Patent Publication Number: US-11644396-B2

Title: Measuring apparatus and method for capsules

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority of Italian Patent Application Nos. IT02020000011038 filed on May 14, 2020 and IT102020000032168 filed on Dec. 23, 2020. The entire content of these applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a measuring apparatus and method for measuring the pull-off force of connecting elements of a capsule or a closure, specifically of capsules or closures made of plastic material of the kind used for closing containers such as bottles, for example. 
     Specifically, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a measuring apparatus and method for measuring the pull-off force of connecting elements arranged for connecting portions of a side wall of the capsule to portions of a tamper evident band, or safety ring, with which the capsule is provided. Specifically, the connecting elements comprise bridge elements, or bridges, namely elements made of plastic material intended for being fractured by a user during a first opening of the container with the capsule applied thereon, so as to provide evidence of the tampering of the container closure, and/or at least one tether element, which by contrast enables to retain the capsule on its tamper evident band even after the container has been opened. 
     Measuring apparatuses for measuring the pull-off force of bridge elements are known that subject the capsule to a stress applied to an end wall of the capsule, substantially perpendicularly thereto. 
     Such measuring apparatuses comprise a detecting unit for the pull-off force of the bridge elements, provided with a tubular element with an annular ridge obtained on its outer surface, to which retaining elements of the tamper evident band of the capsule may be connected. 
     The tubular element provided with the annular ridge simulates the neck of the container, which in use is engaged by the capsule, so as to close the container. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body defined by the side wall and by the end wall extending transversely with respect to the side wall. The side wall is provided with a closed end arranged at the end wall, and with an open end opposite to the closed end. 
     In use, the tubular element is axially movable for approaching a resting plane of the measuring apparatus, onto which the capsule is arranged with the open end facing upwards, until the retaining elements engage the ridge. As such, the capsule is retained on the tubular element. 
     After that, the tubular element is moved away from the resting plane, and a substantially cylinder-shaped piston, with which the detecting unit is provided, slidable within the tubular element, pushes downwards, namely towards the resting plane, a bottom surface of the end wall of the capsule until the bridges break. In other words, the piston is arranged to apply a normal stress to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the end wall, along a direction substantially perpendicular to, and especially coinciding with, a longitudinal axis of the capsule. A load cell is associated with the piston to detect the axial force applied by the latter to the bottom surface of the end wall, depending on its movement towards the resting plane. Such axial force translates into a tensile stress applied to bridge elements. 
     However, known-type apparatuses for measuring the pull-off force of connecting elements of a capsule have some limits and drawbacks. 
     Indeed, known-type apparatuses for measuring the pull-off force of connecting elements of a capsule may be used only to determine the pull-off force of the bridge elements, but not that of the tether elements, as well. Indeed, when all bridge elements of the capsule are broken, the side wall tilts with respect to the longitudinal axis of the capsule (when mounted on the tubular element), along which the force applied by the piston is directed, and at least one portion of the tamper evident band remains attached to at least one portion of the side wall by means of at least one tether element. As such, the piston fails to subject the at least one tether element, remained attached to the side wall, on one side, and to the tamper evident band, on the other side, to a tensile stress, because there is no abutting surface against which the piston may stop to exert a mechanical stress, and to subject the at least one tether element to a strain. 
     Moreover, the force measurements detected by the known-type apparatuses for measuring the pull-off force of connecting elements of a capsule turn out to be poorly reliable, as some bridge elements may not be subjected to a tensile force since no strain is applied thereto. Indeed, though the piston applies a uniform force to, and at the center of, the bottom surface of the end wall, not all bridge elements may break, but only a part thereof. This implies the risk that the capsule might tilt with respect to the longitudinal axis of the capsule, along which the force applied by the piston is directed, and that the piston might continue its stroke without abutting against the capsule due to the tilting thereof. 
     As a result, some bridge elements may undergo no stress, the measurement of the detected pull-off force thus turning out to be inaccurate. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a measuring apparatus and/or method that obviates one or more of the aforesaid prior art drawbacks. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a measuring apparatus and/or method that obtains an accurate measurement of the force applied to the connecting elements of the capsule to be tested. 
     It is a further object to provide a measuring apparatus and/or method for measuring the values of a force applied to the connecting elements of a capsule, that are highly versatile as they may be employed to test the breakage of both bridge elements and tether elements, with which the capsule may be provided. 
     It is yet another object to provide a measuring apparatus that may be employed both as a laboratory apparatus, namely detached from a capsule processing line, and in line, namely as an apparatus connected to a portion of the capsule processing line, at a section for the passage of capsules, from which a capsule may be picked up for testing in the measuring apparatus according to the invention. 
     It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a measuring apparatus that may be easily installed in a pre-existing processing line of the capsules without needing to make substantial changes to the processing line itself. 
     It is another object to obtain a versatile measuring method that allows to use the detected force values to assess the quality of the tamper evident band, and, as a consequence, to make modifications to the working parameters of the processing line. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a measuring apparatus and/or method for capsules with tamper evident band, that allows to easily remove the tamper evident band after the breakage of the frangible arrangement. 
     According to the invention, there are provided an apparatus and a method for measuring the pull-off force of connecting elements of a capsule, as defined by the attached claims. 
     Owing to the invention, it is possible to provide a measuring apparatus that guarantees a correct measurement of the axial force applied to a capsule by a pusher device to measure the pull-off force of the connecting elements of the capsule. Indeed, the measuring apparatus according to the invention comprises an abutting surface arranged to interact with an outer surface of the end wall of the capsule, such that during the application of the axial force, the capsule is prevented from heeling over, namely from making a rotation with respect to an axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pusher device, such rotation impeding the breakage of at least part of the connecting elements of the capsule. 
     Moreover, owing to the measuring apparatus according to the invention, it is possible to measure the pull-off force of both the bridge elements and the tether elements of a capsule. 
     Still, the measuring apparatus according to the invention may be used both in stand-alone fashion, as a laboratory testing apparatus, namely detached from a capsule processing line, and in line, namely as an apparatus connected to a portion of the capsule processing line, arranged downstream of a cutting apparatus, or knife, that makes the connecting elements of the capsule. Especially, the measuring apparatus comprises a cap supplying guide that connects to a section of the processing line along which there is the passage of the capsules that, in use, are deviated, especially on a sample basis, by means of a deviating device, towards the supplying guide that conveys the deviated capsule to the measuring apparatus. 
     Moreover, the measuring apparatus according to the invention may be easily installed in pre-existing capsule processing lines without needing to make substantial changes to the processing line itself. 
     Moreover, in an example of measuring apparatus according to the invention, it is possible to provide a measuring apparatus for measuring the pull-off force of the connecting elements of a capsule, which allows for a rotation of the capsule around its longitudinal axis, such that a vision system may detect features of the tamper evident band and/or of the connecting elements, such as a size of the bridge elements, an angular distribution of the bridge elements, a regularity of the cut made by a knife, intended for forming the tamper evident band, or safety ring, of the capsule. 
     Moreover, rotating the capsule to be subjected to a strain allows for its angular orientation, namely for its phasing, according to a position of a reference element of the capsule, e.g., a connecting element such as the at least one tether element. 
     Owing to the measuring method according to the invention, force values can be detected in a highly reliable manner; moreover, the measuring method according to the invention allows to use the detected force values to assess the quality of the tamper evident band. Indeed, by analyzing the detected force values it is possible to determine whether the knife, that cuts the side wall of the capsules to obtain the bridge elements (and thus the tamper evident band) on such side wall, and one or more of the tether elements, is worn and needs replacement or maintenance. 
     In an example of a second aspect of the invention, a measuring apparatus comprises an annular ridge that axially retains a tamper evident band of a capsule, a pusher device that pushes the capsule so as to cause the breakage of a frangible arrangement connecting the tamper evident band with the capsule; a sensor arrangement to detect the pull-off force applied by the pusher device; and a band disengagement arrangement for disengaging the tamper evident band from the annular ridge after the breakage of the frangible arrangement, yet maintaining intact the closed annular shape of the tamper evident band, especially by pushing the band radially outwards by means of a radial thrust element and/or by causing an inward collapsing of the annular ridge, after the breakage of the frangible arrangement. 
     Some examples relating to the second aspect of the invention are described below. 
     Example 1 
     In the Example 1, the measuring apparatus comprises:
         a tubular element with a vertical axis;   an axial thrust element axially movable inside said tubular element and configured to push downwards a capsule provided with a frangible arrangement which connects the capsule with a tamper evident band of closed annular shape in order to cause breakage of the frangible arrangement;   an annular ridge which projects radially from said tubular element and which comprises at least one reaction surface configured to axially hold the tamper evident band when said axial thrust element pushes downwards the capsule to cause said breakage, said reaction surface being extended in a circumferential direction and comprising an external diameter greater than an internal diameter of the tamper evident band;   a sensor arrangement configured to detect at least one force exerted by said axial thrust element on the capsule;   a band disengagement arrangement configured to cause at least one relative movement between said annular ridge and the tamper evident band after said breakage, said relative movement comprising a radial widening of the tamper evident band and/or a radial collapse of said annular ridge, whereby, due to the effect of said relative movement, the tamper evident band remains intact, i.e. of closed annular shape, with an internal diameter of the tamper evident band greater than an external diameter of said annular ridge to allow the disengagement of the tamper evident band.       

     Example 2 
     The Example 2 is an apparatus according to the Example 1, wherein said band disengagement arrangement comprises a radial thrust portion configured to radially widen outwards the tamper evident band. 
     Example 3 
     The Example 3 is an apparatus according to the Example 2, wherein said radial thrust portion is movable so as to assume at least one first contracted configuration, in which said radial thrust portion is arranged radially inside said reaction surface, and at least one second expanded configuration, in which said radial thrust portion is displaced radially outward with respect to said first configuration to radially push and remove the tamper evident band beyond said annular ridge. 
