US541529A - genese - Google Patents

Description

v(No Model.)

2 Sheets-Sheet 2. D. GEN ESE. SUPPOSITORY MOLD.

Patented June 25, 1895.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

DAVID GENESE, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-THIRD TO LEWIS J. COHEN AND .SYLVAN DREY, OF SAMEPLACE.

SUPPOSITORY-MOLD.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 541,529, dated June 25, 1 895.

Application led August 23, 1894. Serial No. 521.113. (No model) .To aZZ whom it may concern:

Beit known that I, DAVID GENEsE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, have invented new and 5 useful Improvements in Methods of and Apparatus for Making Suppositories, &c., of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to the molding of suppositories and similar plastcbodies and the ro iilling of capsules, globules, tubes, vials and other like receptacles with plastic or semisolid materials or compounds of a medicinal or other character.

It is the principal object of my invention to devise a simple method of and apparatus for filling a mold, capsule, vial or other receptacle compactly and uniformly with semisolid material and in such manner that the pressure in the mold or receptacle'will be regulated automatically to elTect and maintain a uniform density throughout the mass under compression and prevent the separation ofelements or ingredients of dilering specific gravity. This purpose may be accomplished readily and with advantage by filling or charging the mold or receptacle from its closed end or base outward to its open end and from its periphery to its center or axis and controlling the pressure in the mold, Vial or receptacle by providing for its gradually receding movement under the force exerted by the material pressed or injected into it.

Suppositories and other like bodies may inv this Way be molded with greatease and rapidappearance, with uniform density of substance, equal distribution of ingredients, and 'be perfectly smooth andliomogeneous, without crack, break or fault and with no liability to deteriorate in formor efficacy. In the same manner and with corresponding advantages may be completely and compactly filled such receptacles as the well known collapsible tubes in which dental pastes, toilet preparations, medicines, semi-liquid paints or colors and other commodities are commonly put up and sold. The lilling of capsules or globules with medical compounds or food extracts and the charging of vials and other receptacles with semi-solid contents in a neat, expeditious and ity and will present aneat and evenly finished y economical manuel' are also among the. purposes for which the invention is designed. The apparatus comprised in my invention is also adapted to the forming of plastic material into sticks or rods of suitable length for use as bougies, urethral suppositories or other purposes.

- Another object of my inventionv is to provide a cheap and effective mold lining or shield thatl will protect the metal mold from 6o corrosion by contact with any metallic oxide or acids that may be contained in the suppository material, thereby obviating, also, any chemical reaction thatl might impair the usefulness of the suppository from the mingling therewith of undesirable metallic oxides or salts. Such liningis designed also to prevent any part of the suppository from adhering to the mold whereby the surface of the finished u article might become broken or marred, and 7o being removable with the suppository and forming a covering therefor it will preserve the suppository from contamination until it reaches the patient' and is applied to its intended u'se. Y j

My invention also has for its objects to provide an apparatus in which the cylinder or casing, from which the suppository material or other plastic substance is forced, ymay be adj ustably clamped in any required position 8o to correspond with variations in the form and position of the mold or molds, thereby readily adapting the said cylinder to use with molds of varying size, character and location; to provide, also, means for adjusting the elevation of the mold support and guide way with rela- 'tion to the discharge nozzle of the cylinder thereby facilitating the employment of differently sized molds; to provide, further, a plunger that shall be separate or detached 9o from its actuating screw shaft and accurately fitted into the cylinder so as to prevent any backward oozing of liquid or moisture from thesuppository mass or plastic substance in front of the plunger and yet obviate any grinding or Wearing action between the plunger and cylinder; and the invention is designed generally to improve the construction" and mode of operation of apparatus for mak ing suppositories and similar molded articles roo position.

and for compactly filling capsules and other receptacles with semi-solid material and in a neat, rapid and thoroughly eticient manner.

To these various ends and for other purposes to be explained the invention consists in the method and apparatus hereinafter more particularly described and claimed.

In the annexed drawings, illustrating the invention, Figure 1 is a perspective of myimproved molding apparatus arranged for making suppositories or articles of somewhat similar form by filling the mold from its closed end or base outward to its open end and from periphery to central axis, and in which the pressure is distributed between the material in the cylinder and that in the mold and automatically regulated or controlled by the mold during the operation of pressing or molding. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of the same with the, plunger and mold in operation. Fig. 3 is an elevation of the discharge end of the cylinder with vertically-adjustable mold-support and guideway. Fig. 4 is a partial side elevation of the apparatus, showing one of the molds or mold-cavities broken away and nearly filled. Fig. 5 is a perspective of asuppository-mold opened and showing, also, the linings for the mold-cavities. Fig. Gis a partial plan of the apparatus, illustratinga mode of using it in the filling of collapsible tubes and other receptacles. Fig. 7 is a view of a mold for forming straight sticks or rods.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 1 designates a cylinder or casing in which is contained the suppository material or other substance to be molded or filled into capsules, tubes, yials o1' other receptacles. As shown, the cylinder 1 is preferably held in a horizontal position on a stand or pedestal 2 that may be firmly secured to a bench, table, counter or other support. I have provided the top of the pedestal 2 with a cylindrical spring clamp 3 divided at the top and having perforated lugs 4 to receive a clamping bolt 5 by which the cylinder can be secured in any adjusted The spring clamp may be bolted or otherwise secured to the pedestal.

