DESC:BACKGROUND
Technical Field
The embodiments herein generally relate to capsule filling system and more particularly to, but not limited to, an intelligent and self-learning capsule filling system or capsule vending machine for weight-accurate dosing of different dosages of pellets, powders, and/or liquids into capsules for specific needs of individuals based on their requirements and/or prescriptions of doctors.
Description of the Related Art
In the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical industry, doses prescribed by doctors or nutritionists to patients are currently of fixed weight and composition. The doctor’s aim of prescribing a single capsule or doses with different weights and compositions to suit the specific requirement of a patient is not available in the market. However, because of limitations of available technology, machines, and intelligent systems, this is not yet easily possible to practically realize a system.
The existing technologies described above have the following disadvantages or problems:
• There are restrictions on the number of multiple fillings in a capsule. Changeover from one formulation to another requires a skilled technician and is a time-consuming activity.
• The fill-weights of doses are pre-defined and not easily settable on a wide range unless a new set of dosing parts is installed in the machine.
• A teaching cycle of a weight measurement system will be required in case of a change of composition of the ingredient to be filled.
Accordingly, there remains a need for an intelligent and self-learning medical capsule filling system or capsule vending machine for weight-accurate dosing of different dosages of pellets, powders, liquids, etc. into capsules for the specific needs of individual patients based on their requirements or prescriptions of doctors.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
A general object of the present disclosure is to accurately fill different dosages of filler materials including pellets, powders, and/or liquids into capsules.
A general object of the present disclosure is to achieve weight-accurate dosing of different dosages of filler materials into capsules based on user requirements and doctor’s or nutritionist's prescriptions
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved, efficient, and self-learning capsule filling system or capsule vending machine for weight-accurate dosing of different dosages of pellets, powders, liquids, etc. into capsules for the specific needs of individual patients based on their requirements or prescriptions of doctors.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved, efficient, and self-learning capsule filling system or capsule vending machine, which allows users to select the required dosage of different filler materials to be filled in capsules using a human-machine interface and their mobile devices.

SUMMARY
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of capsule filling systems. In particular, an intelligent and self-learning capsule filling system or capsule vending machine for weight-accurate dosing of different dosages of pellets, powders, and/or liquids into capsules for specific needs of individuals based on their requirements and/or prescriptions of doctors.

According to an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a capsule filling system. The system comprises one or more containers storing one or more filler materials, where each of the one or more containers is configured with a dosing assembly. The system further comprises a tray comprising a plurality of holes that are adapted to receive and accommodate a plurality of capsule bodies thereon, such that an open end of the accommodated capsule bodies remains on top. The tray is configured to move between and below an outlet of the dosing assembly associated with the one or more containers. Further, the system comprises a controller comprising one or more processors coupled to a memory storing instructions executable by the processors. The controller is configured to receive, from a human machine interface (HMI) or a mobile device, data pertaining to a composition to be filled in the plurality of capsules, wherein the composition comprises predefined quantities of at least one of the filler materials among the one or more filler materials. The controller is further configured to identify, based on the composition, the at least one of the filler materials and the corresponding predefined quantities to be filled in the plurality of capsule bodies, and consecutively move the tray between and below the outlet of the dosing assembly associated with the one or more containers storing the identified filler materials. Further, the controller is configured to actuate the dosing assembly of the corresponding containers, under which the tray is positioned, to dispense the predefined quantities of the identified filler material into the plurality of capsule bodies. Furthermore, the controller is configured to move the tray to a capsule closing station once the predefined quantities of the identified filler materials are filled in the plurality of capsule bodies as per the composition, and correspondingly enable securing of a capsule cap on each of the filled capsule bodies.

In an aspect, the dosing assembly is configured to receive the filler material from the corresponding container; form a dose of the predefined quantity of the received filler material based on the composition, and transfer the formed dose of the filler material out of the outlet into the plurality of capsule bodies being positioned below the outlet.
In an aspect, the system comprises a gripping mechanism configured to securely hold the tray. The gripping mechanism is configured on a movable conveyor platform extending between the one or more containers and/or between one or more stations associated with the system.

In an aspect, the system comprises a measuring device to measure and monitor the quantity of the filler material supplied through the outlet of the dosing assembly and/or the quantity of the filler material being filled in each of the capsule bodies at the one or more containers.