     Example 4 
     The Example 4 is an apparatus according to the Example 3, comprising at least one actuator configured to drive a movement of said radial thrust portion between said first configuration and said second configuration. 
     Example 5 
     The Example 5 is an apparatus according to any one of Examples 2 to 4, wherein said radial thrust portion comprises two or more sectors, arranged along a circumference, each of which can be moved in a radial direction. 
     Example 6 
     The Example 6 is an apparatus according to any one of Examples 2 to 5, wherein said radial thrust portion comprises an internal profile configured for contact with an external counter profile of said axial thrust element in a manner that an upward motion of said axial thrust element causes a radial thrust outwardly of said radial thrust portion by effect of said contact between said internal profile and said external counter profile. 
     Example 7 
     The Example 7 is an apparatus according to the Example 6, wherein said internal profile is arranged on one end of one or more elastic elements configured to return elastically to rest towards said first configuration. 
     Example 8 
     The Example 8 is an apparatus according to the Example 7, wherein said internal profile is arranged on a lower end of a circumferential arrangement of said elastic elements around said vertical axis, each of said elastic elements comprising an element that is elongated in the axial direction. 
     Example 9 
     The Example 9 is an apparatus according to the Example 7 or 8, wherein each of said one or more elastic elements comprises a portion of said tubular element defined on two sides by two through openings or notches in said tubular element. 
     Example 10 
     The Example 10 is an apparatus according to any one of Examples 2 to 9, wherein said radial thrust portion comprises a thrust profile attached to, and protruding radially from, said axial thrust element, said thrust profile being configured in such a way as to radially widen outwards the tamper evident band by effect of a downward movement of said axial thrust element, said thrust profile being inserted into one or more vertical slots made in said tubular element; said thrust profile comprising, in particular, at least one circumferentially arranged thrust surface of an inverted flared shape, that is, wider towards the top. 
     Example 11 
     The Example 11 is an apparatus according to the Example 10, wherein said thrust profile comprises a plurality of distinct profile portions, with circumferential arrangement, each of which is inserted in a respective slot. 
     Example 12 
     The Example 12 is an apparatus according to any one of the Examples 1 to 11, wherein said band disengagement arrangement comprises a collapsible portion of said tubular element, said annular ridge being arranged on said collapsible portion, said collapsible portion being capable of assuming an expanded retention configuration, in which said annular ridge can axially retain the tamper evident band, and a collapsed release configuration, in which said annular ridge collapses radially inwardly with respect to said expanded retention configuration and can release the tamper evident band, said collapsible portion being configured to assume said collapsed release configuration after said axial thrust element has caused said breakage of the frangible arrangement. 
     Example 13 
     The Example 13 is an apparatus according to the Example 12, wherein said collapsible portion comprises one or more longitudinal elastic elements extending vertically in length, each of said one or more elastic elements being configured to rest in said collapsed release configuration, said apparatus comprising an abutment arrangement arranged to maintain said one or more elastic elements in said expanded retention configuration while said axial thrust element pushes the capsule downwards. 
     Example 14 
     The Example 14 is an apparatus according to the Example 13, wherein said abutment arrangement comprises said axial thrust element which can sequentially assume an intermediate position, a lower position and an upper position; in said intermediate position said axial thrust element opposes said one or more elastic elements to keep them in said expanded retention configuration and allows a lifting of the capsule to engage the tamper evident band in said annular ridge; in said lower position said axial thrust element opposes said one or more elastic elements to keep them in said expanded retention configuration after having pushed the capsule downwards; in said upper position said axial thrust element leaves said one or more elastic elements free to collapse in rest position towards said collapsed release configuration. 
     Example 15 
     The Example 15 is an apparatus according to any one of the Examples 1 to 14, comprising:
         a lifting element configured to transport the capsule at least from a lower position, in which the capsule is distant from said annular ridge, to an upper position, in which the tamper evident band of the capsule has passed said annular ridge and can be axially retained by it; and/or   an axial thrust portion configured to axially thrust the tamper evident band downwards after said band disengagement arrangement has caused said relative movement between annular ridge and tamper evident band.       

     Examples 16 
     The Example 16 is a measuring method, comprising the steps of:
         providing a capsule with a closed annular shaped tamper evident band;   engaging said tamper evident band with an annular ridge;   pushing the capsule with said tamper evident band engaged with said annular ridge to cause a breakage of a frangible arrangement which connects the capsule with the tamper evident band;   detecting at least one force impressed on the capsule to cause said breakage of the frangible arrangement;   after said breakage, causing at least one relative movement between said annular ridge and the tamper evident band, said relative movement comprising a radial widening of the tamper evident band and/or a radial collapse of said annular ridge, whereby, due to the effect of said relative movement, the tamper evident band can be removed out of said annular ridge remaining of closed annular shape.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings, which show some embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting examples, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an example of a measuring apparatus implemented according to the present invention, illustrating a front part of the measuring apparatus; 
         FIG.  2    is a further perspective view of the measuring apparatus in  FIG.  1   , showing a rear part of the measuring apparatus; 
         FIG.  3    is a front view of the measuring apparatus in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a section of the measuring apparatus in  FIG.  1   , taken along the vertical section plane IV-IV in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  4   a    shows an enlarged detail T in  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  5    shows a still further perspective view of the measuring apparatus in  FIG.  1   , with a cover removed to show a force detection unit of the measuring apparatus in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  6 - 8    are sectional views of a portion of the force detection unit, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the measuring apparatus, and of a capsule subjected to a tensile force to measure the pull-off force of connecting elements of the capsule, such views showing steps of a first exemplary sequence for detecting the pull-off force of the connecting elements; 
         FIGS.  9 - 10    are sectional views of a portion of the force detection unit, according to a second exemplary embodiment of the measuring apparatus, of a capsule subjected to a tensile force to measure the pull-off force of connecting elements of the capsule, and of a vision system adapted to detect features of the capsule, such views showing steps of a second exemplary sequence for detecting the pull-off force of the connecting elements; 
         FIG.  11    shows an image of a tamper evident band of a capsule, acquired through the vision system of  FIGS.  8 - 10   ; 
         FIGS.  12 - 13    are sectional views of a portion of the force detection unit, according to a third example, and of a capsule subjected to a tensile force in order to test the pull-off force of the connecting elements of the capsule, such views showing steps of a third exemplary sequence for detecting the pull-off force of the connecting elements; 
         FIG.  14    shows a first mode for detecting the pull-off force of tether elements of a capsule, that may be implemented in the measuring apparatus in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  15    shows a second mode for detecting the pull-off force of tether elements of a capsule, that may be implemented in the measuring apparatus in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  16    shows a graph illustrating the trend of the pull-off force detected by the measuring apparatus according to the invention, as well as the trend of the pull-off force detected via the first mode of detection and via the second mode of detection when a first capsule undergoes a tensile test; 
         FIG.  16   a    shows an example of the first capsule; 
         FIG.  17    shows a graph illustrating the trend of the pull-off force detected by the measuring apparatus according to the invention, as well as the trend of the pull-off force detected via the first mode of detection and via the second mode of detection when a second capsule undergoes a tensile test; 
         FIG.  17   a    shows an example of the second capsule; 
         FIG.  18    shows the direction and sense of the force applied to a capsule according to the first mode of detection and according to the second mode of detection, with respect to a bottle on which the capsule may be mounted; 
         FIG.  19    shows a vertical elevation of a schematic of another exemplary measuring apparatus implemented according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  20    schematically shows a perspective view (on the left) and a vertical elevation (on the right) of another exemplary measuring apparatus implemented according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  21    schematically shows a perspective view of another exemplary measuring apparatus implemented according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  22    shows a vertical elevation of a detail of the apparatus in  FIG.  21   , in a tamper evident band connection configuration (on the left) and in a tamper evident band release configuration (on the right); 
         FIG.  23    schematically shows a vertical elevation of another exemplary measuring apparatus implemented according to the present invention, in a tamper evident band connection configuration (on the left) and in a tamper evident band release configuration (on the right); 
         FIG.  24    shows a perspective view of a detail of the apparatus in  FIG.  23   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the aforementioned figures, a measuring apparatus, also called PFM, which stands for Pull Force Machine, is indicated as a whole by reference numeral  1 , and is arranged to measure the pull-off force of connecting elements  201  ( FIGS.  6  and  8   ) with which a capsule, or closure,  200  ( FIG.  6   ) is provided. Specifically, the measuring apparatus  1  measures the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201  by subjecting the capsule  200 , and hence the connecting elements  201 , to a tensile force. 
     The capsule  200  is made of plastic material, and is of the kind used for closing containers such as bottles, for example. 
     The connecting elements  201  are arranged to connect portions of a side wall  202 , with which the capsule  200  is provided, and which may be cylindrical in shape, to portions of a tamper evident band, or safety ring,  203 , with which the capsule  200  is provided, and which are substantially annular in shape. The tamper evident band  203  is suitable to provide a user with information about the integrity of a product packaged in the container. 
     Specifically, the connecting elements  201  comprise bridge elements, or bridges  201   a  (schematically illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  9   ), namely elements made of plastic material intended for being fractured by a user during a first opening of the container with the capsule  200  applied thereto, so as to provide evidence of the tampering of the container closure; and/or at least one tether element  201   b  ( FIGS.  8 ,  13 ,  14    e  15 ) which by contrast enables to retain the capsule  200  on its tamper evident band  203  even after the container has been opened. 
     The capsule  200  further comprises an end wall  204  extending transversely of the side wall  202 . 
     The capsule  200  comprises a cup-shaped body  210  defined by the side wall  202  and by the end wall  204 . The side wall  202  is provided with a closed end  205  arranged at the end wall, and with an open end  206  arranged at the tamper evident band  203 . At one end, in particular at the closed end  205 , the end wall  204  delimits the side wall  202 . 
