Measuring apparatus and method for capsules
AssigneeSacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa
InventorDanilo Albonetti
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Abstract
A measuring apparatus and method are described for measuring the breaking force of frangible arrangement connecting a capsule with a closed annular shaped guarantee band, with an annular ridge axially holding the guarantee band, a pusher element that pushes the capsule for breaking the frangible arrangement, sensor for detecting the traction force exerted by the pusher element, a lifting and abutment device arranged to feed the capsule to the annular projection, and a disengagement portion for removing the guarantee band from the annular projection, after the breakage of the frangible media, leaving the closed annular shape of the guarantee band intact.
Claims15
Measuring apparatus, comprising:
- 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 guarantee band of closed annular shape in order to cause breakage of the frangible arrangement;
- an annular projection which projects radially from said tubular element and which comprises at least one reaction surface configured to axially hold the guarantee 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 guarantee band;
- a sensor configured to detect at least one force exerted by said axial thrust element on the capsule;
- a band disengagement device configured to cause at least one relative movement between said annular projection and the guarantee band after said breakage, said relative movement comprising a radial widening of the guarantee band and/or a radial collapse of said annular projection, whereby, due to the effect of said relative movement, the guarantee band remains of closed annular shape.
Measuring method, comprising the steps of:
- providing a capsule with a closed annular shaped guarantee band;
- engaging said guarantee band with an annular projection;
- pushing the capsule with said guarantee band engaged with said annular projection to cause a breakage of frangible arrangement which connects the capsule with the guarantee band;
- detecting at least one force impressed on the capsule to cause said breakage of frangible arrangement;
- after said breakage, causing at least one relative movement between said annular projection and the guarantee band, said relative movement comprising a radial widening of the guarantee band and/or a radial collapse of said annular projection, whereby, due to the effect of said relative movement, the guarantee band can be removed out of said annular projection remaining of closed annular shape.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.