Abstract: A cap sterilizer (50) includes an infeed chamber (52), a sterilant atomizing chamber (53), and an air rinse chamber (54). At least the infeed chamber (52) and the air rinse chamber (54) are exhausted. Both an exhaust pressure (E2) in the infeed chamber (52) and an exhaust pressure (E4) in the air rinse chamber are higher than an exhaust pressure (E3) in the sterilant atomizing chamber (53), or the sterilant atomizing chamber (53) is not exhausted.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip processing tool. The integrated chip processing tool includes a first transfer module and a second transfer module. The first transfer module has a first robotic arm disposed within a housing. The first transfer module is configured to receive a single and unitary first die tray configured to hold a plurality of integrated chip (IC) die and to concurrently transfer all of the plurality of IC die held by the single and unitary first die tray to a single and unitary die boat. The second transfer module has an additional robotic arm disposed within the housing and configured to concurrently transfer all of the plurality of IC die from the single and unitary die boat to a single and unitary second die tray.

Abstract: A spindle-shaft unit for closing containers with a screw closure includes a spindle that is rotatable and axially movable relative to a housing and a bearing unit arranged between the housing and the spindle. The bearing unit comprises a sliding bearing that interacts with the spindle and a further bearing that interacts with the sliding bearing. The spindle is arranged at the sliding bearing such as to be displaceable and non-rotatable relative to the sliding bearing. The further bearing secures the sliding bearing so as to be rotatable and non-displaceable relative to the housing.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus for sterilizing receptacle closures, comprising: a treatment chamber having an inlet station and an outlet station; a feeding device configured to feed a succession of receptacle closures to the inlet station; a conveyor configured to convey the receptacle closures through the treatment chamber from the inlet station to the outlet station; a sterilization agent injection device configured to inject a sterilization agent into the treatment chamber, wherein: the conveyor includes a plurality of adjacent guide rails; the feeding device is configured to feed the receptacle closures to at least one active guide rail of the plurality of guide rails; and the sterilization agent injection device includes a plurality of injection devices, each injection device being associated with one of the guide rails; and a controller configured to selectively actuate the injection devices according to a first and second operative mode.

Abstract: The sampling control station comprises at least one grasping and transporting group (22) for picking up containers or bottles (16) from conveying means (18) and transporting them to at least one measuring module (21?,21?,21??), the containers or bottles (16) being provided with a body tapered into a neck and ending with a mouth, wherein an annular ribbing (19) is foreseen at the mouth, and it is characterized in that the grasping and transporting group (22) comprises gripping means (23) connected to a mobile support structure (30), the gripping means (23) being mobile between a gripping position, in which they are engaged with the neck of the container (16) at and below the annular ribbing (19), and a release position in which they are not engaged with the container (16).

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for automatic application of lids to containers, said apparatus comprising a rotatable device unit comprising a plurality of circumferentially distributed lid holding members, a lid feeding unit, a glue application unit and a lid application unit. The lid holding members can be directed to each of the units simultaneously by rotating the rotatable device unit. The rotatable device unit further comprises an item application unit configured to fit an individual additional item onto the lid before the lid is attached to the container. The item application unit comprises an item supply unit and at least one movable gripping device configured to grip an individual additional item from the item supply unit and fit the individual additional item onto the lid. The invention also concerns a method for automatic application of lids to containers.

Abstract: A device for fitting a screw cap to a container, the device comprising a guide (104) for insertion of a container (106) along a first axis (108), and a holding area (110) for loading of the cap(s) (114) along a second axis (116). The holding area is coupled to the guide so as to form a channel (112) there-between. A slider (118) is movable along the channel so as to allow loading of the cap into the holding area and subsequently bring the cap into contact with a rotating engaging element (120). The slider holds the cap in place against the rotating engaging element while it rotates to fit the cap to the container. The first axis is different from the second axis such that the cap is supported by a portion of the guide upon release from the holding area.

