By Screwing Closure On Container Patents (Class 53/490)
  • Publication number: 20100264147
    Abstract: Packaging for one-component moisture-curing compositions (and pre-packaged one-component moisture-curing compositions) is provided, and related methods. Such methods generally comprise providing a container with a desirable amount of a one-component moisture-curing composition. The container will preferably comprise a body portion, a spout, and a cap. According to certain embodiments, the spout will have a smaller diameter (or width) than the diameter (or width) of the body portion. In addition, the body portion will be comprised of a metallic material, whereas the cap will be comprised of a non-metallic material, such as plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Eric Rosenthal
  • Publication number: 20100257823
    Abstract: A method for closing containers with closures by means of a closing device may include screwing closures onto openings of the containers. For closing the containers, a final torque (Dend) may be prescribed, with which the closing operation is completed, and this final torque (Dend) is less than a maximum torque (Dmax), which is applied at least once during the overall closing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Horst Lang
  • Patent number: 7784245
    Abstract: The container capping device includes a capping head carried by a hollow support member in the shape of a bracket, vertically movable and including a vertical part going through a cover, with the rotation driving mechanism of the capping head and the control mechanism of the jaws of the capping head being enclosed in the part of the support member which extends above the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Guy Dumargue
  • Patent number: 7770358
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the securing of a cap onto a cylindrical container includes a base and a plurality of blades, each of the blades including a sharp edge and being mounted to the base such that the sharp edge is exposed. The blades are mounted in a generally circular arrangement, with the sharp edges generally radiating from a central portion of the base, such that the sharp edges are positioned to engage a circumferential edge of a cap as it is being secured to the cylindrical container. In this configuration, the apparatus can firmly hold the cap as the cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) is rotated to secure the cap onto the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John Richard Sink, Demetris P. Young, James Robert Rivenbark, Jr., Mark Alan Uebel, Jody DuMond
  • Publication number: 20100154364
    Abstract: Rotatable bottle or container capping machine for screwing threaded screw caps onto a threaded mouth portion of filled bottles or containers to close filled bottles or containers, and a method of operation thereof. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert BERNHARD
  • Patent number: 7735301
    Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John Richard Sink, Richard D. Michelli, Charles H. Guthrie, Joseph C. Moran, Jr., Demetris P. Young
  • Patent number: 7721510
    Abstract: A vial capping device includes a cap installation ring, a holding device, a movement device, and a tightening motor. The cap installation ring has an inner periphery thread to be threadedly engaged with a thread of an outer peripheral surface of a cap. The holding device holds a vial during fastening. The movement device brings a thread of the inner peripheral surface of the cap attached to the cap installation ring and an opening of the vial closer to each other. The tightening motor rotates one or both of the cap installation ring engaged with the cap and the holding device holding the vial. Thus, the vial capping device with a simple construction reliably fastens the cap to the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Katsunori Yoshina, Yoshihiko Ide
  • Publication number: 20100101192
    Abstract: A torque head assembly and method of capping effective to cap a variety of trigger spray cap bases or common caps to a spray bottle or container includes a drive roller mounted on a drive gear. The drive gear is in meshed gear communication with a plurality of train gears enclosed within a generally C-shaped driver housing wherein the a distal train gear engages a driven gear upon which a driven roller is mounted. An actuator allows the driver housing of torque head assembly to approach a variety of trigger spray cap bases or common caps within a plane generally horizontal thereto and at least partially co-planar therewith so as to capture the same between the dive roller and the driven roller and to thread mount the same onto the spray bottle or container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: DIAMOND MACHINE WERKS, INC.