In an aspect, the system comprises an actuator operatively coupled to the tray to vertically move the tray away from the measuring device and further place the tray over the measuring device to facilitate the measurement of the quantity of the filler material being filled in each of the capsule bodies at the one or more containers.

In an aspect, each of the one or more containers comprises a QR-based tag or an RFID tag storing data pertaining to the filler material being stored in the corresponding container. The QR-based tag or an RFID tag enables one or more users to communicatively connect the HMI device and/or the mobile device associated with the one or more users with the controller of the system upon scanning the QR-based tag or the RFID tag and further authentication of the one or more users by an admin, and further view the data pertaining to the filler material and the corresponding quantity being stored in the corresponding container.

In an aspect, the HMI device and/or the mobile device enables the one or more users to enter the data pertaining to the composition of the filler materials to be filled in the plurality of capsule bodies.

In an aspect, the system comprises a first set of pins configured below the plurality of capsule bodies, a second set of pins configured above the corresponding capsule caps, and a linear actuator configured to move the first set of pins and the second set of pins towards each other to secure the capsule cap on the top of each of the filled capsule bodies, once the first set of pins and the second set of pins are aligned at the capsule closing station.

In an aspect, the system comprises an actuation mechanism configured below the holes of the tray. Further, when the capsule cap is secured on each of the filled capsule bodies, the linear actuator is configured to move the first set of pins and the second set of pins away from each other, such that the actuation mechanism automatically pushes the closed capsules out of the holes of the tray for further collection. The actuation mechanism is selected from a group comprising a spring-loaded lever, a pneumatic actuator, an electronic actuator, an electro-mechanical actuator such as a DC motor and stepper motor, an electro-magnetic actuator, and a belt-driven screw mechanism.

In an aspect, the controller is configured to detect empty capsule bodies and/or bad capsules present on the tray based on the quantity of the filler material being measured, using a measuring device, in each of the capsule bodies at one or more containers. Further, the controller is configured to actuate the second set of pins and/or the actuation mechanism to eject the empty capsule bodies and/or the bad capsules from the tray and further operate a flap to divert the ejected capsule bodies or bad capsules to a bin.

In an aspect, the system comprises a vacuum generator at a capsule separation station to separate the capsule cap from the capsule bodies, wherein the separated capsule bodies are further transferred on the plurality of holes provided on the tray, such that the open end of the capsule bodies remains on the top. The system further comprises a differential vacuum measurement sensor to detect the separation of the capsule cap from the capsule bodies; and further detect the transfer of the separated capsule bodies on the tray.

In an aspect, the system comprises one or more sensors to monitor the quantity of the filler material stored or present in the one or more containers. The controller is configured to display, on the HMI and/or the mobile device, the real-time quantity of the filler materials being stored or present in the one or more containers, and generate an alert signal when the quantity of the filler material in the one or more containers reduces below a predefined level.

In an aspect, the filler materials are selected from a group comprising pellets, powder, and liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments:

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top schematic view of the proposed capsule vending system according to an embodiment mentioned herein;
FIG. 2 illustrates a side schematic view of a container of in a capsule vending system depicting homing of body holding mechanism according to an embodiment mentioned herein;
FIG. 3 illustrates a loading of a body segment in body holder and its weight measurement according to an embodiment mentioned herein;
FIG. 4 illustrates front schematic view of a griping mechanism while loading of a body segment in a body holder and its weight measurement according to an embodiment mentioned herein;
FIG. 5 illustrates loading of a body segment of capsule and its weight measurement according to an embodiment mentioned herein;
FIG. 6 illustrates initial position of plunger before dosing and position of plunger during dosing according to an embodiment mentioned herein;
FIG. 7 illustrates initial position of plunger before dosing and position of plunger during dosing according to an embodiment mentioned herein;
FIG. 8 illustrates slider motion to close flow of pellet and delivery into capsule according to an embodiment mentioned herein; and
FIG. 9 illustrates movement of filled body to closing station and closing operation according to an embodiment mentioned herein.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the invention selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the invention.

References in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” member that a particular feature, structure, characteristics, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. That is, those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. In some instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail. All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that block diagrams herein can represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry embodying the principles of the technology. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether such computer or processor is explicitly shown. Accordingly, there remains a need for an intelligent and self-learning medical capsule filling system or capsule vending machine for weight-accurate dosing of different dosages of pellets, powders, and/or liquids associated with nutraceutical or pharmaceutical or dietary supplements into capsules for the specific needs of individual users or patients based on their requirements and/or prescriptions of doctors.