Abstract: A guide track associated with a capping machine, including a capping head that is adjustable to fit the different formats of bottles. The track has, upstream from and adjacent to the capping head, a telescopic portion having a section rigidly connected to the capping head and movable with the latter, and a stationary section rigidly connected to a general frame. The telescopic portion of the guide track for caps includes side walls, the surface of which is smooth, regardless of the position of the stationary section and the movable section in relation to one another. The stationary section and the movable section are transversely shifted, and guided with regard to one another, by a runner system.

Abstract: On a transport or conveyor section for conveying caps or similar closures (2) for bottles or similar containers, and for treating the closures with a treatment medium, for example with at least one sterilization medium, the at least one treatment medium is used at the same time for conveying the closures along the conveyor or transport section (1, 1a).

Abstract: An apparatus for closing containers includes a supplying device for supplying a closure element to a container. The supplying device includes a cap detecting system that records a random position of the closure element and is designed to hold the closure element in the random position and to convey it in a circumferential direction while maintaining it in this random position.

Abstract: A capping device for capping vials borne by a respective conveyor (101), with caps (3) which include an inserting portion (31), shaped for insertion into a mouth of the vial (2) and a head portion (32), which remains externally on the vial (2) after capping. The capping device (1) includes a pick-up zone (12) configured for supporting and containing the caps (3) to be picked up by contacting only the head portion (32) thereof, a conveyor (11) for supplying caps (3) to the pick-up zone (12), configured to carry the caps (3) by contacting only a head portion (32) thereof; and a pick-up and inserting device (13) configured and activatable for picking up at least one cap (3) at a time from the pick-up zone (12), contacting only the head portion (31), and for holding the cap only by the head portion (302) while transporting the cap to a respective vial (2), and then inserting at least a part of the inserting portion (301) into the mouth of the vial (2).

Abstract: A passage for the sealed and/or sterile passage of a functional element (15), for example a rod and/or wave-like functional element through at least one wall (6) separating a sterile chamber (5) from an non-sterile chamber, comprising at least one hydraulic seal (20) enabling a relative movement of the functional element (15) in relation to the at least one wall (6).

Abstract: A lid (2) for a can (1) has a general shape defining a main plane (9) and a depression (10) arranged in the lid. The bottom wall of the depression is tilted relative to the main plane of the lid, and to a method for orientating lids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cap supply device having a simple and inexpensive structure and which is capable of supplying caps all directed in the same direction. The cap supply device includes: a receiving section 104 for receiving the caps 3; and a discharge unit 106 having an endless member 108 placed in the receiving section 104 and support members 109 provided at the endless member. The discharge unit 106 is configured to lift the caps upward and discharge the caps 3 from the receiving section 104 while the caps 3 are supported at the support members 109 with their openings directed to an opposite side of the endless member 108.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cap supply device having a simple and inexpensive structure and which is capable of supplying caps all directed in the same direction. The cap supply device includes: a receiving section 104 for receiving the caps 3; and a discharge unit 106 having an endless member 108 placed in the receiving section 104 and support members 109 provided at the endless member. The discharge unit 106 is configured to lift the caps upward and discharge the caps 3 from the receiving section 104 while the caps 3 are supported at the support members 109 with their openings directed to an opposite side of the endless member 108.

Abstract: In a feeding device, a feeding channel receives articles, or corks, supplied, with a selected orientation, by a selector situated upstream of the device. The feeding channel has, downstream of an initial section, a descending track, in which the articles, or corks are made to slide, due to gravity, toward an outlet section. A first stop, situated in the outlet section, causes an accumulation of articles, or corks, arranged in row, one after another. An extractor is situated at the outlet section to move, with a selected pace, a foremost article, or cork, situated each time ahead of other articles, along a guide toward the discontinuous picking up station for supplying a gripper working at said station.

