Patent ID: 7357275

Claim:
A unit for feeding capsules onto a machine for filling capsules, the unit comprising: a hopper for containing the capsules; the hopper having a first axis of rotation, being fitted with a number of feed channels, and rotating continuously about said first axis to move said feed channels about the first axis; each feed channel having a longitudinal second axis and receiving the capsules successively from said hopper; each feed channel being positioned such that said second axis forms an angle of other than 90° with a reference plane perpendicular to said first axis; and a first transfer wheel substantially coaxial with said first axis and connected to said hopper to rotate about the first axis; the first wheel having a substantially truncated-cone-shaped first outer peripheral surface, and a number of first seats formed in said first surface, equal in number to said feed channels, and each first seat being adapted to receive at least one of said capsules from at least one of said feed channels.