The present embodiments herein provide an invention that can serve the needs of including an intelligent self-learning/self-adjusting system to provide this requirement. Doctors will be able to prescribe and patients will be able to buy the customized doses of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical requirements through a Capsule Vending Machine. Referring now to the figures, more particularly from FIG. 1 to FIG. 9, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, preferred embodiments are shown.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top schematic view of a capsule vending system according to an embodiment mentioned herein. In an embodiment, a control system or controller (inclusive of CPU, PLC, electronic components & electrical circuits, etc.) 150 (as shown in the FIG. 10) may control the working of the system 100 in a pre-defined programmable manner. The control commands and the system 100 interaction may be performed using a human-machine interface unit HMI and/or a mobile device (not shown in the figures).
FIG. 2 illustrates a side schematic view of a container of in a capsule vending system depicting the homing of the tray (capsule body) holding mechanism according to an embodiment mentioned herein.
FIG. 3 illustrates the loading of a capsule body segment in the tray (body holder) and its weight measurement according to an embodiment mentioned herein.
FIG. 4 illustrates a front schematic view of a griping mechanism while loading of a capsule body segment in the tray (body holder) and its weight measurement according to an embodiment mentioned herein.
FIG. 5 illustrates the loading of a capsule body segment of the capsule and its weight measurement according to an embodiment mentioned herein.
FIG. 6 illustrates the initial position of the plunger before dosing and the position of the plunger during dosing of the filler material according to an embodiment mentioned herein.
FIG. 7 illustrates the initial position of the plunger before dosing and the position of the plunger during dosing of the filler material according to an embodiment mentioned herein.
FIG. 8 illustrates slider motion of the slider to close the flow of the filler materials and delivery into the capsule according to an embodiment mentioned herein.
FIG. 9 illustrates the movement of a filled capsule body to a capsule closing station and the closing operation according to an embodiment mentioned herein.
FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the capsule filling system according to an embodiment mentioned herein

In an embodiment, the system 100 may be designed to deliver wide range of filled capsules which can be defined through a recipe reader (QR code on prescription) or HMI or mobile devices directly.

Referring to FIGs. 1 to 10, the capsule filling and vending mechanism or system 100 (referred to as system 100, hereinafter) can include a capsule loading station, a capsule separation section, a capsule filling station 104 comprising one or more containers 106 (also referred to as cartridges, herein) storing different doses of filler materials (also referred to as ingredients or products, herein) to be filled, a dosing section 108, and a capsule closing and ejection dropping station 102. Typically, the containers 106 comprise doses that can be different ingredients or the same ingredient or filler materials with varying concentrations. In an example embodiment, the filler materials can be selected from a group comprising pellets, powder, and liquid, but is not limited to the like.

In an embodiment, the container or cartridge 106 can be a substantially cylindrical-shaped container but is not limited to the like, which can be used for storing and transporting the filler material. Each filling station 104 can be equipped with at least one container or cartridge 106 with different filler materials having a capacity of approximately 0.5 kg. In an example embodiment, the container or cartridge 106 can have a tag (QR-based, or RFID-based) that can contain all the data regarding the container 106 and can be helpful for authenticating and communicating with the system 100. The container or cartridge 106 can have a gate or opening 124 through which the filler materials or products can come out, which can be easily opened or closed as per requirement.

In an embodiment, each of the containers 106 can be configured with a dosing mechanism or dosing assembly 108 that can be configured to receive the filler material from the corresponding container 106 and further form a dose of the predefined quantity of the received filler material using a tamping assembly or plunger 132. Further, the dosing assembly 108 can transfer the formed dose of the filler material out of the outlet into the plurality of capsule bodies positioned below the outlet of the dosing assembly 108.

In an embodiment, the QR-based tag or an RFID tag can enable the users to communicatively connect an HMI device 152 and/or their mobile devices 154 with the controller 150 or the system 100 upon scanning the QR-based tag or the RFID tag and upon further authentication of the users by an admin. The QR-based tag or an RFID tag can further enable the users to view the data pertaining to the filler material and the corresponding quantity being stored in the corresponding container 106.
In addition, the HMI device 152 and/or the mobile device 154 can enable the users to enter the data pertaining to the composition and quantity of the filler materials to be filled in the capsule. The composition can include the predefined quantities of at least one of the filler materials among the different filler materials stored in different containers.

