Title: Method and apparatus for filling capsules

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Abstract: A machine is disclosed for filling capsules having first and second sections that are telescoped within each other and which define an enclosed volume in the assembled condition. At least one and preferably a plurality of capsule filling stations are provided in a rotatable table. Each capsule filling station includes a first portion that is rigidly fixed to the table within a bore formed therein. The first portion receives the capsule section having the smaller transverse dimension. A second portion of the capsule filling station is D-shaped and is positioned within the same bore as the first portion. The second portion is selectively rotatable and is arranged to receive the capsule section having the larger transverse dimension. The flat surface of the second portion is arranged to sweep the material from a recess defined by the upper surface of the first portion and the sidewall of the bore in the table into the capsule section having the smaller transverse dimension which has been previously been separated from the other capsule section by means of a suction force. With the two capsule sections in alignment with each other, the filled lower capsule section may then be telescoped into the upper capsule section which is prevented from moving axially. The filled capsule is then ejected from the filling station. Means may be provided for detecting the absence of a capsule at the filling station to thereby prevent the sweeping of the capsule material. In addition means may also be provided for "overfilling" the capsule by selectively varying the space between the two capsule sections when they are in the filling station.


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