     Provided on the end wall  204  is a seal element  207  that allows to isolate the product contained in the bottle from the outer environment. 
     The seal element  207  may have a substantially annular shape projecting from a bottom surface  214  of the end wall  204 . 
     The seal element  207  comprises an inner seal surface  215  facing towards the interior of the capsule  200 , namely towards a longitudinal axis A of the capsule  200 . 
     The side wall  202  comprises an outer side surface  208  which may be provided with a knurled area  209  that allows a user to grasp the cup-shaped body  210  more easily to screw/unscrew it thereon/therefrom. 
     The side wall  202  further comprises an inner side surface  216  with an inner thread  217  obtained thereon, suitable to engage an outer thread of the bottle. 
     The tamper evident band  203  is associated with an edge  211  of the cup-shaped body  210  opposite to the end wall  204 . 
     Between the cup-shaped body  210  and the tamper evident band  203  is defined an intended separation line that may comprise a plurality of cuts or openings spaced out by the connecting elements  201 . 
     Retaining elements  213  project from an inner annular surface  212  of the tamper evident band  203 , substantially radially towards the longitudinal axis A of the capsule  200 , these being suitable, in use, to interact with an annular ridge of the bottle to axially retain the tamper evident band  203 . In other words, the retaining elements  213  act to substantially prevent the tamper evident band  203  from moving parallelly with respect to the longitudinal axis A when the capsule  200  is unscrewed from the mouth during the first opening of the container, and thereby promoting the breakage of the connecting elements  201 , thus allowing for separation of the tamper evident band  203  from the cup-shaped body  210 . 
     The measuring apparatus  1  is arranged to measure the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201  by simulating the actions performed by a user when he or she opens a bottle for the first time yet without unscrewing the capsule  200 . 
     Indeed, the capsule  200  is tested in the measuring apparatus  1  by subjecting it to a tensile force, as will be better explained hereafter in the description. 
     The measuring apparatus  1  comprises a frame  2  restingly arranged on a resting plane  3  ( FIG.  3   ), e.g., a floor of a laboratory or of a plant for the fabrication of capsules  200  for closing containers. The frame  2  is provided with a support arrangement  4  through which the measuring apparatus  1  rests on the resting plane  3 . The support arrangement  4  may comprise a plurality of legs  5  and feet  6 , each foot  6  being connected to a respective leg, on one side, and to the resting plane  3 , on the other side. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS.  1 ,  2  and  3   , the frame  2  comprises a lower part  7 , mounted on the support arrangement  4 , and an upper part  8 , mounted farther from the resting plane  3  than the lower part  7 . 
     The lower  7  and upper parts  8  are separated by a support plate  9  mounted on an upper edge of the lower part  7 . 
     The measuring apparatus  1  comprises a control panel  10  mounted on an upper wall  11  of the lower part  7 , which is in particular inclined to a vertical axis V of the measuring apparatus  1  ( FIG.  3   ), such vertical axis V being substantially perpendicular to the resting plane  3 . 
     The control panel  10  is arranged to allow an operator to interact with the measuring apparatus  1 . For example, the operator may operate components of the measuring apparatus  1  through the control panel  10 . To this end, the control panel  10  comprises an interface panel  12 , especially of the touch-screen type, comprising a displaying device  13 , such as a display, on which a graphical interface may be implemented, through which the operator interacts with components of the measuring apparatus  1 . 
     The control panel  10  may further comprise an additional interface panel  14 , especially of the touch-screen type, provided with an additional displaying device  15 , such as a display, on which an additional graphical interface may be implemented, through which the operator interacts with additional components of the measuring apparatus  1 , e.g., a force sensor of the measuring apparatus  1 , as better explained hereafter in the description. 
     The control panel  10  may further comprise a push button arrangement  16  comprising a plurality of push buttons, in particular of the mechanical type. For example, a mushroom head button may be provided that may be operated if the measuring apparatus  1  experiences an emergency condition, e.g., if one or more components of the measuring apparatus do not function properly, or in case of maintenance intervention to be carried out on the components of the measuring apparatus  1  and/or a reset button to be operated following an emergency condition. 
     The control panel  10  may further comprise a force sensor connecting socket  17 . The connecting socket  17  may be formed to receive an electronic device of the USB type, adapted to store data detected by the force sensor. 
     The lower part  7  of the frame  2  further comprises a front wall  18  to which a main power switch  19  of the measuring apparatus  1  may be mounted, which may be operated to apply voltage to the electrical/electronic components of the measuring apparatus  1 , namely to supply power thereto. 
     Moreover, an indicator light  20  may be mounted to the front part  18 , indicating that the electrical/electronic components of the measuring apparatus  1  are connected to a power supply. 
     The lower part  7  of the frame  2  further comprises a first side wall  21  provided with an openable panel  22  in particular hinged along an edge  23  through at least one hinge  24  so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis R. 
     Finally, the lower part  7  of the frame  2  comprises a second side part  25 , opposite to the first side wall  21 , a rear wall  26 , opposite to the upper wall  11  and to the front wall  18 , and a bottom wall  27  opposite to the support plate  9 . 
     An additional openable panel  39 , similar to the openable panel  22 , may be provided on the second side part  25 . 
     The upper wall  11 , the front wall  18 , the first side wall  21 , the second side part  25 , the rear wall  26 , the bottom wall  27  and the support plate  9  define a chamber  28  arranged to house some electronic/electrical components of the measuring apparatus  1 . 
     A container  29  may be arranged on the bottom wall  27 , which is suitable to receive, especially by gravity, the capsules  200  subjected to a tensile force in the measuring apparatus  1  during use. 
     The upper part  8  comprises a substantially open box-shaped casing  30  on a side mounted on the support plate  9 . 
     The casing  30  acts as a physical barrier adapted to protect an operator coming in proximity to the measuring apparatus  1  and thus exposed to a risk of projection and contact with moving parts of the measuring apparatus  1 . 
     The casing  30  and the support plate  9  delimit a housing  31  arranged to house some electronic/electrical/mechanical components of the measuring apparatus  1 , as well as a working area of the measuring apparatus  1 . 
     The casing  30  may be made of a transparent plastic material ( FIG.  4   ), so as to enable an operator to see the moving parts of the measuring apparatus  1  functioning. 
     At one side  32  of the casing  30  is provided a door  33  in particular hinged along an additional edge  34  through an additional hinge  35  so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis B thereof in order to allow an operator to access the moving parts of the measuring apparatus  1 , for example to carry out maintenance thereon. 
     An additional door  36 , similar to door  33 , may be provided on an additional side  37  of the casing  30 . 
     The measuring apparatus  1  may comprise a status indicator arrangement  38  mounted on the frame  2 , in particular at the top of the upper part  8 , and intended for displaying to the operator a status of the measuring apparatus  1 . For example, the status indicator arrangement  38  comprises one or more light sources, the color of the light emitted thereby defining a status of the measuring apparatus  1 . In particular, a red colored light may be associated with an emergency status of the measuring apparatus  1 , for example caused by a malfunctioning of one or more components of the measuring apparatus  1 , whereas a green colored light may be associated with an operating status of the measuring apparatus  1 , that is, when the measuring apparatus  1  functions properly. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS.  4 ,  4     a  and  5 , the measuring apparatus  1  further comprises a detection unit  40  arranged to obtain the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201  by measuring a plurality of values of the tensile force, to which the capsule  200  is subjected, by means of the detection unit  40  itself. 
     The detection unit  40  comprises a hollow gripping spindle  41  provided with a ridge  42 , in particular annular in shape, to which the capsule  200  to be subjected to a tensile force is connectable. 
     In use, the ridge  42  is configured to interact with the retaining elements  213  of the capsule  200  to axially retain the tamper evident band  203  of the capsule  200  and thus the capsule  200  itself. 
     The hollow gripping spindle  41 , to which the tamper evident band  203  of the capsule  200  connects, simulates the grip provided by the neck of a bottle to which the capsule  200  may be mounted. 
     The hollow gripping spindle  41  is substantially tubular in shape. 
     In use, the capsule  200  is connected at an end part  47  of the hollow gripping spindle  41 . 
     The hollow gripping spindle  41  is fixed to a support structure  43  of the detection unit  40  (shown for example in  FIG.  5   ), which is mounted on a portion of a face  44  of the support plate  9 . 
     The support structure  43 , for example, has a portal-type shape, and is made of a metal material such as aluminum, for example. 
     The face  44  defines a worktop of the detection unit  40 . 
     The detection unit  40  further comprises a pusher device  45  arranged to interact with at least one portion of an inner surface of the capsule  200 . 
     The inner surface of the capsule  200  may have a flat surface or be substantially L-shaped. 
     The inner surface of the capsule  200  may comprise the bottom surface  214  of the end wall  204  and/or the inner seal surface  215  of the seal element  207 . 
     The pusher device  45  are movable along a breakage direction D, and are arranged to move from the top down, namely for approaching the resting plane  3 , in order to apply a force to the capsule  200 , especially on at least one portion of the inner surface of the capsule  200 , so as to cause the breakage of the connecting elements  201  of the capsule  200 , when the capsule  200  is mounted to the hollow gripping spindle  41 . 
     The breakage direction D, indicated by an arrow in  FIGS.  4 ,  7 ,  8  and  9   , is substantially parallel to the vertical axis V of the measuring apparatus  1 , and substantially perpendicular to the face  44  of the support plate  9 . 
     The pusher device  45  are movable along the breakage direction D by a movement device  48 , such as an actuator, namely a linear one, to which the pusher device  45  are connected. The movement device  48  is mounted to the support structure  43  of the detection unit  40 . 
     In use, the pusher device  45  are formed to slide within a longitudinal cavity obtained inside the hollow gripping spindle  41  to stop, and push, against at least one portion of the inner surface of the capsule  200 . 
     After that, the pusher device  45  continue their stroke past the end part  47  of the hollow gripping spindle  41  to fracture, sequentially, all bridge elements  201   a  and then the one or more tether elements  201   b  with which the capsule  200  to be tested is provided. 