Abstract: System for feeding bottle-tops to a bottle closing machine, in particular for feeding caps to an automatic capping machine, comprising an accumulation device, an entrance channel for feeding caps to the accumulation device and an exit channel to discharge the caps from the accumulation device and feed the caps to the capping machine. The accumulation device comprises a drum rotating around a vertical axis and provided with a plurality of pipes distanced uniformly one from another in the circumferential direction and each having an upper extremity and a lower extremity respectively for the entrance and exit of the caps.

Abstract: Device for feeding caps to a capping machine, comprising a cap transport route along which the caps advance In a continuous fashion between an entrance section and an exit section, in which the transport route contains a mobile buffer stock of caps advancing jointly as the caps leave said exit section. The transport route is provided with a plurality of holes to supply jets of air such as to cause the caps to advance jointly along the transport route.

Abstract: Containers (2) having a threaded neck (3) and a mouth (4) are capped by a unit (1) appearing as a carousel (5) equipped with capping heads caused to advance along a circular path (P) and capable of axial movement toward and away from the containers in such a way that each one can be fitted with a relative cap (11); each capping head of the unit (1) incorporates a gripper (31) furnished with two jaws (30) presenting relative conical surfaces (26), and respective cylindrical surfaces (27) designed to locate against the neck (3) of the container. When the cylindrical surfaces (27) register against the outer surface of the neck (3), the conical surfaces (32) are positioned with the lower edges (28) encroaching on the area compassed by the mouth (4) in such a way that the cap (11) can be gathered and aligned with the neck (3) of the container (2) before being tightened, thereby ensuring a precise fit.

Abstract: To provide a lid feeding apparatus which permits reduction in apparatus and maintenance costs, and safe feeding of a lid onto an opening end of a vessel with high accuracy. The lid feeding apparatus includes: a transporting device 2 for intermittently transporting a vessel N with its opening end upward; a lid stocking device 4 holding layers of numbers of laminar lids; a lid feeding mechanism 6 in which one lid is sucked out of the lid stocking device 4, transferred above the opening end of the vessel transported by the transporting device, and fed onto the opening end by being released from suction. There are provided, near the lid stocking device 4, a lid guiding portion 40 for guiding the lid so as to be separated from a lid sucking mechanism to cover the opening end, and a guide portion moving mechanism 46 for moving the lid guiding portion 40 to a level of the opening end of the vessel just before releasing suction of the lid by the lid feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A feed unit for a container closure device, with a feed device for container closures and a transfer device which transfers the closures from the feed device to a workstation at which containers are closed. The feed device has a rail that terminates at a stationary check shoulder which protrudes into the feed path of the closures along the feed device rail to position each closure to be picked up by the transfer device moving on a path.

Abstract: An automatic bulk filling machine is provided having a container input end which includes a fill station for filling a container in accordance with weight or volume requirements followed by a lid dispensing and attachment station wherein the lids of the container are placed over the container in registry with the lip of the container and closed onto the bulk container by a piston cylinder combination having a lid pad for pressing and deforming the center of the lid onto the bulk container before press fitting the bulk container lid onto the bulk container which filled and sealed bulk container is then transferred to an optional labeling station and subsequently transferred to the output end of the conveyor to complete the automated filling, sealing and labeling operations for removal of the container from the automated bulk filling machine.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the above-perceived problems associated with the known art. The present invention provides an efficient capping machine with an improved turret that may be retrofitted to existing capping machines or included as an integral component of a new capping machine. The improved capping machine includes a rotatable turret that is significantly smaller than conventional bottling turrets. The improved turret utilizes fewer moving parts and it has a smaller mass that enables the turret to rotate more efficiently while requiring less power. The improved capping machine includes a rotating turret section coupled to a mounting plate and support. A cap delivery chute assembly is associated therewith. The improved turret includes a rotatable frame secured to an elevation shaft of the central hub via a torsion bearing assembly. The rotatable frame is driven by a bull gear associated with the capping machine.

Abstract: A machine for sealing bottles with sealing caps includes a transporting track for supplying sealing caps, a separating device for making available separated sealing caps and a transfer device for placing the separated sealing caps on the bottles. At least the transfer device is disposed in a sterile chamber and a spraying device is provided for introducing a sterilizing agent into the interior space of the sealing caps and a drying device is also provided for driving sterilizing agent out of the sealing caps.