In an embodiment, an interface for connection of the container/cartridge 106 and the filling station 104 may be easy to operate, which may allow the user to mount or unmount the container alone. The interface can ensure that while the gate or opening of the cartridge is open i.e., flow of filler material or product is on, the user can’t remove or unmount the container without closing the gate 124, thus preventing spillage and wastage of filler material or product. Once the container or cartridge 106 is mounted and gate 124 is opened, the system100 is ready to measure the dose.

In an embodiment, the system 100 can include a tray 114 (also referred to as capsule body holder 114, herein) that comprises a plurality of holes that are adapted to receive and accommodate a plurality of capsule bodies thereon, such that an open end of the accommodated capsule bodies remains on top. In addition, the tray 114 can be configured to move between and below the one or more containers 106 and one or more stations.

In an embodiment, the capsule separation station can include a vacuum generator 156 to separate the capsule caps from the capsule bodies using venturi principle-based vacuum generators. The capsule separation station can manually or automatically receive a plurality of capsules, which may then be separated into capsule caps and capsule bodies using the vacuum generator 156 but is not limited to the like. The separated capsule bodies can be further transferred on the plurality of holes provided on the tray 114, such that the open end of the capsule bodies remains on the top. Further, a differential vacuum measurement sensor (not shown) can be used to detect and confirm the separation of the capsule cap from the capsule bodies; and further detect the transfer of the separated capsule bodies on the tray 114.

In an embodiment, the system 100 can further include an automatic capsule loading cum orientation mechanism. The capsules using an inclined chute can be loaded randomly in a hopper of the capsule loading cum orientation mechanism. The capsules can then come out of the hopper onto a capsule orientation plate due to vibratory motions created by electromagnetic-based vibrators (any other means to create vibrations can be used in the mechanism). Accordingly, the capsules can get oriented such that the cap of the capsule always remains at the top. Further, the vacuum generator 156 can separate the capsule caps from the capsule bodies. The capsule loading cum orientation mechanism can be configured to sort loose caps, loose capsule bodies, and capsules with double caps in a separate bin. The capsule loading cum orientation can include a magazine in which oriented capsules can fall vertically from the capsule orientation plate that has upper and lower capsule gates to release and load one capsule at a time in the cap holder

In an embodiment, the system 100 can include a gripping mechanism 120 (also referred to as gripper 120, herein) configured to securely hold the tray 114. The gripping mechanism 120 can be configured on a movable conveyor platform 112 extending between the containers 106 and/or between the one or more stations associated with the system 100. Further, a linear actuator 118 can be attached or integrated with the tray 114 for upward and downward motion of the tray 114 for placing the tray 114 on a weight measuring device 110 without gripping forces. The measuring device 110 can be further mounted on a mounting structure 116. Furthermore, a rotary actuator 122 can be attached or integrated with the tray 114 for rotational motion of the tray 114 for placing the tray 114 under the containers 106 and/or on the measuring device 110. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a robotic system can also be used for such movements/applications. In an implementation, the linear actuator 1118 and/or the rotary actuator 122 can move the tray 114 away from the measuring device 100 and further place the tray 114 over the measuring device 100 to facilitate the measurement of the quantity of the filler material being filled in each of the capsule bodies at different containers 106.

In an embodiment, the controller or control system 150 can be configured to receive, from the HMI device 152 or the mobile device 154, data pertaining to a composition to be filled in the capsules. In an example embodiment, the composition can include predefined quantities of at least one of the filler materials among the different filler materials based on a doctor’s or nutritionist’s prescription or as per user’s requirement
The controller 150 can be further configured to identify, based on the composition or prescription, the filler materials required and the corresponding predefined quantities to be filled in the capsule bodies. The controller 150 can correspondingly actuate the conveyor platform 112 and the gripper 120, along with the linear and rotary actuators 118, 122 to consecutively move the tray 114 between and below the outlet of the dosing assembly 108 associated with the different containers 106 storing the identified filler materials. Further, the controller 150 can actuate the dosing assembly 108 of the corresponding containers 106, under which the tray 114 is positioned, to dispense the predefined quantities of the identified filler material into the capsule bodies.
Once all the doses of the filler materials are collected and weighed, the gripper 120 can hold the capsule bush (containing capsule body filled with filler materials) and move the tray 114 to the capsule closing station 102. The controller 150 can actuate the conveyor platform 112 and gripper 120, along with the linear and rotary actuators 118, 122 (if required) to move the tray (carrying capsule bush) 114 to the capsule closing station 102. At the capsule closing station 102, the system 100 can enable securing of a capsule cap on each of the filled capsule bodies and further transfer the capsules for packaging.