     The detection unit  40  further comprises a sensor arrangement  49 , associated with the pusher device  45 , to detect values of the force which the pusher device  45  applies to at least one portion of the inner surface of the capsule  200 , and, as a result, to the connecting elements  201 , during the movement along the breakage direction D. 
     The sensor arrangement  49  are configured in particular to detect a measured signal, in particular an electrical one, e.g., a tension or force value, proportional to the deformation which the force applied by the pusher device  45  produces on the connecting elements  201  of the capsule  200 . 
     When the electrical measured signal is not a force value, but rather a tension value, for example, a processing and control unit of the measuring apparatus  1  translates it into a force value. 
     Specifically, the sensor arrangement  49  detect a plurality of force values of the tensile force to which the connecting elements  201  are subjected, each force value being associated with a movement of the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D. 
     The sensor arrangement  49  may comprise a force sensor, a pressure sensor or an electrical power sensor. 
     For example, the sensor arrangement  49  comprises a load cell. 
     Simultaneously with the movement of the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D, the sensor arrangement  49  detect the values of the force applied on the capsule  200 , and possibly store them in a memory of the processing and control unit of the measuring apparatus  1 . 
     The plurality of force values detected may be transferred to an electronic memory device of the USB type by inserting an end of the latter into the connecting socket  17 . 
     Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of force values detected may be automatically transferred to a main controller (PLC) of the capsule processing line, for example through an Ethernet cable. 
     In an example, the pusher device  45  comprises a pusher substantially cylindrical in shape. 
     The capsule  200  to be tested is supplied to the detection unit  40  manually or by means of a lifting and abutting device  50  of the measuring apparatus  1 . 
     The lifting and abutting device  50  is provided with an abutting surface  51  arranged to restingly receive an area of an outer surface  218  of the end wall  204  of the capsule  200 , and is further arranged to push the area of the outer surface  218  of the end wall  204  along a supply direction S, indicated by an arrow in  FIGS.  4 ,  6 ,  9  and  10   , so as to supply the capsule  200  to the detection unit  40 . 
     The supply direction S is substantially perpendicular to the resting plane  3  and to the face  44  of the support plate  9 . Specifically, in use, the lifting and abutting device  50  is moved along the supply direction S until the retaining elements  213  are engaged with the ridge  42 , and thereby the capsule  200  is retained on the hollow gripping spindle  41 . 
     In order to supply a capsule  200  to the detection unit  40 , the lifting and abutting device  50  is movable, in particular, between a lowered, non-operating position N, shown in  FIGS.  4  and  4     a , in which the abutting surface  51  is positioned below the face  44 , and a supply position P, shown in  FIGS.  6  and  10   , in which the abutting surface is positioned above the face  44 , and at a distance from the latter, such that the connection of the capsule  200  to the ridge is guaranteed. 
     In the supply position P, the abutting surface  51  may be deviated from the end part  47  by the thickness of the end wall  204  or by the thickness of the end wall  204  and of the seal element  207 , if present, these thicknesses being measured along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the capsule  200 . 
     The lowered position N and the supply position P are at opposite ends of the stroke of the lifting and abutting device  50 . 
     The abutting surface  51  is obtained at an end of the lifting and abutting device  50 , and may be flat. 
     In use, the abutting surface  51  is further arranged to cooperate with at least one area of the outer surface  218  of the end wall  204  in order to limit or avoid a tipping of the capsule  200  during the application of the tensile force to break the connecting elements  201 , in case the capsule  200  tips over, namely in case it tilts with respect to its longitudinal axis A (taken on when the capsule  200  is mounted on the hollow gripping spindle  41 ) or with respect to a longitudinal axis G of the cavity  46  of the hollow gripping spindle  41 , the tensile force being applied after the connection of the capsule  200  to the ridge  42  of the hollow gripping spindle  41 . 
     In use, in order to limit or avoid a tipping of the capsule  200  after the connection of a capsule  200  to the end part  47  of the hollow gripping spindle  41 , the lifting and abutting device  50  is operated to travel a set portion ( FIGS.  7  and  12   ) along an operating direction O, such that between the abutting surface  51  and the outer surface  218  (or the thrust surface  52 ) is maintained a set distance X corresponding to the length of the set portion as measured along the operating direction O. 
     The set distance X may range between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. 
     The operating direction O may have at least one component substantially parallel and opposite to the supply direction S moving away from the outer surface  218  of the end wall  204 , namely approaching the face  44  and the resting plane  3 . 
     The operating direction O may further comprise at least one component substantially parallel to, and concordant with, the breakage direction D. 
     When the pusher device  45  move along the breakage direction D and apply at the same time a force to the capsule  200 , the lifting and abutting device  50  moves along the operating direction O so as to maintain the set distance equal to the length of the set distance X in a first portion, specifically until all bridge elements  201   a  have been fractured. For example, this condition may occur when the values of the force applied by the pusher device  45  and measured by the sensor arrangement  49  start decreasing after having reached a maximum value. In other words, along the first portion, the abutting surface  51  of the lifting and abutting device  50 , and a thrust surface  52  of the pusher device  45  do not move by relative motion, but are stationary with respect to each other, since they move simultaneously, notably substantially at the same speed. 
     The lifting and abutting device  50  then travels a further portion along the operating direction O, and the pusher device  45  are operated along the breakage direction D in order to interact with the inner surface of the capsule  200  to fracture the tether elements  201   b , if present. In this case, too, a further set distance Y is maintained, this corresponding for example to the set distance X between the abutting surface  51  and the outer surface  218  of the end wall  204  (or of the thrust surface  52 ) for a second travel portion of the lifting and abutting device  50  (subsequent to the further portion) and of the pusher device  45 , namely until all tether elements  201   b  have been fractured. For example, this condition may occur when the values of the force applied by the pusher device  45  and measured by the sensor arrangement  49  start decreasing after having reached a maximum value. In other words, along the second portion, too, the abutting surface  51  of the lifting and abutting device  50 , and the thrust surface  52  of the pusher device  45  do not move by relative motion, but are stationary with respect to each other, since they move simultaneously, notably substantially at the same speed. 
     When the capsule  200  tips over, namely when the capsule  200  tilts with respect to the longitudinal axis G of the longitudinal cavity  46  of the hollow gripping spindle  41 , the set distance X between the abutting surface  51  and the surface  214  is not maintained, since through the rotation of the capsule  200  and, as a result, of the end wall  204 , an area of the outer surface  218  extends beyond the position which would usually be assumed if the end wall  204  remained substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal cavity  46  of the hollow gripping spindle  41 . As such, the abutting surface  51  may abut on an area of the external surface  218 , thus preventing an excessive rotation of the capsule  200 , which occurs when the plane on which the thrust surface  52  lies, and the plane on which the end wall  204  lies enclose an angle, especially greater than 75°. 
     A tilting of the capsule  200  occurs when not all bridge elements  201   a  are fractured substantially at the same time, and when once all bridge elements  201   a  are fractured, the tamper evident band  203  remains anchored to the side wall  202  by means of the tether elements  201   b . An excessive rotation of the capsule  200  would imply that the pusher device  45  fails to abut on the inner surface of the capsule  200 , and, therefore, that the connecting elements  201  fail to break. 
     The set distance X and the further distance are selected so as to guarantee that the abutting surface  51  cooperates with the outer surface  218  of the end wall  204  of the capsule  200 . 
     Owing to the lifting and abutting device  50  it is therefore guaranteed a reliable measurement of the force applied to the connecting elements  201  of the capsule  200  to be tested, namely to be subjected to a strain, since a tilting of the capsule  200  in the absence of the abutting surface  51  is limited or avoided. This guarantees that all connecting elements  201  are subjected first to a tensile force and then to a pull-off force. 
     The lifting and abutting device  50  comprises a lifting element  53 , in particular cylindrical in shape, e.g., a piston, and a drive device  54 , of the known type, e.g., a linear actuator, arranged to move the lifting element  53  alternatively along a supply direction S or along the operating direction O. 
     The measuring apparatus  1  may further comprise a capsule positioning device  55  arranged for positioning a capsule  200  to be tested, above the abutting surface  51 , when the lifting and abutting device  50  is in the lowered position N. 
     The capsule positioning device  55  comprises a rotating disc  56  rotatable around a rotation axis M thereof, and mounted to the face  44  of the support plate  9 . 
     The rotating disc  56  is provided with a seat  57  shaped to house a capsule  200  to be tested, with the open end  206  facing upwards, that is with the closed end  205  facing towards the resting plane  3 . The size of the seat  57  is selected so that the capsule  200  does not move, or moves with a limited clearance, within the seat  57  itself during the rotation of the rotating disc  56 , and this to allow for its optimal positioning above the abutting surface  51 . 
     The rotating disc  56  may further comprise an inlet channel  60  having a first end that is located within the seat  57 , arranged to receive a capsule  200  to be tested, and to supply it to the seat  57 , and a second end, opposite to the first end of the inlet channel  60 , provided with an inlet for the capsule  200  to be tested. 
     In use, the capsule  200  is inserted into the inlet of the inlet channel  60  and slips on a bottom of the inlet channel  60  until it reaches the seat  57 . 
     The capsule positioning device  55  may further comprise a cover  58 , removably mounted on the rotating disc  56 , in which a through opening  59  may be obtained, which allows to see the capsule  200  when it is inserted into the seat  57 , during the rotation of the rotating disc  56 . 
     In use, the rotating disc  56  is rotatable around the rotation axis M, specifically in the direction indicated by the arrow in  FIG.  5   , between a receiving position C, shown in  FIG.  5   , in which the seat  57  faces the first end of the inlet channel  60 , and a removing position, not shown in the Figures, in which the seat  57  is substantially coaxial with the hollow gripping spindle  41 . In this manner, the capsule  200  will have its longitudinal axis A substantially parallel to, and especially coinciding with, the longitudinal axis G of the longitudinal cavity  46  of the hollow gripping spindle  41 . 