Abstract: A container filling assembly (10) including a carousel (12) having an in-feed station (20) and an exit station (30) for supplying empty containers (22) and exiting filled containers (22). A number valve stations (34) are supported by the carousel (12) for filling the containers (22). An enclosure (42) is associated with each valve station (34) for enclosing the container (22) on the valve station (34). The enclosure (42) has an elongated endless wall (44) with an upper periphery (46) for sealing engagement about at the valve station (34). An actuation device (48) moves the enclosure (42) vertically between a sealed position with the valve station (34) and an open position spaced vertically from the valve station (34). A bottom (50) is disposed within the endless wall (44) to create a sealed chamber (70) when the endless wall (44) is in the sealed position.

Abstract: A self-feeding manual cap crimper, indexing mechanism and replaceable cap cartridge provide benefits related to quickly sealing crimp top vials or bottles. A conventional manually operated cap crimping mechanism may be utilized in conjunction with a cap indexing mechanism and a replaceable cap cartridge constructed in accordance with the invention. The replaceable cap supply cartridge includes a main body having a cap containment portion which serially feeds caps to the cap indexing mechanism. The cap indexing mechanism and the replaceable cartridge may each be releasably connected to the cap crimping mechanism. A first actuation of the cap crimping mechanism feeds a cap proximate to multiple jaws associated with the crimping mechanism. A second actuation moves the jaws and crimp the cap onto the vial or bottle.

Abstract: An improved vertically oriented machine which is capable of forming and adhering lids to open ended fiberboard containers. The improved machine includes a lower horizontal conveyor for bringing open-ended containers into the machine; a vertical lifting section including a novel elevation mechanism for lifting the containers; a lid feeding mechanism located along the path of the vertical lifting section for providing the lids to be placed onto the containers; a set of adhesive applicators; a series of adjustable spring-mounted compression shoes including a novel frictional lid holding member located along the path of the vertical lifting section above the lid feeding mechanism for deforming the sides of the lids around the container; and an ejection mechanism for removing the lidded container from the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article processing apparatus which is preferred for use in a capper which attaches a cap to a vessel. The apparatus includes a processing head, which is provided with four capping mechanisms. Each capping mechanisms on the processing head takes hold of a cap on feeder means. The processing head is then translated to a position over a conveyor and moves in tracking relationship with four vessels which are being conveyed by the conveyor to attach each cap carried by the capping mechanism to associated underlying vessel. The attachment of a cap to a vessel while the processing head moves in tracking relationship with vessels on the conveyor provides an article processing apparatus which has its processing capability enhanced as compared with the prior art.

Abstract: The machine comprises rotating elements associated with a rotating shaft and adapted to guide the bottles, keeping them mutually spaced, along a first circular-arc path; a plurality of pneumatic heads which are also associated with the rotating shaft and follow the bottles along the circular-arc path, moving from a position for picking up individual disks from a corresponding stack contained in a disk magazine located to the side of the rotating elements, to a position for depositing the disks on individual and corresponding bottles which are fed continuously by a conveyor belt; and a pair of fixed slotted cams interacting with the pneumatic heads to keep each head temporarily stationary above the stack of disks in order to pick up each one of the disks by suction and to make the heads follow each bottle along the corresponding path in order to pneumatically deposit the disk on the bottle.

Abstract: A machine for applying toggle strap fitted lids to open container bodies comprising a lid holding station (1), a container body holding station (2), a lid working means (3) adapted for movement between said lid holding station and said container body holding station and a toggle closing means (21) wherein said lid working means is adapted to pick up a single lid and attached toggle strap from said lid holding station, move from said lid holding station to said container body station, release the toggle strap from said lid while retaining both lid and released toggle strap in substantial juxtaposition, position said lid and released toggle strap onto the open end of a container body positioned on said container body holding station, wherein said toggle closing means closes the released toggle and thereby applies said toggle strap fitted lid to said open container body.

