Capsule cutting apparatus and method

A method for cutting capsules, said method comprising the steps of:

• carrying a capsule along a path;
• cutting said capsule via at least one cutting portion of a cutting device while the capsule rolls on said cutting device and said cutting portion is arranged in an operative position;
• during said cutting step, exerting a first force directed to maintain at least one abutment portion of said cutting device against at least one abutment element;
• during said step of exerting a first force, exerting a second force directed to move said at least one cutting portion from said operative position towards a safety position, said first force being greater than said second force so that a resulting force maintains said at least one abutment portion against said at least one abutment element and said at least one cutting portion in said operative position;
• in the event of an anomalous situation, reducing the magnitude of said first force so that said first force becomes smaller than said second force whereby a resulting force moves said at least one cutting portion from said operative position to said safety position.