     The removing position may be located diametrically opposite to the receiving position C. 
     The capsule  200  may be supplied to the rotating disc  56  manually, by inserting it into the inlet channel  60  or directly into the seat  57 , or it may be supplied to the rotating disc  56  through a capsule supplying guide  61  connecting the measuring apparatus  1  to a portion of the plug processing line provided in the capsule production plant, specifically downstream of a cutting machine adapted to engrave capsules  200 , especially adapted to cut the side wall  202  of a capsule  200 , such that the tamper evident band  203  and one or more connecting elements  201  are obtained on said side wall  202 . 
     Indeed, the capsule supplying guide  61  may be connected to the inlet channel  60  (at the second end) or to the seat  57 , in the absence of an inlet channel  60 , on one side, and, on the other side, to the portion of the capsule processing line, close to which is provided a deflector device comprising, for example, a rotatable rod arranged to interact with a capsule  200  passing along the line portion to deflect its path along the supplying guide  61  and then to the capsule positioning device  55 . 
     The capsule supplying guide  61  is partially mounted on the face  44 . In a panel of the casing  30 , specifically a rear panel  62  of the upper part  8 , a through-hole  63  is obtained to enable the mounting of the capsule supplying guide  61  on the face  44 . 
     The capsule supplying guide  61  may be polygonal in section. 
     When the measuring apparatus  1  comprises the capsule supplying guide  61 , a capsule  200  to be tested may be automatically removed from the processing line. Owing to the capsule supplying guide  61 , therefore, the measuring apparatus  1  may form part of the capsule processing line  200 . 
     Either an individual capsule  200  or a group of capsules  200  to be tested sequentially in the measuring apparatus may be automatically removed from the processing line. For example, the number of capsules  200  of the group of capsules  200  may coincide with the number of spindles in the cutting machine. The number of capsules  200  removed from the supply line may be programmed by the processing and control unit, which can talk to a main controller (PLC) of the capsule processing line. 
     Alternatively, the measuring apparatus  1  may be used in stand-alone fashion, namely detached from the plug processing line. In such case, the measuring apparatus  1  is employed as a laboratory machine for testing the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201 . 
     The measuring apparatus  1  further comprises a cutting device  64  arranged to cut the portion of tamper evident band  203  remaining attached to the ridge  42  at the end of the measurement of the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201 , namely when all connecting elements  201  have been fractured. 
     The cutting device  64  comprises a knife  65  ( FIGS.  4  and  4     a ), and an actuator device  66  ( FIGS.  4  and  5   ), for example a linear actuator, arranged to move the knife for approaching the portion of the tamper evident band  203  to perform a cross-cut, namely a cut not perpendicular to the vertical axis V of the measuring apparatus  1 , such that the portion of the tamper evident band  203  separates from the hollow gripping spindle  41 . 
     Once the portion of the tamper evident band  203  has been separated from the gripping spindle  41 , an air blow generated, for example, by a nozzle attached to a compressed air channel, not shown in the Figures, directs the capsule  200  (cup-shaped body  210  and tamper evident band  203 ) to a discharge pipe  67  having an end located above the container  29  ( FIG.  4   ). The discharge pipe  67  is formed such that the tested capsule  200  falls by gravity into the container  29 , possibly interacting with portions of an inner surface of the discharge pipe  67  itself. 
     Owing to the air blow, the tested capsule  200  is automatically ejected out of the detection unit  40 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS.  6 - 8    showing a portion of the force detection unit  40  according to a first exemplary embodiment of the measuring apparatus  1  and to some steps of a first example of a sequence for detecting the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201 , the pusher device  45  comprises a first pusher  70  and a second pusher  71  arranged coaxially, and configured to detect the pull-off force of the bridge elements  201   a  and of the tether elements  201   b , respectively, when they are moved along the breakage direction D by means of a first actuator of the movement device  48  and of an additional actuator of the movement device  48 , respectively. 
     The first pusher  70  is shaped substantially as a hollow cylinder, with the second pusher  71  being slidable therein. Specifically, a longitudinal opening  79  is obtained in the first pusher  70 , the second pusher  71  being slidable therein. 
     The second pusher  71  comprises a shaft  72  having a substantially cylindrical shape and a tapered end  73 , especially with a blunt tip, coupled with an end of the shaft  72 . 
     In this first exemplary embodiment, the thrust surface  52  of the pusher device  45  comprises the thrust surface of the first pusher  70 , which, in use, is intended for pushing against a portion of the bottom surface  214  of the end wall  204  ( FIGS.  6  and  7   ). The thrust surface  52  of the pusher device  45  further comprises the thrust surface of the second pusher  71 , obtained on the tapered end  73 , which, in use, is intended for pushing against a portion of the bottom surface  214  of the end wall  204  ( FIG.  8   ) as well as against a portion of the inner seal surface  215  of the seal element  207 , when the seal element  207  is present, or against a portion of the inner side surface  216  of the side wall  202 , when no seal element  207  is provided in the capsule  200 . The tapered end  73  of the second pusher  71  is shaped so as to engage, and push against, an L-shaped portion of the inner surface, a side thereof being arranged on the bottom surface  214  and the other side thereof being arranged on the inner seal surface  215  or on the inner side surface  216 . 
     In this first exemplary embodiment, the sensor arrangement  49  comprises a first force sensor, such as a load cell, connected to the first pusher  70 , and a second force sensor, such as a load cell, connected to the second pusher  71 , in order to detect values of the force applied to the bridge elements  201   a  and to the tether elements  201   b , respectively, of the capsule  200  when subjected to a tensile force. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS.  9 ,  10 ,  12  and  13   , showing a portion of the force detection unit  40  according to a second exemplary embodiment of the measuring apparatus  1  and to some steps of a second example of a sequence for detecting the pull-off force of the connecting elements, the pusher device  45  comprises a first portion  74 , substantially cylindrical in shape, and a second portion  75 , also cylindrical in shape, hinged on the first portion  74  so as to be rotatable around a hinge axis H substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis G of the longitudinal cavity  46  of the hollow gripping spindle  41 . In other words, the second portion  75  is articulated with respect to the first portion  74 . 
     In use, the first portion  74  and the second portion  75  initially assume an aligned configuration E, especially shown in  FIGS.  9 ,  10  and  12   , in which the first portion  74  and the second portion  75  are aligned along an axis substantially parallel to, or coinciding with, the longitudinal axis G of the longitudinal cavity  46  when the measuring apparatus  1  is not operating, or to push a portion of the bottom surface  214  of the end wall  204  in order to first deform and then fracture the bridge elements  201   a  ( FIG.  12   ) by moving the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D. Simultaneously with the movement of the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D, the sensor arrangement  49  detect and possibly store in the memory the values of the force applied on the capsule  200 . 
     At the time when all the bridge elements are broken  201   a  (coinciding with a decrease in the force values detected), the pusher device  45  is operated again along the breakage direction D, and by continuing its stroke along the breakage direction D, an end portion of the second portion  75  engages a portion of the bottom surface  214  of the end wall  204  and a portion of the inner seal surface  215  of the seal element  207  (or a portion of the inner side surface  216  when the seal element  207  is not present), such portions tilting with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the capsule  200  (when the capsule  200  is mounted on the hollow gripping spindle  41 ), or to the longitudinal axis G of the cavity  46  of the hollow gripping spindle  41 , since the at least one tether element  201   b  keeps the tamper evident band  203  anchored to the hollow gripping spindle  41  on one side, and drags in rotation the second portion  75 . In other words, the second portion  75  rotates around the hinge axis H. By contrast, the first portion  74  does not rotate, but remains with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis G of the cavity  46  of the hollow gripping spindle  41 . Therefore, the first portion  74  and the second portion  75  assume an inclined configuration F in which the second portion  75  has a longitudinal axis which is no longer aligned but inclined with respect to that of the first portion  74 . When the second portion  75  goes down, it keeps on applying a force to the inner side of the capsule  200 , thereby leading to the breakage of the at least one tether element  201   b , too. Simultaneously with the movement of the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D, the sensor arrangement  49  detect and possibly store in the memory the values of the force applied to the capsule  200 . 
     Also in this case, the end portion of the second portion  75  is shaped so as to engage, and push against, an L-shaped portion of the inner surface, a side thereof being arranged on the bottom surface  214  and the other side thereof being arranged on the inner seal surface  215  or on the inner side surface  216 . 
     In this second embodiment, the measuring apparatus  1  comprises a vision system  76  arranged to acquire an image of the capsule  200  to be tested, namely an image of the tamper evident band  203  prior to its separation from the side wall  202  when the capsule  200  is subjected to a tensile test, specifically prior to the connection of the capsule  200  to the hollow gripping spindle  41 . 
       FIG.  11    shows an exemplary image detected by the vision system  76 . 
     For example, the vision system  76  may comprise a video camera, especially a linear one. 
     Thus, owing to the vision system  76 , it is possible to assess the quality of the cut performed by the cutting machine on the capsule  200  under consideration, by assessing at least an image of at least one portion of the tamper evident band  203 , falling within a frame of the vision system  76 . 
     In this second embodiment, the lifting and abutting device  50  comprises, on the abutting surface  51 , an engaging groove  77  arranged to engage the outer side surface  208  of the side wall  202  so as to lock the capsule  200  to be tested, on the abutting surface  51 . 
     For example, the engaging groove  77  may be provided with an engaging area  78  shaped so as to engage the knurled area  209  of the capsule  200 . 
     In this embodiment, the drive device  54  allows not only the translation of the lifting and abutting device  50 , but also a rotation thereof around a rotation axis L substantially perpendicular to the face  44 . 
     According to a variant, not shown in the Figures, the capsule  200  to be tested is locked on the abutting surface  51  of the lifting and abutting device  50  through a vacuum system of the known type. 