    Inventor: Walter R. Krevald
  • Publication number: 20100077706
    Abstract: A machine for application of threaded caps on containers (C), comprising: a bottom stationary base (12); a first shaft (16) that extends upwards from the bottom stationary base (12), the first shaft (16) being rotatable with respect to the base (12) about a vertical axis (18) and being fixed in a vertical direction with respect to the base (12); a rotary structure (24) fixed to a top end of the first shaft (16) and designed to convey the containers to be capped (C) along a circular path; a second shaft (36) that extends upwards from the stationary base (12), the second shaft (36) being rotationally fixed with respect to the base (12) and being adjustable in a vertical direction with respect to the stationary base (12), wherein the second shaft (36) extends upwards beyond the top end of the first shaft (16), and wherein a top supporting flange (42) is fixed to the top end of the second shaft (36), the top supporting flange (42) bearing a drum cam (54); a plurality of screwing heads (58) carried by the rotar
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Sergio Cirio
  • Publication number: 20100050576
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing element for a receptacle, such as a glass beverage bottle, comprising a plug and a retaining element that is connected to the plug, as well as a method for closing an opening of a receptacle by means of a closing element comprising a plug and a retaining element. In order to devise a closing element and a closing method that provide a great degree of reliability, storage quality, and food compatibility, the plug is made of a solid material such as glass, ceramics, wood, metal, aluminum, stone, or silicon. Furthermore, in the closed state of the receptacle, the plug rests within a receptacle opening that is to be closed, or the plug made of the solid material is fully inserted into the receptacle opening to close the receptacle, and a connecting element is created between the plug and the retaining element such as by means of an adhesive, the retaining element being releasably connected to the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Lutz Möller
  • Publication number: 20100018168
    Abstract: The container holder (5) is intended for transporting at least one container (7) with a neck flange (72), the neck flange having a top surface (74), a bottom surface (73) and a lateral surface (75). In particular, the container is a bottle with a neck flange, the bottle being made of PE, PET or HDPE material. The container holder according to the invention is furthermore provided with a rotation-blocking element (10), which is movable to a blocking position. Characteristic of the invention is the fact that in the blocking position the rotation-blocking element is arranged to engage upon the neck flange of the container, in such a way that the rotation of the container relative to the container holder is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: STORK FOOD & DAIRY SYSTEMS B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Franciscus Bruijns
  • Publication number: 20090293437
    Abstract: Method of testing, determining, and adjusting a final closing torque of a beverage bottle or container closing machine and an apparatus for performing the method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Enrico SCHULZ, Karl LORENZ
  • Publication number: 20090277860
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening sealed packaging, including three parts, a pouring nozzle having a flange, a cylindrical cutting element and a screwcap. According to this invention, all three parts of the apparatus are produced in one piece as a semi-finished product. The teeth of the cutting element protrude into the pouring nozzle, while the screwcap is held on the flat edge of the cutting element. The three parts are connected to one another via predetermined breaking point bridges. This invention reduces the production costs and simplifies the assembly and the systems which are required for this purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Werner Fritz Dubach
  • Patent number: 7603828
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cam-actuated spindle assembly for selectively attaching a cam follower to a capping spindle. By adjusting the assembly, the user can easily adjust a capping spindle to follow a selected one of different tracks that are formed into a barrel cam. This simplifies the process of adjusting a bottle capping or corking machine to accommodate a variety of products with different types and sizes of closures and bottles. The mounting assembly weighs considerably less than a spindle or barrel cam, and therefore, is considerably easier to reposition and adjust. There is no need to remove the barrel cam or change out the spindle, which significantly reduces costs, down-time, and manpower requirements. The mounting assembly is designed to be compatible with existing bottle capping equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Ostermann, Larry Ellis, Chris Oyer
  • Patent number: 7596932
    Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John Richard Sink, Richard D. Michelli, Charles H. Guthrie, Joseph C. Moran, Jr., Demetris P. Young
  • Publication number: 20090236244
    Abstract: A closure device with a fluid chamber containing an additive. The additive can be introduced and mixed into a liquid in the container by the closure device. The closure device includes a cap member having a fluid chamber and a housing having a plug member. The cap member is provided with a primary engagement means, which engages with a corresponding primary engagement means provided on the housing to allow the cap member to be lifted relative to the housing from a closed position in which the plug member closes an aperture in the fluid chamber to an open position in which the plug member is at least partially withdrawn from the aperture, thereby allowing the additive to pass from the fluid chamber to the liquid in the bottle. The closure device enables mixing of the additive and liquid in the bottle without opening the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Bernard Derek Frutin
  • Publication number: 20090223175
    Abstract: A method and device for the manufacture of packaging units or disposable single-use kegs. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Alois Monzel
  • Patent number: 7581373
    Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John Richard Sink, Richard D. Michelli, Charles H. Guthrie, Joseph C. Moran, Jr., Demetris P. Young
  • Publication number: 20090200259
    Abstract: A closure for a container opening according to one embodiment comprises a plug including a series of projections and being constructed and arranged to be received within the container opening and an overcap constructed and arranged for being attached to the plug so as to close off an interior of the plug and create an assembly. The projections being constructed and arranged for interfit with a specialized wrench socket for threadedly advancing the plug into the container opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Gary M. Baughman
