Method and apparatus for blowmoding capsules of polyvinylalcohol and blowmolded polyvinylalcohol capsules
AssigneePVAXX Research & Development Limited
InventorsHenry Guy Stevens, John Colin Dawson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A capsule is formed from a PVA composition by blow moulding. Such capsules can at last provide a viable alternative to gelatin for bio-degradeable capsule containing a pharmaceutical or consumable or other substance, for example a detergent. The capsules may contain solid or liquid substances. Blow moulding apparatus suitable for forming such capsules is also disclosed and claimed.
Claims51
Apparatus for forming a sealed filled capsule having walls formed from a PVA composition which apparatus comprises means defining a plurality of moulding cavities, means for injecting a source of PVA composition into each moulding cavity, means for inflating the PVA composition in each moulding cavity to form a blow moulded capsule, means for filling each capsule with a substance and means for sealing each capsule.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for dispensing a measured amount of substance into each capsule.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim arranged to dispense a powdered substance into the capsule.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim having a plurality of injection means for filling a plurality of the moulding cavities substantially simultaneously.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein a number of cavities are at least partially defined by substantially adjacent recesses formed in an integral mould block.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the cavities are defined by opposed recesses in opposed mould halves.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim including control means for controlling a repetitive cycle in which the cavities are sequentially formed, filled with PVA polymer and inflated, filled with the substance, sealed and ejected from the mould.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim including means for receiving a supply of melt-extruded PVA from a melt extruder.
A system according to any preceding claim further comprising means for receiving a supply of said substance.
A system according to any preceding claim further comprising a batch of filled sealed PVA capsules containing said substance produced by the apparatus.
A sealed PVA capsule containing a substance, produced by the apparatus of any preceding claim.
A capsule having walls formed from a PVA containing composition and containing a substance.
A process for forming a filled capsule comprising:
- receiving a supply of cold-pressed compounded PVA pellets;
- melt extruding the cold-pressed pellets to form PVA feed for blow moulding;
- injecting the PVA feed into a mould defining a plurality of cavities;
- inflating the PVA within each mould cavity to form a blow-moulded capsule;
- filling the capsule with a substance;
- sealing the capsule;
- ejecting the filled capsule.
A pharmaceutical comprising a sealed capsule formed from a PVA composition, the capsule containing a dose of medicament.
A food supplement comprising a dose of at least one vitamin or nutrient encapsulated in a PVA composition.
A detergent dispenser comprising a detergent encapsulated in a capsule formed from a PVA composition.
A sealed capsule containing a powdered substance, the capsule formed by blow moulding from a PVA composition.
A capsule substantially as any one herein described.
Apparatus for forming a PVA capsule substantially as herein described or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
A process for forming a capsule substantially as herein described.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.