Method and apparatus for the dosing of dense pasty substances

An apparatus for the dosing of dense pasty semisolids, particularly for the filling of gelatin capsules with such substances comprising means for forming a layer of substance having a uniform density and thickness, at least a hollow punch having a cavity, means for lowering the hollow punch so as to dip into said layer and for lifting it from said layer whereby the hollow punch removes in its cavity a predetermined dose of substance, means for transporting said hollow punch carrying said dose into registration with a gelatin capsule to be filled, and ejector means operable to discharge said dose from the hollow punch into the gelatin capsule, and said means for forming said layer having a uniform density and thickness comprising an extrusion press which extrudes a continuous flow of said substance through a channel having two parallel walls, and one of said walls having at least one through bore through which the hollow punch can be inserted into the extruded substance.