     Owing to the rotation of the lifting and abutting device  50 , it is possible to assess images of several portions of the tamper evident band  203 , including those not falling directly in the visual field of the vision system  76 . In this manner, it is possible to inspect the entire length of the tamper evident band  203 . Moreover, the capsule  200  may be oriented angularly depending on the position of the at least one tether element  201   b  before the capsule  200  is subjected to a tensile force. 
     Owing to the vision system  76 , it is also possible to determine the size of the bridge elements  201   a , their angular distribution, the regularity of the cut and the position of the cut. 
     The operation of the aforementioned measuring apparatus  1  embodies a measuring method comprising the steps of:
         supplying a capsule  200  to the detection unit  40 ;   connecting the capsule  200  to the hollow gripping spindle  41  by having the retaining elements  213  engage said ridge  42 ;   subjecting the capsule  200  to a tensile force through the pusher device  45  and detecting, through the sensor arrangement  49 , an electrical signal proportional to a deformation to which said connecting elements  201  are subjected;   moving the lifting and abutting device  50  along the operating direction O, and moving the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D at the same time, and especially at the same speed, so that the abutting surface  51  is maintained at a set distance X; Y from the outer surface  218  of the end wall  204 , the abutting surface  51  cooperating with the outer surface  218  of the end wall  204 , in order to counteract an excessive tipping of the capsule  200  during the application of the tensile force.       

     The step of supplying a capsule  200  comprises arranging a capsule  200  with the open end  206  facing upwards, above the abutting surface  51 , when the lifting and abutting device  50  is in the lowered position N, and subsequently moving the lifting and abutting device  50  along the supply direction S up to the supplying position P in which the capsule  200  turns out to be connected to the hollow gripping spindle  41  since the retaining elements  213  engage the ridge  42  ( FIG.  6   ). 
     The step of arranging a capsule  200  above the abutting surface  51  may further comprise, in particular sequentially, providing a rotating disc  56  in the receiving position C, inserting a capsule  200  in the seat  57  of the rotating disc  56 , and rotating the rotating disc  56  around the rotation axis M, especially substantially by 180°, until the removing position is reached, in which the capsule  200  has its longitudinal axis A substantially coinciding with the longitudinal axis G of the longitudinal cavity  46  of the hollow gripping spindle  41  and substantially coinciding with an axis of the seat  57 . 
     The step of arranging a capsule  200  above the abutting surface  51  may further comprise removing a capsule  200  from a portion of the capsule processing line, through the capsule supplying guide  61 , to supply the capsule  200  to the seat  57 . 
     The measuring method further comprises moving the lifting and abutting device  50  along the operating direction O during a portion, until the abutting surface  51  and the outer surface  218  of the end wall  204  are spaced apart by a set distance X ( FIGS.  7  and  12   ). 
     The measuring method further comprises a step of measuring the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201 , comprising the step of moving the pusher device  45  along a breakage direction D to apply a tensile force to an inner side of the capsule  200  to break the bridge elements  201   a , together with moving the lifting and abutting device  50  along the operating direction O for a first portion, during which said set distance X is maintained. 
     The step of measuring the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201  further comprises constantly detecting, through the sensor arrangement  49 , values of the tensile force applied to the capsule  200 , and thus to the connecting elements  201 , simultaneously with said moving the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D, in particular from the time when the pusher device  45  starts applying a force to the inner surface of the capsule  200 . 
     The step of detecting said tensile force values comprises calculating a value of the pull-off force of the bridge elements  201   a , said value of the pull-off of the bridge elements  201   a  coinciding with a first maximum force value detected, detected in particular during the first portion. 
     The set distance X is maintained until all bridge elements  201   a  have been fractured, namely until the sensor arrangement  49  detects the pull-off force of the bridge elements  201   a.    
     The measuring method further comprises moving the lifting and abutting device  50  along the operating direction O during a further portion, until the abutting surface  51  and the outer surface  218  of the end wall  204  are spaced apart by a further set distance Y, which may be equal to, or different from, the set distance X. 
     The step of measuring the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201  further comprises the step of further moving the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D to apply a tensile force to an inner surface of the capsule  200  in order to break the tether elements  201   b , together with moving the lifting and abutting device  50  along the operating direction O for a second portion, during which said further set distance Y is maintained ( FIGS.  8  and  13   ). 
     The step of measuring the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201  further comprises constantly detecting, through the sensor arrangement  49 , values of the tensile force applied to the capsule  200 , and thus to the connecting elements  201 , simultaneously with said moving the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D. 
     The step of detecting the tensile force values comprises calculating a value of the pull-off force of the tether elements  201   b , the value of the pull-off force of the tether elements  201   b  coinciding with a second maximum force value detected subsequently to the first maximum force value, detected in particular during the second portion. 
     The further set distance Y is maintained until all tether elements  201   b  have been fractured, namely until the sensor arrangement  49  detects the pull-off force of the tether elements  201   b.    
     Maintaining the set distance X during the first portion, and the further set distance Y during the second portion, allows to counteract a tipping of the capsule  200  during said application of said tensile force, since if the capsule  200  tilts slightly, the abutting surface  51  may cooperate with at least one area of the outer surface  218  of the end wall  204 , thereby preventing an excessive tilting which hampers the measurement of the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201 . 
     With reference to the first exemplary embodiment of the measuring apparatus  1 , the step of moving the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D may comprise a first step in which it is provided that the first pusher  70  is moved along the breakage direction D, whereas the second pusher  71  is kept in place, to apply a tensile force to a portion of the bottom surface  214  of the end wall  204  of the capsule  200  in order to break the bridge elements  201   a , such portion being substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis A of the capsule  200  ( FIG.  7   ). 
     The step of moving the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D may further comprise a second step, subsequent to the first step, in which it is provided that the second pusher  71  is moved along the breakage direction D, whereas the first pusher  70  is kept in place, to apply a tensile force, in order to break the tether elements  201   b , to a portion of the bottom surface  214  of the end wall  204  of the capsule  200  and to a portion of an inner seal surface  215  of the seal element  207  (when the capsule  200  is provided with the seal element  207 ) or to a portion of the bottom surface  214  of the end wall  204  of the capsule  200 , and to a portion of the inner side surface  216  (when the capsule  200  is not provided with the seal element  207 ) ( FIG.  8   ). 
     With reference to the second exemplary embodiment of the measuring apparatus  1 , prior to the connection of the capsule  200  to the hollow gripping spindle  41 , the measuring method may further comprise the step of mutually approaching the lifting and abutting device  50  and the pusher device  45 , such that the abutting surface  51  and the thrust surface  52  abut on the end wall  204  from opposite parts, so as to engage the capsule  200  in the engaging groove  77 , such that the capsule  200  is locked angularly, that is, it cannot rotate freely ( FIG.  9   ). 
     After the step of mutually approaching the lifting and abutting device  50  and the pusher device  45 , the measuring method may further comprise a phasing step of the capsule  200 , which comprises rotating the lifting and abutting device  50  around its rotation axis L, so as to orient the capsule  200  on the basis of the position of a reference element thereof, such as the position of a tether element  201   b , the position of said reference element being detected by acquiring at least one image of the tamper evident band  203  through the vision system  76 . Owing to the phasing step, a reference element of the capsule  200  may be oriented according to a desired orientation. 
     After the step of mutually approaching the lifting and abutting device  50  and the pusher device  45 , the measuring method may further comprise an inspection step of the capsule  200 , which comprises rotating the lifting and abutting device  50  around its rotation axis L, and acquiring at least one image of an area of the tamper evident band  203 . The rotation of the lifting and abutting device  50  and the acquisition of at least one image may be repeated until images of the entire outer surface of the tamper evident band  203  are obtained. 
     After carrying out the phasing step of the capsule  200  and/or the inspection step of the capsule  200 , the measuring method comprises the step of connecting the capsule  200  to the hollow gripping spindle  41 , and, subsequently, the step of measuring the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201 , during which the vision system  76  may be turned off ( FIG.  10   ). 
     The values of the force applied to the capsule  200  to be tested, and, as a result, to the connecting elements  201 , are acquired in the processing and control unit of the measuring apparatus  1 , and possibly stored therein. 
     When the sensor arrangement  49  detects a measurement signal proportional to the force values, the processing and control unit processes the measurement signals thus acquired to convert them into force values. 
     At the end of the step of measuring the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201 , the measuring method may comprise cutting the tamper evident band  203  remained anchored to the ridge  42 , by means of the cutting device  64 , and ejecting the capsule  200  by using an air blow. 
     The measuring method may further comprise plotting a trend curve of the force values as a function of the movement of the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D, or as a function of time, and displaying it on the displaying device  13 . 
       FIGS.  16  and  17    are two exemplary graphs showing trend curves of the tear-off values detected by testing a first exemplary capsule and a second exemplary capsule, respectively, shown in  FIG.  16   a    and in  FIG.  17   a   , respectively. 
     Each graph shows the trend of the tear-off values detected by the measuring apparatus  1  (curve represented by dashed line) by applying the measuring method described above, the trend of the tear-off values detected in a first detection mode (curve represented by dotted line), and the trend of the tear-off values detected in a second detection mode (curve represented by a solid line). 
     With particular reference to  FIG.  18   , the first detection mode provides that to the at least one tether element  201   b  is applied a tensile force directed along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the capsule  200  (or vertical, or axial or at 0°), that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a bottle on which is mounted the capsule  200  to be tested. By contrast, the second detection mode provides that to the at least one tether element  201   b  is applied a tensile force directed along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the capsule  200  (or horizontal, or radial, or at 90°), that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a bottle on which is mounted the capsule  200  to be tested. 
     The first and second detection modes may be implemented by the measuring apparatus  1  ( FIGS.  14  and  15   , respectively) or by another laboratory machine. 
