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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for bonding an overlapping portion of the outer cap (7,7') and inner body (6, 6') of a closed cylindrical capsule (5). A flexible tubular coupling (13,14,20) positioned around the circumference of the capsule (5) is compressed to exert an inward radial force (23) on the capsule (5) while ultrasonic vibratory motion is applied in a direction (12,12') parallel to the axis of the capsule (5) by an ultrasonic transducer (10,10') with a rigid tip (11,11') attached to the coupling (13,14,20). For bonding of gelatinous capsules (5), the unitary coupling (20) or split coupling (13,14) can comprise a polymeric elastomer material such as latex rubber with approximately the same acoustical impedance as the capsule (5).

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First Claim