In an embodiment, the capsule closing station 102 can include a first set of pins 146 (also referred to as bottom closing pin) configured below the plurality of capsule bodies in the tray 114, and a second set of pins 144 (also referred to as top closing pin) configured above the corresponding capsule caps being positioned on a cap holder. Further, a linear actuator (not shown) can be configured to move the first set of pins 144 and the second set of pins 146 towards each other to secure the capsule cap on the top of each of the filled capsule bodies, once the first set of pins 144 and the second set of pins 146 are aligned at the capsule closing station 102. This ensures accurate positioning of the caps above the capsule bush and prevents spillage or wastage of filler materials and the capsule bushes at the time of capsule closing.
Further, an actuation mechanism can be configured below the holes of the tray 114. Accordingly, when the capsule cap is secured on each of the filled capsule bodies, the linear actuator can be configured to move the first set of pins 144 and the second set of pins 146 away from each other, such that the spring-loaded lever 148 can automatically push the closed capsules out (popping out) of the holes of the tray 114, which can then be collected (ensuring all the precautions and safety norms) and can be sent for packaging. In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism 148 can be selected from a group comprising a spring-loaded lever, a pneumatic actuator, an electronic actuator, an electro-mechanical actuator such as a DC motor and stepper motor, an electro-magnetic actuator, and a belt-driven screw mechanism, but is not limited to the like.

In an embodiment, the controller 150 can be configured to detect empty capsule bodies and/or bad capsules (that are not filled with the required filler materials) present on the tray based on the quantity of the filler material being measured, using the measuring device 110, in each of the capsule bodies at the one or more containers 106. The controller 150 can further actuate the second set of pins 146 and/or the actuation mechanism 148 to eject the empty capsule bodies and/or the bad capsules from the tray 114 and further operate a flap (not shown) to divert the ejected capsule bodies or bad capsules to a bin.

In an embodiment, the system 100 comprises one or more sensors (not shown) to monitor the quantity of the filler material stored or present in the different containers. The controller 150 can be configured to display, on the HMI 152 and/or the mobile device 154, the real-time quantity of the filler materials being stored or present in the one or more containers 106. Further, the controller 150 can be configured to generate an alert signal when the quantity of the filler material in the one or more containers 106 reduces below a predefined level.