  • Patent number: 7552575
    Abstract: The use of a frictional engagement with the top and/or side of a lifter ring on the neck of a bottle for controlling the rotation of the bottle during the capping process. The frictional engagement may be used to hold the bottle steady during the capping process or may be utilized to cause counter rotation of the bottle during the capping process. A method and apparatus for using counter rotation of the bottle to apply a cap to a bottle is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Wendell S. Martin
  • Publication number: 20090120044
    Abstract: A container handling system for applying closures to containers includes a container feed line and a capping station for receiving containers from the container feed line and applying closures thereto. The capping station includes a capping head configured to provide torque during closure application. A container holder is configured to resist container rotation. The holder includes an opening exposed to a container location and a device positioned to draw air from the container location through the opening to create a force the acts to pull the container toward the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Acie Ray Fields
  • Patent number: 7490454
    Abstract: A capping device fits caps onto containers by applying an axial force to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. The capping device utilizes a spindle rotatable about an operational axis for imparting rotation to a capper unit. A connector coupled to the capper unit is releasably coupled to the spindle by a quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism is normally biased in the locked position and is configured to automatically move from the unlocked position back to the locked position when the connector mates with the spindle as a user re-connects the capping unit back to the spindle. Methods of releasing and re-connecting the capping unit to the spindle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Adcor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20090025346
    Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: John Richard Sink, Richard D. Michelli, Charles H. Guthrie, Joseph C. Moran, JR., Demetris P. Young
  • Patent number: 7472527
    Abstract: A device for screwing caps onto receptacles, the device comprising a rotary spindle having a first end provided with a cap gripper head and a second end connected to a two-portion clutch member, one of which portions is constrained to rotate with the second end of the rotary spindle, and the other of which portions is constrained to rotate with a drive shaft on the same axis as the spindle and associated with a drive member, wherein the portions of the clutch member comprise a magnetic bell and a magnetic core having dimensions suitable for enabling it to be engaged in the bell, the device further comprising a displacement member for displacing the bell and the core relative to each other between a position in which the core is engaged in the bell and a position in which the core is disengaged from the bell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Jacky Brunee
  • Publication number: 20080314000
    Abstract: The invention concerns a closure for sealing of an orifice of a neck of a container. The closure comprises a top portion, an outer skirt and a sealing means. The sealing means comprises an outer sealing means suitable to be engaged with an outer free peripheral surface of neck. The outer sealing means comprises an annular base radially distanced to said outer skirt and at least one annular sealing ring protruding radially inwardly over said base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: CREANOVA UNIVERSAL CLOSURE LTD.
    Inventor: Rodney Druitt
  • Patent number: 7454878
    Abstract: A neck support knife for supporting a bottle during capping includes an arcuate planar surface having a plurality of elongated cleats extending away from the planar surface and arranged in a radial pattern. The cleats have a tooth-like vertical cross-section. An inner arcuate face adjoins the planar surface and engages the bottle neck during operation. On each cleat, the corner nearest the inner arcuate face is shaped to reduce contact with the bottle flange/neck junction. In a preferred embodiment, the cleats are all canted from the radial orientation in the same direction so that the bottle is biased against the inner arcuate face during capping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald R. Bradley
  • Patent number: 7434370
    Abstract: Capping head assemblies that are useful for applying pre-threaded closures onto containers with improved sensitivity. The novel features of the devices are a simple and novel means of adjusting the torque in a magnetic clutch assembly. In addition, the advantage of preventing contamination by water and other liquids during the filling and capping of liquid containers, and further, have the capability of being greased without having to disassemble the device. In addition, these can be accomplished without changing the capability of being able to read the adjustment scales on the outside surface of the magnetic clutch assembly and the adjustment scales on the outside surface of the upper spring assembly for adjusting the tension in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Precision:Torque Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Scott, Larry D. Dotson
  • Patent number: 7415816
    Abstract: A container filling plant having a container closing machine with a bearing system to guide a reciprocating shaft in the container closing machine. The bearing system is designed to be cleaned to minimize the presence of contaminants in the bearing system and in the product in the containers to be closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Herbert Bernhard
  • Publication number: 20080168751
    Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: John Richard Sink, Rich D. Michelli, Charles H. Guthrie, Joseph C. Moran, Demetris P. Young
  • Publication number: 20080141631
    Abstract: A capping device fits caps onto containers by applying an axial force to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. The capping device utilizes a spindle rotatable about an operational axis for imparting rotation to a capper unit. A connector coupled to the capper unit is releasably coupled to the spindle by a quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism is normally biased in the locked position and is configured to automatically move from the unlocked position back to the locked position when the connector mates with the spindle as a user re-connects the capping unit back to the spindle. Methods of releasing and re-connecting the capping unit to the spindle are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Michael J. Brown