In the cylinder 1 is placed anaccurately titted plunger head 6, Fig. 2, arranged to be actuated in a forward .direction by a screw shaft 7 from which the plunger is, however, separate or detached. 'lhe rear face of the plunger vmay be provided with a conical recess for reception of the conical bearing end of the screw shaft which is centered therewith. On the rear externally screw threaded end of the cylinder 1 is engaged a cylinder head S formed externally with an elongated central boss or nut t) in which the screw shaft 7 is centered and supported. A hand wheel 1U on the outer end of the screw shaft 7 affords a convenient means for rotating said shaft to carry it toward and from the plunger head.

With the forward externally screw threaded end of the Acylinder 1 is engaged a detachable cylinder head 1l that is removed when it becomes necessary to supply the cylinder with material. This forward cylinder head 1l is screw tapped near its periphery for engagement with a nozzle 12 through which the material in the cylinder is discharged. Now, it is my purpose to make the nozzle 12 of such length that it may extend nearly to the bottom, base or closed end of the mold, vial, capsule or other receptacle to be filled or charged. Nozzles of varying length and bore will, therefore, be employed according to variations in the dimensions or capacity of the mold or other rel ceptacle. It is preferable to locate the nozzle 12 near the periphery of the cylinder head 11, as shown. This enables the cylinder 1 to be so turned or adjusted in its supporting clamp that the nozzle 12 will be below the axis of the cylinder so that as the material in the cylinder becomes diminished in quantity its feed to the nozzle will be aided by gravity. The manner of adjustably supporting the cylinder l and attaching the nozzle 12 to the head l1 eccell- -t,ric to the horizontal cylinder axis will also permit the cylinder to be turnedor partially rotated so as to swing the nozzle 12 laterally in either direction, as indicated bythe curved arrows in Fig. 3, to bring the nozzle into alignment with a mold cavity to which the nozzle may not otherwise have convenient or proper access.

To the front portion of the stand or pedestal 2 is attached a forward extended mold support and guide way 13 that should he adjustable up and down as indicated by the vertical arrows in` Fig. 3. This vertical adjustment may be conveniently accomplished by means of slots 14 and set screws 15, Figs. 1, 3 and 4, through which a flanged portion of the mold support and guide way 13 is connected with the cylinder pedestal. lhe vertical adjustment of the mold support and guide way greatly facilitates a proper centering of the nozzle 12 with a mold cavity that it is to enter and permits the ready employment of differently sized molds. A great variety of molds and nozzles may thus be utilized according to the character of Work to be done.

The mold thatl prefer to use in makingsuppositories is illustrated in Figs. .1, 2, 4 and 5. This mold 16 is formed in two parts or blocks suitably hinged togethera't one edge. In the inner face of each mold part may be formed one or more cavities 17, Fig. 5, corresponding with a similar cavity or cavities in the other half of the mold. As shown each halt' of the mold is provided with two of these cavities so that the mold can be conveniently used in reversed positions, but it is obvious that only one cavity may be provided or any desired number, and in varying sizes, as preferred. For making suppositories the mold cavities may have any usual. or desired form. The outer or open end of each mold cavity is provided with an inwardly projecting lip or fiange 18 forming the edge of a contracted central opening 19 through which the nozzle 12 enters loc and which closely embraces the said nozzle when the mold is in an operative position.

Before closing the mold the mold cavity is provided with a removable non-adhearing protective lining or shield 20, composed of two sections Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5. These mold linings may bemade of paper of such strength and fiber as to`be capable of receiving an impression without tearing. The paper is damped with starch water and molded to the' form desired, under heat, so that the linings will not lose their shape when placed in the suppository molds It is the purpose of the linings 2O to protect the molds from corrosion, preserve the suppository material from direct contact with the molds, and also to serve as coverings for the finished s-uppositories,to be removable therewith `from the molds and to act as a preventive against contaminating influences until the suppository is about to be applied to its intended use. Each mold 1ining is of such form and dimensions that its edges will lap beyond the sides and ends of the mold cavity, as shown,`and permit being readily folded about the suppository when discharged from the mold. These folded over edges of the mold linings or suppository coverings vi ill enable them to be readily stripped from the suppository, when required for use, without exposing its surface to break or injury. Instead of starched paper, tin foil or other suitable material may be employed for the mold lining and suppository covering.