Abstract: A multi-axis motion controller includes a digital signal processor operable in a standalone mode to run a motion control application program for controlling motion along multiple axes is organized in a shared memory architecture and includes a serial I/O data system with DMA access to the memory for repeatedly moving input and output data directly between the memory and a serial data line. The motion controller may be utilized in connection with a cup lid dispenser for an automated drinkmaker having a pivotable shuttle arrangement for dispensing the bottommost lid in a stack, and a double lid sensor for determining if more than one lid has been dispensed.

Abstract: An adapter system is provided for a capping machine. A first adapter is mounted on the capping machine spindle. A second adapter carries the capping head and is axially movable on the first adapter. The second adapter is urged with an axial capping load to an extended position relative to the first adapter. The spindle can be moved to a second position while rotating to engage the cap with the container and move the first adapter axially toward the second adapter. A travel stop can be provided to impose a higher, initial load on the cap when the cap thread initially engages the container thread. After the initial engagement, the rotating spindle effects continued threaded engagement of the cap which, owing to the helical thread engagement, moves downwardly on the container thread under a lower axial capping load. The travel stop can also be omitted to provide a single axial capping load.

Abstract: Apparatus for placing covers (5, 8) on a cassette (1) and taking covers (5, 8) off a cassette (1) comprises an upper cover removal structure (100U), a lower cover removal structure (100L), and means for holding the cassette in place (170-176). The upper cover removal structure (100U) includes a central body portion (102), a pair of arms (104, 106) rotatably mounted at the end of the central body portion, and fingers (112, 114) located at the end of the arms (104, 106). The fingers (112, 114) can be moved up and down in a direction parallel to the main axis of the arms. The upper cover removal structure (100U) includes means for moving the upper cover removal structure (100U) toward or away from the cassette (1). The lower cover removal structure (100L) includes a central body portion and a pair of arms 156, 158 having fingers (190, 192) at the ends thereof. The arms can move inwardly or outwardly to grasp the bottom cover (8).

Abstract: A press plate, actuated by a cylinder, has a press ring affixed to its lower surface. The press ring is dimensioned to fit on the lid of an open head drum. Magnets positioned on the lower surface of the press plate hold a split closing ring in position encircling the press ring. Horizontally actuated closing ring expanders are pivotally mounted in a plurality of slots spaced about the circumference of the press ring. A plurality of pins, positioned above the split closing ring, extend through the press plate. A plurality of clamp levers, having bottom ends positioned below the press plate and externally of the split closing ring and upper ends connected to actuators mounted on top of the press plate, are pivotally mounted to and extend through the press plate. A split closing ring encircling the press ring is urged outwardly by the ring expanders as the press plate and press ring move downward, compressing a sealing gasket between the lid and drum.

Abstract: A bottle-cap positioning apparatus (10) positions bottle-caps (12) beneath the orbiting capping heads (14) of a rotary bottle-capping machine (18) for pick-up. A cap feeder (40) places the caps (12) on a semi-circular pick-up path directly under the orbital path (16) of the capping heads (14). An endless belt (68) is supported on a pair of pulleys (52, 54) and orbits around a guide block (76). The guide block (76) has a convex surface (78) that pushes the belt (68) outward to parallel the pick-up path. Cap push-paddles (80) extend radially out from the endless belt (68) and slide the bottle caps (12) sequentially along the pick-up path. Gears (58, 62, 64, 66) drive the pulleys (52, 54) and synchronize the endless belt (68) with the capping heads (14). The endless belt (68), push-paddles (80), pulleys (52, 54) and gears (58, 62, 64, 66) are disposed inside and beneath the orbital path of the capping heads (14) to reduce factory floor space requirements and worker exposure to moving parts.

Abstract: A filling method is disclosed, which comprises a step of filling a content into a bottle 1 and a step of fitting a cap 2 on the bolt 1 with the content charged thereinto. The bottle 1 is conveyed in a state held by a bottle container 3 on a conveyor, while the cap 2 is conveyed in a state held by a cap holder 4 on a conveyor.

