Abstract: A capping device and method for installing overcaps onto a plurality of aerosol cans moving on a manufacturing line is disclosed. The capping device has a pressure plate with a cap contact surface on one side and a bearing surface on an opposite side. The contact surface is oriented to face overcaps that are rested on a plurality of aerosol cans moving past the pressure plate on the manufacturing line. The contact surface is rotated about an axis so that an installation segment of the contact surface moves in concert with the plurality of aerosol cans. A pressure wheel has a rotatable circumferential surface arranged to bear against a part of the pressure plate to further bear the installation segment into contact with the overcaps of the plurality of aerosol cans. As the cans move past the pressure wheel and plate, the overcaps are installed on the aerosol cans by force applied via the installation segment of the contact surface that is moving along with the cans.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved starwheel (20) for use in continuous packaging, filling or labelling lines for articles such as cans and bottles which has a plurality of spaced orienting devices (18) around its periphery. The improvement resides in that the orienting devices (18) comprise moveable fingers (26) which can readily assume the contour of the outer periphery of such articles and be releasably locked in place after the contour of the article is captured in the orienting device. As a result, starwheel (20) does not have to be removed from the operating line to accommodate a new size or shape of article, the line can be quickly restarted using the new article and a large inventory of starwheels for various sizes and shapes of articles is unnecessary.