, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the detailed description of aspects, embodiments of the invention, with each claim being independent as a separate embodiment.

[062] It is understood that the above description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. The description and drawings are intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention must therefore be determined with reference to the appended claims together with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms including are used as the plain English equivalent of the respective term comprising, respectively. Petition 870220094397, dated 10 / 13 / 2022, p. 24 / 130

Claims

1 / 7 CLAIMS 1. CLOSING STATION (100) FOR A CAPSULE FILLING MACHINE, wherein said station (100) has a lower closing unit (110) positioned under a body retainer (B) of the capsule filling machine which has a plurality of capsule body sections (114) therein, wherein said lower closing unit has a lower pin (112) for each capsule body section (114) axially aligned with a corresponding vertical through hole (O) of said body retainer (B); an upper closing unit (120) positioned above a cap retainer (C) having a capsule cap section (124) for each capsule body section (114), wherein said upper closing unit has an upper pin (122) for each cap section (124)) axially aligned with a corresponding vertical through hole (O) of said cap retainer (C);and a control unit configured to: initiate the vertical displacement of said lower (110) and upper (120) closing units towards each other; push each said lower pin (112) into said through holes (O) of said body retainer (B) to contact and slide the closed ends of each capsule body section (114) into said open ends of each capsule lid section (124); close the lid (124) and the body sections (114) of each capsule partially against a pre-compression force exerted by said upper pins (122); and close the lid (124) and the body sections (114) of each said capsule partially and completely telescopically closed against a tilting force exerted by a tilting means (130) positioned within said upper pins (122);and is characterized by the fact that the control unit is in Petition 870260063734, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, page 8 / 29 2 / 7 communication with a first detection means (150) and a second detection means (160) equidistantly spaced and positioned adjacent to said upper pins (122) within said upper part of the closing unit (120), wherein said control unit is configured to: receive a positive feedback signal generated only by said first detection means (150) upon detection of inclination of said upper pins (122) to only a first predetermined limit position, indicative of complete telescopic closure of the good capsule (170) which has both said body section (114) and lid section (124);receive a positive feedback signal generated by said first detection means (150) and said second detection means (160) in detecting the inclination of said upper pins (122) to a first and second predetermined limit positions, indicative of incomplete telescopic closure of the capsule (190) which has a dent in said body section (114) or in said lid section (124); and receive a negative feedback signal generated by said first detection means (150) and / or said second detection means (160) indicating non-inclination of said upper pins (122) to said first and / or second predetermined limit positions and non-telescopic capsule (180) with only said body section (114) or lid section (124);and said control unit is configured to: activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal received generated by said first detection means (150) to segregate and remove only said good capsules (170) from the capsule retainers; activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal received generated by said first and second detection means (150, 160) to reject the serrated capsule (190); and activate a control signal based on said negative feedback signal received generated by said first and / or second detection means (150, 160) to reject the non-telescopic capsule (180). Petition 870260063734, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, page 9 / 29 3 / 7; 2. CLOSING STATION (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that said control unit is in communication with a detection means (140) positioned within said upper closing unit (120), wherein said control unit is configured to: receive a positive feedback signal generated by said detection means (140) upon detection of inclination of said upper pins (122) to a predetermined limit position, indicative of complete telescopic closure of the good capsule (170) with said body section (114) and lid section (124), and activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal generated to segregate and remove only said good capsules (170) from the capsule holders.

3. CLOSING STATION (100) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that said control unit is configured to move said lower (110) and upper (120) closing units with a predetermined pressure at synchronized time intervals.

4. CLOSING STATION (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that said tilting means (130) include a spring.

5. CLOSING STATION (100), according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that said body (B) and cover (C) retainers include at least one row of predetermined diameters configured to accommodate the plurality of said body (114) and cover sections (124).

6. CLOSING STATION (100) according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that each said upper pin (122) includes at least one stepped surface to assist in tilting said upper pins (122). Petition 870260063734, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, page 10 / 29 4 / 7 7. CLOSING STATION (100) according to any of claims 1-6, characterized in that said predetermined limit position, first and / or second predetermined limit positions, are determined by said control unit.