The operation of the system 100 is as follows-
1. Capsules can be loaded manually/ automatically in the capsule loading station. For loading the capsule, the capsule can be separated outside/inside, then the cap and capsule body can be loaded in the respective holder or tray.
2. The capsule body holder (tray) 114 can then be picked by the gripping mechanism 120 (or gripper). The gripper 120 can be mounted on the conveying or moving track system 112 to move the capsule body holder or tray 114 to the capsule filling station 104. Further, the linear actuator 118 attached or integrated with the tray 114 can be used to move the tray 114 in an upward and downward motion for placing the tray 114 on the weight measuring device 110 without gripping forces.
3. The tray 114 with the capsule bodies can then be placed on the measuring device 110, and the gripper 120 can be released and the weight can be tared (set to zero).
4. The dosing and filling station functions as below:
4.1 The dosing of the filler materials or products 136 can be done with help of a vertical volumetric dosing mechanism (also referred to as the dosing assembly, herein) 108. The dosing assembly 108 can include a dosing block (chamber) 128, a transfer block (chamber) 130, a set of plungers 132, the container (cartridge) 106, a slider gate 126, and an electrical actuator.
4.2 The filler material or product 136 from the container or cartridge 106 can be collected above the dosing block 128 and the opening of the block 128 can be kept closed with the gate slider 126.
4.3 The dose 142 of the filler material 136 can be formed in the volume created by the height of the plunger 132 in the dosing chamber 128. A linear motion actuator 134 can enable the plunger 132 to move upward and downward. The height of the plunger 132 in the dosing chamber 128 can be set/adjusted based on the fill weight of the dose 142 with the help of HMI 152 or automatically based on the information received from the QR code on the recipe. The user can enter his requirements of ingredients and the fill weight and based on his/her inputs, the doses 142 can be formed and collected or the machine can be automatically adjusted based on the information from the QR code on the recipe.
4.4 Once the dose 142 is formed, the plunger 132 can move down and the dose 142 can be transferred to the transfer block 130 from where it can be delivered to the capsule bodies at the bottom through a funnel 140.
4.5 The doses 142 collected in the capsule body being placed directly on the measuring device 110 in the capsule body holder or tray 114 can be weighed and its value can be stored for each dose 142 in a memory associated with the controller 150. The feedback from the measuring device 110 can be utilized by the controller 150 for the adjustment in the dose 142 to get minimum or no variation in the fill weight of ingredients, a self-learning process.
5. Once all the doses of filler materials are collected and weighed, the gripper can hold the capsule bush (containing a capsule body filled with the filler material or doses) and move the tray 114 having the capsule bush to the capsule closing station 102.
6. Once the body is brought near the capsule closing station 102, the capsule bush can be aligned to the cap body holder and the gripper 120 can place the capsule bush there.
7. Once the filled capsule bush is kept at the capsule closing station 102, the gripper 120 can be loaded with another body bush for the next filling and simultaneously the closing operation can be taken out.
8. The capsule closing can be done manually or automatically with the assembly comprising e.g., the actuation mechanism 148 which can be connected to the body closing pin (second set of pins) 146 at one end, the cap holder bush, and the cap closing pin (first set of pins) 144 at another end, or a vertical linear actuator.
9. Once the capsule bush containing the filled capsule body is placed at the capsule closing station 102, the cap holder can be moved (forward) to align the cap and the capsule bodies, which can be ensured with the locating pins (first and second set of pins 144, 146).
10. Then the cap closing pin 144, 146 can be aligned to the cap holder and can be pushed down to push the caps. Further, the lever 148 can be operated to push the capsule body for closing.
11. Once the closing operation is done, the cap closing pins 144, 146 can be moved apart and the lever can be pushed further resulting in the closed capsules popping out of the cap holder which can then be collected (ensuring all the precautions and safety norms) and can be sent for packaging.
In case the container or cartridge 106 is empty or about to be empty, the system 100 can generate an alarm or message to allow the user to replace or refill the specific station. The algorithm of the system can keep on tracking the amount of filler material or product left in the container or cartridge 106 and can indicate when the quantity of the filler material reaches a minimum level.

In an advantageous embodiment, the system 100 provides multiple and different dose filling for medical pellets/powder/liquids as per the specific requirement of the user (most probably between 50mg to 1000mg) controlled by a software or the controller into a number of capsules and controlled based on the input via HMI or QR code on recipe automatically.

In another embodiment, the system consists of an automation and control system (process and algorithm) ensuring smooth and accurate dose formation/filling and self-learning feedback. In yet another embodiment, the information may be also received via “recipe/patient cloud” and stored back into the cloud for tracking purposes to see the patient’s history.

Reference numerals:
102-Capsule closing station
104-Capsule filling station
106-Containers or cartridges or hopper
108-Dosing assembly
110-Measuring device or weighing balance or loadcell
112-Horizontal linear motion actuator or conveyor system or platform
114- Tray or Capsule body holder
116- Measuring device mounting structure
118- Vertical linear motion actuator for tray
120- Tray gripping mechanism
122- Tray rotary motion actuator
124- Container outlet
126- Slider of the dosing assembly
128- Dosing Block
130- Transfer Block
132- Plunger
134- Vertical linear motion actuator for plunger
136- Filler material
138- Flow of filler material from container
140- Fixed Funnel
142- Dose (Nutraceutical or pharmaceutical or dietary supplements)
144- Top closing pin
146- Bottom closing pin
148- Lever for operating bottom closing pin
150-Controller or control system
152-HMI-device
154-Mobile device
156-Vacuum Generator