     Each curve represented in the graph has a first maximum point which coincides with the pull-off force of the bridge elements  201   a , and which is detected during the first travel portion of the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D, and a second maximum point which coincides with the pull-off force of the tether elements  201   b , and which is detected during the second travel portion of the pusher device  45  along the breakage direction D. 
     The first and second portions may substantially be 15 mm in length. 
     The measuring method may further comprise analyzing the detected force values to obtain production information on the capsule  200 , this information being used to make a change to one or more parts of a capsule production plant in which the tested capsule  200  has been fabricated, especially when the measuring apparatus  1  is used in line. 
     Specifically, from the analysis carried out on the force values detected, it is possible to determine whether one or more parts of the capsule production plant are experiencing a failure. For example, it is possible to detect whether the cutting machine has a cutting blade that is worn or malfunctioning, since the cutting parameters used are not suitable. As a result, therefore, the cutting action may be corrected by replacing the worn blade or by making changes to the cutting parameters of the cutting machine. 
     Still, by analyzing the graphs illustrating the force as a function of time, it is possible to determine the elongation of the bridge elements  201   a , and thus compare the elongation of the bridge elements  201   a  in capsules  200  made of different materials, or determine whether the material used for the molding of a tested capsule  200  is not compliant, because the elongation detected deviates from an elongation expected for that material. 
     In other words, the detected force values may be related to a failure condition of one part of the capsule production plant. 
     Owing to the movable lifting and abutting device  50 , during the measuring step the abutting surface  51  cooperates with the outer surface  218  of the end wall  204  to counteract a possible rotation of the capsule  200  with respect to its longitudinal axis A. 
     This allows to obtain a reliable measurement of the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201 , since it is certain that all connecting elements  201  are fractured. 
     Moreover, still owing to the movable lifting and abutting device  50  as well as to the vision system  76 , a capsule  200  may be conveniently oriented, and supplied to the detection unit  40 . 
     Owing to the shape of the pusher device  45  it is possible to detect the pull-off force of capsules  200  provided with bridge elements  201   a  and/or with at least one tether element  201   b.    
     The measuring apparatus  1  further comprises measuring the pull-off force of the connecting elements  201  of capsules  200  having a diameter in a range of 25 to 38 mm, and a height in a range of 10 to 20 mm, without making any changes to the components of the measuring apparatus  1 . 
     If it is desired to test a capsule  200  having a different size from the one reported above, it will be necessary to change only the hollow gripping spindle  41 , in addition to the parts which move the capsules  200  to the working position. In other words, the measuring apparatus  1  turns out to be very versatile. 
     Finally, the measuring apparatus allows to test the pull-off force of connecting bridge elements  201   a  of different types of bands, in capsules  200  of similar size. 
       FIGS.  19 - 24    show another four examples of measuring apparatuses. 
     The measuring apparatus in  FIG.  19    comprises a tubular element  81  (for example, cylindrical in shape) having a vertical axis. Specifically, the measuring apparatus may comprise the axial thrust element  45 , which is axially movable inside the tubular element  81 . As in the previous examples, the axial thrust element  45  is configured to push a capsule  200  downwards, in order to cause a breakage of the frangible arrangement  201  connecting the capsule  200  to the tamper evident band  203  (having a closed annular shape). 
     The axial thrust element  45  shown in the examples in  FIGS.  19 - 22   , may be in particular similar to that in the previous examples. 
     Specifically, the measuring apparatus may comprise the annular ridge  42 , which radially projects from the tubular element  81 . The annular ridge  42  may comprise, in particular, at least one reaction surface  82  configured to act as an abutting surface axially retaining the tamper evident band  203  when the axial thrust element  45  pushes the capsule  200  downwards to cause the breakage, as seen in the previous examples. Specifically, such reaction surface  82  may be extended in a circumferential direction (in either a continuous or non-continuous mode). 
     The annular ridge  42  shown in the examples in  FIGS.  19 - 22   , may be similar, in particular, to that in the previous examples. 
     The reaction surface  82  may comprise, in particular, an external diameter larger than an internal diameter of the tamper evident band  203 , so as to axially retain the tamper evident band and allow the breakage of the frangible arrangement  201 . 
     The measuring apparatus may comprise, in particular, a sensor arrangement  49  (not shown in  FIGS.  19 - 22   , but provided in these exemplary embodiments) configured to detect at least one force applied by the axial thrust element  45  to the capsule  200 . Each of the measuring apparatuses in  FIGS.  19 - 22   , therefore, comprises a sensor arrangement for measuring the pull-off force of the frangible arrangement, which sensor arrangement may be, in particular, similar to the ones described in the previous examples. 
     The measuring apparatus shown in  FIG.  19    (as well as those illustrated in  FIGS.  20 - 22   ) may comprise, in particular, the various elements (as a whole or in part) of the measuring apparatuses previously described, not shown for the sake of simplicity. Specifically, it is possible that the exemplary measuring apparatuses shown in  FIGS.  19 - 22    are not provided with the cutting device  64 , since as will be better explained hereinafter in the description, in these examples, the removal, or discharge, of the tamper evident band following the breakage of the frangible arrangement, and the resulting separation of the capsule, is carried out by disengaging the tamper evident band from, or moving the tamper evident band out of, the annular ridge  42  without cutting or tearing, or otherwise opening the tamper evident band, but leaving intact the closed annular shape of the band itself. 
     The measuring apparatus may comprise, in particular, a band disengagement arrangement configured to cause at least one relative movement between the annular ridge  42  and the tamper evident band  203  following the breakage of the frangible arrangement  201 . 
     The aforesaid relative movement may comprise, in particular, either a radial widening of the tamper evident band  203  (as in the examples in  FIGS.  19  and  20   ), or a radial collapse of the annular ridge  42  (as in the example in  FIGS.  21  and  22   ), or both (namely both a radial widening of the tamper evident band  203 , and a radial collapse of the annular ridge  42 ). 
     As a result of the aforesaid relative movement, the tamper evident band  203  shall remain intact, i.e., with a closed annular shape, and may have an internal diameter larger than an external diameter of the annular ridge  42 , at least for the time necessary to have the tamper evident band  203  disengaged from, or moved out of, the annular ridge  42 , and to have the possibility of removing the tamper evident band  203 , still with its closed annular shape. 
     The band disengagement arrangement may comprise (as in the examples in  FIGS.  19  and  20   ) a radial thrust portion configured to radially widen the tamper evident band  203  outwards (a part of the tamper evident band  203  that has been widened by the band disengagement arrangement is shown in  FIG.  19   , indicated by dashed line). 
     Specifically, the radial thrust portion may be moved so as to assume at least a first contracted configuration, in which the radial thrust portion is arranged radially inside the reaction surface  82  (namely inside the tamper evident band held by the annular ridge and not yet radially widened), and at least a second expanded configuration, in which the radial thrust portion is moved radially outwards with respect to the first configuration, to radially push and radially widen the tamper evident band  203  so as to move the band beyond the annular ridge  42 , without breaking the band, this remaining intact in its closed annular shape.  FIG.  19    shows, by dashed line, a part of the radial thrust portion in the second band-widening configuration. 
     The radial thrust portion may comprise, as in the example nu  FIG.  19   , two, three or even more than three sectors  83 , arranged along a circumference, each of which can be moved in a radial direction. Specifically, each sector  83  may comprise a sector extended along a circumferential arc. In the first contracted configuration, with smaller-diameter, the various sectors  83 , taken as a whole, may form a substantially continuous cylindrical shape. 
     The measuring apparatus may comprise, in particular, an actuator device (not shown) configured to drive a movement of the radial thrust portion between the first configuration and the second configuration. These actuator device may comprise, in particular, at least one actuator. Notably, it is possible to arrange an actuator device of pneumatic type. In particular, it is possible to arrange one or more linear actuators. It is possible to arrange an actuator that actuates all sectors  83  (e.g., through a movement transmission mechanism). It is possible that each sector  83  may be operatively connected to, and actuated by, a respective actuator. 
     The radial thrust portion may comprise, as in the example of  FIG.  20   , an internal profile  84  configured for contact with an external counter profile  85  supported by said axial thrust element  45 , such that an upward motion of the axial thrust element  45  causes a radial thrust outwardly of the radial thrust portion as a result of the contact between the internal profile  84  and the external counter profile  85 . 
     The aforesaid internal profile  84  may be, in particular, arranged on one end of one, two or more than two elastic elements  86  configured to elastically return to the rest position towards the first configuration (with a reduced diameter). 
     In particular, the internal profile  84  may be arranged on a lower end of a circumferential arrangement of elastic elements  86 , arranged around the vertical axis. Each elastic element  86  may comprise, in particular, an elastic tab elongated in an axial direction. The internal profile  84  may be obtained, as in the example in  FIG.  20   , from a plurality of profile portions each of which is arranged on a respective elastic element  86 . The external counter profile  85  may be made, as in the example in  FIG.  20   , from a flared (e.g., truncated cone-shaped) portion of the axial thrust element  45  such that this thrust element has a diameter variation from a larger diameter, in an element part arranged in a lower position, to a smaller diameter, in an element part arranged in an upper position. 
     Specifically, each elastic element  86  may comprise a wall portion of the same tubular element  81 , as in the example in  FIG.  20   . Each elastic element  86  may turn out to be defined, on two opposite sides, by two pass-through openings, or notches, obtained on the portion wall of the tubular element  81 , such that the circumferential arrangement will be formed by a series of vertical elastic elements  86  spaced out by wall portions that have no internal profile  84  and are not intended for expansion, with a series of vertical pass-through openings defining the separation interface between the expandable vertical elastic elements  86  and the fixed wall portions. Each pass-through opening or notch may comprise, in particular, a very thin slot, such that the aforesaid circumferential arrangement of expandable elastic elements  86  spaced out with fixed wall portions may give rise to an outer surface (here, cylindrically-shaped) of the tubular element  81 , which can be considered virtually continuous and substantially free of any relevant interruptions. 
