Patent ID: 7153118

Claim:
A tablet press machine ( 100 ) comprising a hopper ( 1 ) for feeding a powder or granular product ( 2 ) to a first disc ( 3 a ) that rotates about a vertical axis (X) and is equipped with evenly distributed holes or dies ( 3 ); a second disc and a third disc ( 4 , 6 ) that are positioned, respectively, above and below the first disc ( 3 a ), and that rotate about said vertical axis (X) and support respective pluralities of upper and lower reciprocating punches ( 5 , 7 ); means for driving the punches ( 5 , 7 ) in pairs in synchronised, reciprocating fashion towards and away from each other in a vertical direction when each pair of punches ( 5 , 7 ) is aligned with one of the dies ( 3 ) on the first disc ( 3 a ); each of the punches ( 5 , 7 ) comprising a cylindrical supporting shank ( 8 ) slidably engaged with a matching seat ( 9 ) formed in the respective disc ( 4 , 6 ) and being equipped at one end with a working head ( 10 ) upon which the drive means act; and sealed protection means ( 11 ) fitted to each cylindrical shank ( 8 ) of each punch ( 5 , 7 ), these protection means ( 11 ) consisting of concertinaed sleeves ( 12 ); the machine being characterised in that each concertinaed sleeve ( 12 ) has an annular portion ( 13 ) constituting its far end relative to the working head ( 10 ), forming an annular seal and providing also a removable element used to attach support means ( 14 ) that protrude from the respective disc ( 4 , 6 ); the near end ( 15 ) of each concertinaed sleeve ( 12 ) relative to the working head ( 10 ) presenting an enlarged annular portion ( 16 ) that engages with a matching annular groove ( 17 ) in the cylindrical shank ( 8 ) to provide a tight seal; a concertina shaped sleeve ( 12 ), especially designed to provide a sealed covering for the reciprocating punches ( 5 , 7 ).