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope. ,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A capsule filling/vending system (100) comprising:
one or more container (106) storing one or more filler materials, wherein each of the one or more container (106) is configured with a dosing assembly (108);
a tray (114) comprising a plurality of holes that are adapted to receive and accommodate a plurality of capsule bodies thereon, such that an open end of the accommodated capsule bodies remains on top, wherein the tray (114) is configured to move between and below an outlet of the dosing assembly (108) associated with the one or more container (106); and
a controller (150) comprising one or more processors coupled to a memory storing instructions executable by the processors, the controller (150) configured to:
receive, from a human machine interface (HMI) (152) or a mobile device (154), data pertaining to a composition to be filled in the plurality of capsules, wherein the composition comprises predefined quantities of at least one of the filler materials among the one or more filler materials;
identify, based on the composition, the at least one of the filler materials and the corresponding predefined quantities to be filled in the plurality of capsule bodies;
consecutively move the tray (114) between and below the outlet of the dosing assembly (108) associated with the one or more container (106) storing the identified filler materials;
actuate the dosing assembly (108) of the corresponding container (106), under which the tray (114) is positioned, to dispense the predefined quantities of the identified filler material into the plurality of capsule bodies; and
move the tray (114) to a capsule closing station (102) once the predefined quantities of the identified filler materials are filled in the plurality of capsule bodies as per the composition, and correspondingly enable securing of a capsule cap on each of the filled capsule bodies.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dosing assembly (108) is configured to:
receive the filler material from the corresponding container (106);
form a dose (142) of the predefined quantity of the received filler material (136) based on the composition; and
transfer the formed dose (142) of the filler material out of the outlet into the plurality of capsule bodies being positioned below the outlet.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises a gripping mechanism (120) configured to securely hold the tray (114), wherein the gripping mechanism (120) is configured on a movable conveyor platform (122) extending between the one or more container (106) and/or between one or more stations associated with the system (100).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises a measuring device (110) to measure and monitor the quantity of the filler material supplied through the outlet of the dosing assembly (108) and/or the quantity of the filler material being filled in each of the capsule bodies at the one or more container (106).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the system (100) comprises an actuator (118) operatively coupled to the tray (114) to vertically move the tray (114) away from the measuring device and further place the tray (114) over the measuring device (110) to facilitate the measurement of the quantity of the filler material being filled in each of the capsule bodies at the one or more container (106).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more container (106) comprises a QR-based tag or an RFID tag storing data pertaining to the filler material being stored in the corresponding container, wherein the QR-based tag or an RFID tag enables one or more users to:
communicatively connect the HMI (152) device and/or the mobile device (154) associated with the one or more users with the controller (150) of the system (100) upon scanning the QR-based tag or the RFID tag and further authentication of the one or more users by an admin; and
view the data pertaining to the filler material and the corresponding quantity being stored in the corresponding container.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the HMI (152) device and/or the mobile device (154) enables the one or more users to enter the data pertaining to the composition of the filler materials to be filled in the plurality of capsule bodies.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises:
a first set of pins (144) configured below the plurality of capsule bodies;
a second set of pins (146) configured above the corresponding capsule caps; and
a linear actuator configured to move the first set of pins (144) and the second set of pins (146) towards each other to secure the capsule cap on the top of each of the filled capsule bodies, once the first set of pins (144) and the second set of pins (146) are aligned at the capsule closing station (102).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the system (100) comprises an actuation mechanism (148) configured below the holes of the tray (114), wherein when the capsule cap is secured on the each of the filled capsule bodies, the linear actuator is configured to move the first set of pins (144) and the second set of pins (146) away each other apart, such that the actuation mechanism (148) automatically pushes the closed capsules out of the holes of the tray (114) for further collection,
wherein the actuation mechanism is selected from a group comprising a spring-loaded lever, a pneumatic actuator, an electronic actuator, an electro-mechanical actuator such as a DC motor and stepper motor, an electro-magnetic actuator, and a belt-driven screw mechanism.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the controller (150) is configured to:
detect empty capsule bodies and/or bad capsules present on the tray (114) based on the quantity of the filler material being measured, using a measuring device, in each of the capsule bodies at the one or more container (106);
actuate the second set of pins (146) and/or the actuation mechanism (148) to eject the empty capsule bodies and/or the bad capsules from the tray (114) and further operate a flap to divert the ejected capsule bodies or bad capsules to a bin.
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises:
a vacuum generator (156) at a capsule separation station to separate the capsule cap from the capsule bodies, wherein the separated capsule bodies are further transferred on the plurality of holes provided on the tray (114), such that the open end of the capsule bodies remains on the top; and
a differential vacuum measurement sensor to detect the separation of the capsule cap from the capsule bodies; and further detect the transfer of the separated capsule bodies on the tray (114).
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises one or more sensors to monitor the quantity of the filler material stored or present in the one or more container (106), wherein the controller (150) is configured to:
display, on the HMI (152) and/or the mobile device (154), the real-time quantity of the filler materials being stored or present in the one or more container (106); and
generate an alert signal when the quantity of the filler material in the one or more container (106) reduces below a predefined level.
13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filler materials are selected from a group comprising pellets, powder, and liquid.