APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CAPPING AND SEALING PHARMACEUTICAL VIALS

摘要

An apparatus and a method for capping and sealing a vial with a cap assembly including a deformable annular seal, e.g., a ferrule, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base for holding the vial, a pressure applying platen, plural sealing rollers and associated electronic circuitry and motors. The platen is arranged to be moved relative to the base, whereupon it engages and applies a force to the cap assembly. The load cell measures the force applied and provides a signal indicative thereof to the electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry determines when a desired amount of force has been applied to control the operation of the rollers, whereupon the rollers apply a force to the annular seal to permanently crimp the annular seal on the vial.