     After the breakage of the frangible arrangement  201 , the thrust element  45  (starting from a lower position, similar to the one illustrated in  FIG.  19   ) moves upwards. In the example in  FIG.  20   , the upward movement, that continues until a configuration (upper position, not shown) in which the counter profile  85  interacts through contact with the profile  84 , causes a radial expansion of the elastic elements  86  outwards, and, as a result, the ejection, through disengagement, of the tamper evident band  203  out of the annular ridge  42  (without any breakages in the band, this remaining intact in its closed annular shape). In this upper configuration, the part of the thrust element  45  having the larger diameter keeps the elastic elements  86  in a widened position, whereby the band is removed outwards. 
     After the disengagement or the removal of the band, the thrust element  45  moves once again downwards until it reaches an intermediate position ( FIG.  20   , on the right, where the term “intermediate” is to be understood with reference to the lower position, which is reached to break the frangible arrangement, and to the upper position, which is reached to disengage the tamper evident band), for a new measuring cycle for the pull-off force of the frangible arrangement of another capsule. 
     The band disengagement arrangement may comprise a collapsible portion  87  of the tubular element  81 , as in the example in  FIGS.  21  and  22   . The annular ridge  42  may be, in particular, arranged on the collapsible portion  87 . Such collapsible portion  87  may be constructed, in particular, similarly to the elastic elements  86  in  FIG.  20   , with the difference that here the annular ridge  42  is arranged on the collapsible portion  87 , whereas in the example in  FIG.  20   , the annular ridge  42  is a fixed element, and the movable element, which can be expanded by increasing its own diameter to act as an outward radial pusher, is represented by an elastic wall portion of the tubular element  81 . 
     Furthermore, such collapsible portion  87  may be capable of assuming an expanded band-retention configuration (illustrated in  FIG.  22   , on the left), in which the reaction surface  82  of the annular ridge  42  is capable of axially retaining the tamper evident band  203 , and a collapsed release configuration (illustrated in  FIG.  22   , on the right), in which the reaction surface  82  of the annular ridge  42  curves radially inwards, thus decreasing its own diameter with respect to the expanded larger-diameter retention configuration. In the collapsed release configuration, the annular ridge  42  may release the tamper evident band  203 . 
     The collapsible portion  87  may be configured, in particular, to assume the collapsed release configuration after the breakage of the frangible arrangement  201  caused by the axial thrust element  45 . After the breakage of the frangible arrangement  201 , the thrust element  45  moves upwards. The upward movement, that continues until a configuration in which it no longer internally counteracts the collapsible portion  87 , namely a configuration similar to the one shown in  FIG.  22    on the right, causes the collapse of the collapsible portion  87 , whereby the latter elastically moves to the contracted smaller-diameter rest position, due to the absence of any internal counteraction. 
     The collapsible portion  87  may comprise one, two or more than two longitudinal elastic elements  88  extending vertically in length, as in the example in  FIGS.  21  and  22   . Each elastic element  88  may be configured to move to the rest position in the collapsed release configuration. 
     The measuring apparatus may comprise, in particular, an abutment arrangement arranged to maintain the elastic elements  88  in the aforesaid expanded configuration for retaining the tamper evident band, whereas the axial thrust element  45  pushes the capsule  200  downwards to break the frangible arrangement  201 . 
     As in this example, the abutment arrangement may comprise the same axial thrust element  45 , which will be configured to (sequentially) assume an intermediate position (to allow the insertion of the tamper evident band in the annular ridge), a lower position (to obtain the thrust on the capsule and the breakage of the frangible arrangement) and an upper position (to obtain the collapse of the annular ridge and allow the disengagement of the tamper evident band). 
     In the intermediate position (shown, for example, in  FIG.  22   , on the left, or in  FIG.  20   , on the right), the axial thrust element  45  can counteract the elastic elements  88  so as to maintain them in the expanded retention configuration. 
     In the intermediate position, the axial thrust element  45  allows to lift the capsule  200  (as described in the previous examples, in particular by means of a lifting device which lifts the capsule) to engage the tamper evident band  203  in the annular ridge  42 . The aforesaid lifting device may be found in all examples in  FIGS.  19 - 22   . 
     In the lower position (shown, for example, in  FIG.  19   ), the axial thrust element  45  may still be capable of counteracting the elastic elements  88  so as to maintain them in the expanded retention configuration, after the axial thrust element  45  itself has pushed the capsule  200  downwards. 
     In the upper position (shown, for example, in  FIG.  22   , on the right), the axial thrust element  45  is positioned such that the elastic elements  88  can freely collapse (by elastically moving to a smaller-diameter rest position) towards the collapsed band release configuration. 
       FIGS.  23  and  24    show another exemplary measuring apparatus, in which the radial thrust portion comprises a thrust profile  90  attached to the axial thrust element  45 . The thrust profile  90  may, in particular, radially protrude from the axial thrust element  45 . The thrust profile  90  may be, in particular, arranged on a plurality of elements or attachments, in particular having a flat, laminar or plate-like shape, firmly supported by the axial thrust element  45  and radially protruding from an outer surface of the thrust element itself. 
     The thrust profile  90  may be, in particular, configured so as to radially widen the tamper evident band  203  outwards as a result of a downward movement of the axial thrust element  45  (see, for example, the movement that may be seen from the left part to the right part in  FIG.  23   ). 
     The thrust profile  90  may be, in particular, inserted into one or more vertical slots  91  obtained in the tubular element  81  so as to allow the vertical movement in both directions of the axial thrust element  45 . The thrust profile  90  may comprise, in particular, at least one thrust surface having a circumferential arrangement. The thrust surface may have, in particular, an inverted flared shape, that is inclined so as to be wider towards the top. 
     As in the shown example, the thrust profile  90  may comprise a plurality of distinct profile portions arranged circumferentially, each of them being inserted in a respective slot  91  obtained in the tubular element  81 . 
     When the axial thrust element  45  moves downwards to perform the pull-off test for the frangible arrangement of the tamper evident band  203 , the thrust profile  90  supported by the axial thrust element  45  also moves downwards, and delivers, owing to its shape, a radial thrust action towards the tamper evident band  203 , after the breakage of the frangible arrangement, so as to widen the band itself and allow it to be removed and ejected out the annular ridge  42 . 
     As regards the examples in  FIGS.  19 - 24   , the apparatus may comprise a lifting element, such as the lifting element  53 , configured to transport the capsule  200  at least from a lower position, in which the capsule is far from the annular ridge  42 , to an upper position, in which the tamper evident band  203  of the capsule has passed the annular ridge  42  and can be retained axially by the latter. 
     As regards the examples in  FIGS.  19 - 24   , the apparatus may comprise an axial thrust portion  89  (see  FIG.  19  or  23   ) configured to axially push the tamper evident band  203  downwards, after the band disengagement arrangement caused the aforesaid relative movement between the annular ridge  42  and the tamper evident band  203 , that is after the external removal of the tamper evident band out of the annular ridge  42 . This axial thrust portion  89  may comprise, in particular, an annular-shaped pusher, axially movable in the vertical direction, in particular controlled by an actuator device. In any case, in order to promote the moving away of the tamper evident band, which is kept in its closed annular shape, one may provide a different type of pusher device, e.g., a blowing device to jet air or another gas. 
     Referring to all embodiments described above, the measuring apparatus comprises an electronic control and management device (for example, at least a CPU or an electronic processor) with a data processing system. Each measuring apparatus described herein can be networked to allow data exchange with the outside world. Each measuring apparatus may be, in particular, connected to at least one operating system provided with at least one supervisory program, in particular to control the execution of programs and/or regulate the flow of operations. 
     The supervisory program may be, in particular, configured to provide the electronic control and management device of the measuring apparatus with one or more operating parameters of the various actuators (or work “recipes”), and to store one or more data detected by the various sensors. The supervisory program may be, for example, applied to a single production line including the measuring apparatus, in particular where the latter actually turns out to form part of the production line. In other examples, the supervisory program may be applied to a plant as a whole, which includes two or more production lines. In such case, the measuring apparatus may be used as a stand-alone apparatus, for example in a laboratory not included in one of the production lines, to test the production of the several lines. 
     A ‘basic production line’, for example, may be understood to include a cutting machine matched in line with a measuring apparatus. 
     In any case, it may be provided that the cutting machine is a stand-alone machine, and that the measuring apparatus is configured to measure the pull-off force on a batch of capsules previously fabricated and possibly stored. For example, the measuring apparatus may be used as a stand-alone apparatus to test several capsules obtained from different production lines, even having different shapes. 
     The measuring apparatus may comprise, in particular, a user interface connected to electronic control and management device, which can be configured such that on the user interface one may find a SPC (Statistical Process Control) report, adapted, for example, to retrieve one or more of the following data: name of the product or of the production lot, start time of the work cycle and/or end time of the work cycle, lot size (e.g., number of capsules in the lot), number of capsules processed, a predefined minimum threshold force value, etc. 
     The SPC report on the user interface may comprise, in particular, the detected tear-off force (e.g., an average tear-off force value for the processed capsules). In particular, the SPC report on the user interface may comprise a minimum threshold value of the tear-off force and/or a maximum threshold value of the tear-off force. In particular, the SPC report on the user interface may comprise the number of processed capsules having a tear-off force lower than a minimum threshold value and/or the number of processed capsules having a tear-off force higher than a maximum threshold value. The SPC report on the user interface may comprise, in particular, an indicator (e.g., an ideogram) of the test general result. 
     The electronic control and management device may be configured, in particular, to compare each tear-off force value detected with a predetermined minimum threshold value and/or with a predetermined maximum threshold value. The general result of the test may be obtained by processing the detected data according to a predetermined algorithm, for example based on the number of capsules exceeding the minimum threshold and/or the maximum threshold. In particular, the electronic control and management device may be configured so as to provide the supervisory program with information on the correct management of the production line.