The mold 16 may be recessed at 21 for engagement of a clamping bolt 22 having a thumb nut 23 by which the two halves ofthe mold may he securely fastened together in condition for use.

As shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4, the mold 16,

when prepared and locked, is placed on the' mold support and guide way 13 with one of the mold cavities in proper alignment with the discharge nozzle 12 of the cylinder. Any

required adjustment of the cylinder l to cenlter its nozzle 12 with a mold cavity may be readily eected by loosening the screw bolt 5' of the spring clamp 3 and turning the cylinder to the right or left and also, if necessary, by changing the vertical adjustment of the mold support and guide way. The mold and nozzle having been properly centered and the cylinder firmly secured, the mold will be moved rearward along the support and guide way 13 until the nozzle 12 enters fully into the mold cavity. It will be understood, of course, that the cylinder l has been previously charged with a suitable quantity' of the material to be conveyed into the mold. The screw shaft 7 will be rotated in the required direction to moveit into bearing con' tact with the rear face of the separate and cape tothe rear of the plunger.

be forced out from the cylinder and through the nozzle 12 into the mold cavity or other receptacle. By having the plunger head 6 accurately fitted to'the cylinder it will be impossible for any moisture or liquid ingredients of the compound or mass to ooze or es- As the pl unger head 6 and its actuating screw shaft 7 are separate or detached from each other, though capable of being brought into bearing contact, it is obvious that the plunger head will not rotate with the shaft. Any grinding or Wearing of the plunger head and cylinder that might otherwise occur, to ysuch extent as to lessen the accuracy of fit and impair the efficiency of the machine, will thus be entirely avoided.

According to my method of molding suppositories and filling or charging capsules, vials, collapsible tubes or other receptacles, the mold or receptacle is charged from its closed end, bottom or base outward to its open end and from its periphery or sides to its center. In this way ample opportunity is afforded for expansion and escape of air from the mold or receptacle during the operation of filling it. The pressure is distributed between the material in the cylinder or supply vessel and that in the mold or other receptacle being charged; and themold o'r receptacle'may be so arranged and supported 'as to be capable of moving outward under the force exerted by the pressure of accumulating material in the mold cavity, or in the vial or other receptacle, thus effecting an automatic regulation of the .pressure in the mold or receptacle and an automatic gaging of the density or conipactness of the charge. By thus eecting and maintaining a uniform density throughout the mass of material under compression in the mold or receptacle the separation of elements or ingredients of dif-- ferent specific gravities is prevented and the molded article will be of uniform quality and condition throughout.

It will be observed that the mold 16 rests `loosely on the mold support or guide-way 13 between the flanged'or slightly raised edges thereof aud that it will thus be free to move horizontally outward in the direction of the arrow. Shown in`Fig; 4. The weight of the mold maintains it on the guide-way and is so gaged with relation to the pressure exerted by the plunger 6 that the mold will be caused to slide ol and away from the nozzle under the pressureof the accumulating material in the 'mold cavity.

By reference to Figs. 2 and4= it will be seen that the material delivered by the nozzle 12 is discharged directly against or in contact with the base or closed end of the mold or receptacle and passes thence outward and surrounds the nozzle. As the mold becomes filled from its base outward the fianges or lips 18'at its open end and closely surrounding the nozzle will prevent any escape of material and the filling or charging will proceed from los periphery to center while the mold is gradu-v ally moved off from the nozzle. When the mold and nozzle thus become disengaged the forward movement of the plunger should be arrested, the stream of material issuing from the nozzle will be severed by a knife, or otherwise, and the double mold may then be reversed or be replaced by another and theprocess repeated.

In Fig. 6-I have shown the application of my method to the uniform and compact; filling of a collapsible tube 24 such as is commonly employed for inclosing dental pastes and other toilet preparations, liquid paints or colors and other plastic or semi-solid goods. For this purpose a bent tube 25 may be connected at one end with the discharge nozzle 12 of a cylinder containingpthe material to be packed or put up and the other end of said tube will then be inserted into the collapsible tube and close to its bottom. On operating the plunger of the cylinder the collapsible tube will be filled rst from its closed end or base outward and from its sides or periphery toward its center in the same manner as already described with reference tothe charging of a suppository mold and with corresponding advantages. The laterally bent tube 25 shown in Fig. G enables the operator to conveniently hold the collapsible tube 24, vial or other receptacle in one hand while he rotates the screw shaft of the cylinder plunger with the other. The collapsibletube 24, or a vial or other receptable to be filled, may, however, be laid or supported on the guide way either in direct connection with the nozzle 12 or be connected therewith through a straight tube, if preferred. In like manner may be filled capsules or globules of medicinal compounds or food extracts.