Abstract: A lidding apparatus has a pair of brake shoes which elevate a box from a conveyor, the box being decelerated by the brake shoes. A lidding assembly includes an opposite pair of grooves with a release configuration for supporting a flat lid blank but allowing the flaps of the blank to rotate out of the grooves. The lid blank is maintained in a flat condition as the lid blank and box are bought into mutually centered contact whereupon the side flaps are rotated toward the box through the clearances provided by the release configuration by shoes of the lidding assembly.

Abstract: Cap holder means which holds the inner peripheral surface of a cap has an outer diameter which may be shrunk to a value less than and expanded to another value greater than the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the cap. When the cap holder means assumes a shrunk condition in which the outer diameter thereof is less than the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the cap, the cap holder means is capable of smoothly receiving a cap from a cap feeder. Upon receiving a cap, the cap holder means may be changed to an expanded condition presenting an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the cap, thereby allowing caps of any varying internal diameter to be centered with respect to the cap holder means. This allows a smooth delivery of the cap from the cap holder means to a capping head.

Abstract: A work head changer is disclosed which automatically changes a capping head used in a rotary multicapper or a filling nozzle in a rotary filler. A controller controls the rotation of a rotatable body of the rotary multicapper, for example, thus bringing the individual capping heads to a stop successively and intermittently at a predetermined work head replacement position. In case of the rotary multicapper, each capping head is detachably mounted on the rotatable body through a connection. A work head delivery mechanism removes a capping head which is brought to a stop at the work head replacement position from the connection, and attaches a capping head of another variety which has been stored in a stocker to the connection at an empty location from which the capping head has been removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting closing caps in vessel closing machines. In order to eliminate the risk of caps getting crushed and to increase the operating reliability and efficiency, the apparatus is characterized in that the end portion of the conveying duct is directly followed in the direction of movement of the engaging means by a guide channel for guiding the caps, the guide channel comprising guide elements extending at both sides of the path of the engaging means, and that the transporting device is so formed that prior to the arrival of the associated engaging means it transports the respectively foremost cap from the end portion of the conveying duct at least partly between the guide elements and retains it there, if necessary, until the arrival of the engaging means.

Abstract: A filling and capping machine including a computer controlled turret having a plurality of pockets for positioning a plurality of containers to at least a fill position and a capping position along the turret's path. The controller programmably positions the turret to these positions for variations of the locations of the pockets on the turret and accommodates for variations in the size and number of the container pockets and the type of fill product and type of containers. The controller also controls the position of the filling unit for the type of fill product as well as controlling the positioning of the filling unit and the capping unit for variations in the type of container. The controller uses a combination of servo motors and fluid motors to vertically and rotationally position the elements.

Abstract: A vessel closure apparatus with a stripping magnet for unprocessed crown caps disposed before a cap feeding device relative to the revolving direction of a closure head. The stripping magnet is located below the revolving path of the closure heads and has a greater magnetic attraction for the crown cap than the magnet used to hold the crown cap in the closure head.

Abstract: A chuck apparatus for threading a cap having a spout onto a bottle has a chuck with opposing gripping jaws for gripping the cap; a chuck rotating assembly for rotating the chuck to thread the cap on the bottle; a shaft connected with the chuck and an assembly for epicyclically rotating the shaft about a central axis; a raising and lowering assembly for raising and lowering the chuck out of and into engagement with the cap; a coupling rotatably connected with the shaft, and a cam assembly for raising and lowering the coupling; a spout alignment assembly for maintaining the spout at a first predetermined orientation with respect to the bottle while the chuck is rotated to thread the cap on the bottle, and including a saddle for engaging the spout, and a rod extending coaxially and rotatably through the shaft, for supporting the saddle above the gripping jaws in the first predetermined rotational orientation; and a chuck aligning assembly for aligning the chuck in a second predetermined orientation with respect

