ENCAPSULATION EQUIPMENT AND METHOD

Method for encapsulating small articles such as medicines in caplet or cylindrical form are disclosed. Gelatin half capsules are formed on the pins of pin blocks and are delivered to a station at which they are trimmed and fitted over the opposite ends of the product to be encapsulated. The capsule halves are first dried to a condition in which they have about 20 wt. % moisture and are thereafter press fitted over the ends of the caplets and allowed to dry to shrink fit tightly onto the caplets making it virtually impossible to remove them from their gelatin coverings without leaving visible evidence of tampering. The finished product has a smoother outer surface which lends itself to overprinting.