8. CAPSULE FILLING MACHINE, equipped with a closing station (100) comprising: a lower closing unit (110) positioned under a body retainer (B) of the capsule filling machine having a plurality of capsule body sections (114) therein, wherein said lower closing unit has a lower pin (112) for each capsule body section (114) axially aligned with a corresponding vertical through hole (O) of said body retainer (B); an upper closing unit (120) positioned above a cap retainer (C) having a capsule cap section (124) for each capsule body section (114), wherein said upper closing unit has an upper pin (122) for each cap section (124) axially aligned with a corresponding vertical through hole (O) of said cap retainer (C);at least one detection means (140) configured to detect the inclination of each of said upper pins (122) to a predetermined limit position, indicative of complete telescopic closure of the good capsule (170) with said body section (114) and lid section (124); and a control unit in communication with said at least one detection means (140) is configured to receive a positive feedback signal and activates a control signal based on said positive feedback signal generated to segregate and remove only said good capsules (170) from the capsule retainers; and is characterized in that said control unit is configured to: activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal Petition 870260063734, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, p. 11 / 29 5 / 7 received generated by said first means of detection (150) to segregate and remove only said good capsules (170) from the capsule retainers;activate a control signal based on said positive feedback signal received generated by said first and second detection means (150, 160) to reject the toothed capsule (190); and activate a control signal based on said negative feedback signal received generated by said first and / or second detection means (150, 160) to reject the non-telescopic capsule (180).

9. CAPSULE FILLING MACHINE, according to claim 8, characterized in that the control unit is configured to: initiate the vertical displacement of said lower (110) and upper (120) closing units towards each other; push each said lower pin (112) into said through holes (O) of said body retainer (B) to contact and slide the closed ends of each capsule body section (114) into said open ends of each capsule cap section (124); close the cap (124) and the body sections (114) of each capsule partially against a pre-compression force exerted by said upper pins (122); and close the cap (124) and the body sections (114) of each said capsule partially telescopically closed and completely against a tilting force exerted by a tilting means (130) positioned within said upper pins (122).

10. CAPSULE FILLING MACHINE, according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said at least one detection means (140) is positioned within said upper closure unit (120).

11. CAPSULE FILLING MACHINE, according to any one of claims 8-10, characterized in that said control unit is in communication with a first detection means (150) and a second detection means (160) equidistantly spaced and positioned adjacent to said upper pins (122) within said upper closing unit (120), wherein said control unit is configured to: receive a positive feedback signal generated only by said first detection means (150) upon detection of inclination of said upper pins (122) to only a first predetermined limit position, indicative of complete telescopic closure of the good capsule (170) which has both said body section (114) and lid section (124);receive a positive feedback signal generated by said first detection means (150) and said second detection means (160) upon detection of inclination of said upper pins (122) to a first and second predetermined limit positions, indicative of incomplete telescopic closure of the capsule (190) which has a dent in said body section (114) or in said lid section (124); and receive a negative feedback signal generated by said first detection means (150) and / or said second detection means (160) indicating non-inclination of said upper pins (122) to said first and / or second predetermined limit positions and non-telescopic capsule (180) with only said body section (114) or lid section (124).

12. METHOD OF OPERATING A CLOSING STATION (100) OF A CAPSULE FILLING MACHINE, wherein the method is characterized by implementing the closing station defined in claim 1 and comprising the steps of: initiating, by means of a control unit, a vertical displacement of a lower closing unit (110) and an upper closing unit (120) towards each other to impel the lower pins (112) to make contact and slide the closed ends of each capsule body section (114) into the open ends of each capsule cap section (124); closing, by means of a control unit, the cap (124) and sections of Petition 870260063734, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, page.13 / 29 7 / 7 body (114) of each capsule partially against a pre-compression force exerted by said upper pins (122); close, by means of a control unit, lid (124) and body sections (114) of each said partially telescopic capsule and completely against a tilting force exerted by a tilting means (130) positioned within said upper pins (122); process, by means of a control unit, a plurality of received feedback signals generated by said first detection means (150) and second detection means (160); and activate, by means of a control unit, a control signal based on said received positive feedback signal to segregate and remove only good capsules (170) that have both said body sections (114) and lid sections (124) of the capsule retainers. Petition 870260063734, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, p. 14 / 29.

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