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for induction welding a first plastic member to a second plastic member. A contacting portion of the first plastic member is clamped into contact with a contacting portion of the second plastic member. A current is induced in conductive material external to the plastic members and proximate one of the contacting portions to generate heat sufficient to bond the contacting portions together. The method and apparatus are capable of sealing plastic members that are devoid of conductive material.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting caps onto fluid containers in a predetermined particular orientation relative to the fluid containers. Caps are drawn from a source of caps and placed singly, in succession, on a cap seat which is in a particular known orientation. Each cap is taken, while on the cap seat, to a delivery position. During transfer to the delivery position, each cap is aligned into a known particular orientation. A device for picking up the caps takes each cap from the cap seat to a container and mounts the cap onto a waiting fluid container, in the desired predetermined orientation with respect to the fluid container. The device includes an operatively associated clamp that supports the fluid container about a flange around the neck to prevent crushing of the fluid container during mounting of the caps.

Abstract: A method and device for transferring lids into a machine for the sterile conditioning of containers, the device comprising two elongated parallel nipper-holding members extending with one end into a sterile container-conditioning enclosure, one of these two members being reciprocally movable with respect to the other nipper-holding member which remains stationary being held against translatory motion. The device is adapted to transferring, depositing and provisionally securing lids onto containers or cups filled with any product or foodstuff.

Abstract: The apparatus for applying closures to containers having a mouth which is inclined with respect to an axis of the containers, comprises a first conveyor and a second conveyor which are suitable for transferring in succession containers, which are arranged so that their axes are vertical. A closure application conveyor receives the containers from the first conveyor and transfers them to the second conveyor; the closure application conveyor has a clamp for gripping the containers which can oscillate between two positions, at which the axes of the related containers and, respectively, the axes of the mouths of the containers are arranged substantially vertical. The closure application conveyor has a closure application head for applying the closures to the containers while the axes of the mouths of the containers are arranged vertically.

Abstract: An apparatus to cap in succession containers transported in serial order on a conveyor belt. The apparatus comprises a cap dispensing station operating in a timed-relationship with the container feed rate to loosely apply on each container a screw-type cap in thread alignment with the threads on the container neck. The cap dispensing station includes a cap relase passage at least partially closed by a resilient lip preventing a cap to travel through the passage under the effect of gravity. A selectively actuatable cap ejector drives the cap out of the passage against the resiliency of the lip, freeing the cap which is deposited on a container underneath. During the cap movement through the passage, the resilient lip frictionally engages the cap, guiding same, to allow precise positioning of the cap on the container. A cap tightening station is provided downstream of the cap dispensing station to rotatably engage the caps loosely applied to the containers to tighten same.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting caps onto fluid containers in a predetermined particular orientation relative to the fluid containers. Caps are drawn from a source of caps and placed singly, in succession, on a cap seat which is in a particular known orientation. Each cap is taken, while on the cap seat, to a delivery position. During transfer to the delivery position, each cap is aligned into a known particular orientation. A device for picking up the caps takes each cap from the cap seat to a container and mounts the cap onto a waiting fluid container, in the desired predetermined orientation with respect to the fluid container. The device includes an operatively associated clamp that supports the fluid container about a flange around the neck to prevent crushing of the fluid container during mounting of the caps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying closures to containers, and capable of applying stake-on caps having generally rectangular cross-sectional exterior surfaces to container whose bodies are also of the same general cross-section, the parts being delivered in random orientation, and each cap being applied to a container in such a manner that it is in proper orientation with respect to the container when finally assembled. The apparatus includes a turret (54) provided with a non-rotatable cam (108), an interrupted drive gear (114), and an alternate continuous drive gear (124). Mounted on the turret (54) for rotation about the centerline of the turret are a plurality of spindle assemblies (90). When applying a rectangular closure (14) to a container (12) designed to receive the closure in only one position of orientation a novel chuck assembly (130) is employed which has an engagement portion which may be held in one of two detent positions spaced 180.degree. apart.