# US 2013/0153595 A1 · Apparatus For Regulating Release Of Tablets Into Cells Of A Heat Formed Strip > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2013/0153595 A1 - Document ID: US20130153595A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/710,655 - Filed: 2012-12-11 - Published: 2013-06-20 - Earliest claimed: 2011-12-14 - Assignees: Marchesini Group S.p.A. - Inventors: Giuseppe MONTI - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20130153595A1 ## CPC - G07F 11/56: the storage containers or supports both rotating and moving axially - B65B 5/103: {for packaging pills or tablets} - B65B 37/02: by gravity flow - G07F: COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS (coin sorting G07D3/00; coin testing G07D5/00; {handling coins or paper currencies apart from payment activated apparatus G07D; payment architectures, schemes or protocols G06Q20/00}) - B65B: MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING (bundling and pressing devices for cigars A24C1/44; devices for tensioning and securing binders adapted to be supported by the article or articles to be bound B25B25/00; applying closure members to bottles, jars or similar containers B67B1/00-B67B6/00; concurrent cleaning, filling and closing of bottles B67C7/00; emptying bottles, jars, cans, casks, barrels or similar containers B67C9/00) ## Abstract An apparatus for regulating release of tablets into cells of a heat-formed strip has a frame (2), and at least one supply channel (3) for directing tablets (4) to an outlet (5). A tooth (6) is movable between a first position (A) where the tooth blocks the supply channel and a second position (B) which allows transit of the tablets (4) to the outlet. An elastically flexible blade (7) is fixed to the frame (2) and equipped with the tooth (6). A tube (8) supplied with a fluid elastically expands or retracts in a radial direction as a function of the fluid pressure. The tube (8) abuts the flexible blade (7) in such a way that by regulating the pressure of the fluid internally of the tube (8), it is possible to control the position of the tooth (6). ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus for regulating release of tablets into cells of a heat-formed strip, comprising: a frame (2); at least one supply channel (3) which can be crossed by tablets (4) and which comprises an outlet (5) of tablets (4); a tooth (6) which is mobile between a first advanced position (A), in which the tooth (6) blocks the supply channel (3) so as to interrupt transit of tablets (4), and a second retracted position (B) for consenting transit of tablets (4) along the supply channel (3); an elastically flexible blade (7) fixed to the frame (2) and equipped with the tooth (6); a tube (8) which can be supplied with a fluid for elastically expanding or retracting the tube (8) in a radial direction as a function of a pressure the fluid attains internally of the tube (8); the tube (8) being arranged so as to abut the flexible blade (7) in such a way that regulating the pressure of the fluid internally of the tube (8), controls the position of the tooth (6). ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tube (8) is interposed between the supply channel (3) and the blade (7), such that an expansion of the tube (8) determines flexing of the blade (7) with a consequent displacement of the tooth (6) towards the second retracted position (B). ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade (7) is interposed between the tube (8) and the supply channel (3) such that an expansion of the tube (8) causes flexing of the blade (7) with a consequent displacement of the tooth (6) towards the first advanced position (A). ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade (7) is fixed to the frame (2) at a first end (9) of the blade (7). ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tooth (6) is arranged at a second end (10) of the blade (7). ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade (7) is made of a material comprising a fiberglass tissue impregnated with resin. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tube (8) is made of silicone. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade (7) conforms the tooth (6) in a single body. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an end of the tube (8) is closed. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of supply channels that are flanked to one another, a plurality of blades flanked to one another, each blade (7) being equipped with a tooth (6) for intervening in a corresponding supply channel (3), the tube (8) being arranged transversally with respect to the plurality of blades (7) such that by regulating the pressure of the fluid internally of the tube (8), it is possible to contemporaneously command the position assumed by the teeth (6).