Patent ID: 8266874
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: A61J,G01G

Abstract:
1. A method for transferring a plurality of capsules, comprising the following steps: preparing the plurality of capsules to be removed simultaneously from a filled capsule holder, the capsule holder being composed of a plurality of vertically disposed openings into which the plurality of capsules to be transferred have been each placed vertically into one of the openings; positioning a transfer device vertically above the capsule holder filled with the plurality of capsules, the transfer device having a plurality of vacuum bores which align with the plurality of openings in the capsule holder for removal thereof; simultaneously applying a vacuum through the vacuum bores to the tops of the plurality of capsules in the capsule holder; exerting a force on a bottom of all the capsules by means of a plurality of transport pins which are aligned with and situated underneath the openings in the capsule holder and which are able to move vertically toward an underside of the capsules and through the openings for reinforcement on the bottom of the capsules; and lifting the capsules from the capsule holder while maintaining the vacuum on the top of the capsules and while exerting the force on the bottom of the capsules, thereby completely removing all the capsules from the capsule holder simultaneously.