For making bougies or urethral suppositories and for other like purposes I may place on the moldsupport and guide way 13 a two part mold 26, Fig. 7, having formed in its 0pposite and separable parts a straight cylindrical mold cavity 27 capable of molding the suppository material, or similar substances, 4into sticks or rods, as it issues from the nozzle of the cylinder.

With molds of a suitable character the apparatus is adapted to the rapid and economical manufacture of rectal, urethral, vaginal and nasal suppositories, with great ease and neatness, in either hot or cold weather and with perfect controlof the ingredients whether semi-uid or somewhat solid. In suppository machines having molds into one end of which y the material is delivered through a line aperture or duct the excess of compression at'this point is liable to result in the loss or unequal distribution of essential oils or other liquid ingredients and the separation of elements that differ in density or specific gravity. This ditlculty is obviated by providing between the cylinder and the mold a nozzle or channel of communication large enough to permit free exit of the mass under compression. By

extending this nozzle through the mold to a point very near its base or closed end and discharging the material against a closed and perfectly tight surface it will distribute itself with equal density throughout the mold; and the filling or charging of the mold being thus effected evenly from the base outward all the air will be expelled during the progress of the operation and the finished suppository will present a perfectly homogeneous mass of uniform quality throughout. The automatic action of the mold in moving 0E from the discharge nozzle of the cylinder enables the operator to know exactly when a mold is full and results in the uniformity asv to Weight and quality of a number of suppositories made at one time from the same batch of lnaterial.

To permit refilling of the cylinder the screw shaft 7 will `be retracted, the cylinder head ll taken oft' and the plunger 6 pushed back. The cylinder may oe removed from its supporting stand or pedestal for convenience in filling or refilling it.. Both cylinder heads may be readily removed when the cylinder requires cleaning.

The manner of making suppositories by charging the mold from its base or closed end outward is particularly useful and convenient in molding that class of suppositories that are of a bulbous form and which cannot be economically and quickly made by appliances and machinery now in use. The paper mold linings that I have described will also assist greatly in the molding and preservation of suppositories having theforrn of bulbs.

What I claim as my invention is- 1. The combination with a. cylinder having a discharge nozzle, a plunger movable in the cylinder for forcing plastic material contained in the cylinder out through the nozzle, and means for moving the plunger in the cylinder, of an automatically yielding mold into which the nozzle projects to deliver the plastic ma teral thereinto, said mold yielding along'said nozzleiu a direction away from the cylinder during-the operation of Iillingthe mold cavity, substantially as and for the purpose described.

2. The combination with a cylinder having a discharge nozzle, a plunger movable in the cylinder to force plastic material contained therein out through the discharge nozzle, and means for moving the plunger in the cylinder, of a support arranged in juxtaposition to the cylinder and its nozzle, and a mold into which said nozzle projects to deliver the plastic material thereinto, said mold. sliding on said support along the said nozzle in a direc'- tion away from the cylinder during the operation of filling the mold cavity with the plastic material ejected through the nozzle, substantially as described.

3. The combination with a cylinder having adischarge nozzle, a plunger movable in the cylinder for eject-ing plastic material contained therein out through the nozzle, and a screw engaging a part of the cylinder and actf ing upon the plunger, of a support arranged ICO IIO

in juxtaposition to the cylinder and its nozzle and provided with a guide-way, and a slidable mold engaging 'the guide-way and moved thereupon in av direction away from the cylinder during the operation of filling the mold cavity, substantially as described. 1

4. The combination with a cylinder, of a discharge nozzle, and means for ejecting plasthe said discharge nozzle laterally, substan-` .tially as described;

6. The combination of a cylinder having a discharge-nozzle, a support arranged in j uxtaposition to the cylinder and nozzle and provided with a guide-way, a mold engaging the guide-way and slidable thereupon in a direction away from the cylinder during the operation of filling the mold cavity,a plunger arranged in the cylinder, and a screw engaging a part of' the cylinder and having its inner extremity disconnected frein the plunger but adapted to operate against the same to eject the plastic material out through the nozzle, substantially as and for the purposes. described.

7. In a machine for filling suppository Vmolds, the combination with an adjustable horizontallysupported cylinder having a plunger and a discharge nozzle, of a vertically adjustable mold support and guide-Way, substantially as described. A

8, The combination of a stand or pedestal,

a cylinder supported horizontally on said pedrvestal and provided-with removable heads, a

plunger and a discharge nozzle located in on e of said heads eccentrically to the cylinder axis, a spring clamp for adjustably securing the cylinder, anda vertically adjustable mold support and guide-way, substantially as described. y

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal iu presence of two subscribing witnesses.

t DAVID GENESEL [L. s] Witnesses:

` GEO. MCCAFFRAY, CEAS. H. SHIPLEY.

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