  • Patent number: 7387049
    Abstract: An economical system and method for eliminating manual operations in smaller scale animal feeding water bottle management is provided. A hand held cap removal tool captures the perimeter of the water bottle cap for automatic capping or decapping. Provisions for suspending the tool for convenient universal motion over a work area are described. The cap removal tool accommodates straight and angled water delivery tubes and most popular water bottle cap sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventors: Richard P. Ver Hage, Glenn Ver Hage
  • Publication number: 20080078146
    Abstract: Screwing and rolling head for the application of pre-threaded caps on containers, comprising a first support, designed to be moved with a helical motion, a second support, which is mobile with respect to the first support in a longitudinal direction and is fixed in rotation with respect to the first support, a device for screwing caps, fixed in an axial direction with respect to the second support and rotatable with respect to the second support, a torque-limiter device, connected between the screwing device and the second support, and at least one oscillating arm, which carries a rolling element and is articulated to the second support about a transverse axis. The device for screwing caps comprises a gripper, which is mobile between an open position and a closed position and is designed to grip a cap along a side wall thereof, the movements of opening and closing of the gripper being controlled by a control rod, which is mobile in an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Sergio Cirio
  • Patent number: 7347032
    Abstract: Described herein is a capping head for the application of caps on bottles or containers, in which the capping head is enclosed within a casing having an end mouth that engages the bottle or the container during application of the cap so as to define a closed chamber, within which the capping head is contained. Said closed chamber is set in communication with a source of vacuum so as to empty the bottle or container of the air contained therein before completion of application of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Arol SpA
    Inventor: Sergio Cirio
  • Patent number: 7322165
    Abstract: Proposed is a closing cone for screwing screw closures onto containers, particularly bottles, with a receiving part, with a pick ring coupled therewith in rotation-resistant manner and with a pick-up system. The closing cone is characterized in that the pick ring (5) is segmented and is provided with movable segments (17), and that an actuation system (65) is provided which cooperates with the segments (17) so as to create a variable inner diameter of the pick ring (5). Closing cone according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation system (65) is provided with a cone-taper coupling between the receiving part (3) and at least one segment (17), and preferably all segments, of the pick ring (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: ALCOA Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Spether
  • Patent number: 7293396
    Abstract: A threaded container closure assembly in which the container comprises one or more radially extending members proximate the distal end thereof that initially engage with one or more radially extending members or partial radially extending members on a mating closure or top proximate the distal end thereof so that the container and top become at least partially interconnected and are thereby not too easily and inadvertently separated while the user attempts to cause engagement of the threads for screwing down the top onto the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kelly W. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7204151
    Abstract: A metal cap 12 is fitted over a vessel (vial 2), into which a rubber plug 4 is driven, and using a pressure block 10, a load is applied to the cap 12 through the top surface 12b thereof to maintain the rubber plug 4 compressed. Under this condition, a tightening roller 14 folds a skirt (lower end 12c of a cylindrical portion 12a) of the cap 12 inwardly to perform a tightening operation. Subsequently, the load applied to the top surface 12b of the cap is once released, and then a load is applied again starting from a value FB which is less than the load FA applied during the tightening operation, gradually increasing to a higher value. In the course of increasing the load, a load FC at the instant when a displacement in the elevation of the top surface of the cap is detected, and this load FC is determined to be a seal load upon completion of the tightening operation. By detecting the load FC upon completion of the tightening operation, a seal capacity of the rubber plug 14 can be confirmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kitamoto, Katsuji Tsuruyama, Toshiharu Kanaiwa
  • Patent number: 7024837
    Abstract: A screw capper 1 includes a capping head 6 which grips a cap 5, a servo motor 7 which rotates the capping head, a voltmeter 10 which measures the torque of the capping head, an encoder 11 which detects the rotational angle of the capping head, and a control device 8 which controls the servo motor. In the screw capper, whether rotational fastening is acceptable is to be determined during the rotational fastening, the measured value of the encoder is measured from a predetermined measurement starting point until a rotational fastening completion point, and if the measured rotational angle is in the range of an acceptable decision angle which is set in advance, it is determined that the rotational fastening has been acceptably performed, whereas if the measured rotational angle is not in the range of the acceptable decision angle, it is determined that the rotational fastening is unacceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Takebe, Mitsuru Kasai, Kenichiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7010902
    Abstract: A capping mechanism comprising an active feeder (20) device in which caps (1, 10) are fed actively forward arranged top-to-bottom along a feeding axis (30), and a hollow rotatable and linearly movable chuck device (40) arranged at the feeder's outlet end (22) and devised to grip a cap and mount said cap to a container opening. The feeder device preferably comprises movable members working in pairs (23, 24 and 25, 26 resp.) alternating to influence a row or pile of caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Trepak International AB
    Inventor: Jens Pagh
  • Patent number: 7003932
    Abstract: A method and applicator for applying a threaded cap to a threaded neck of a container. The method includes the steps of placing the cap on the neck of the container, rotating the cap relative to the neck in an opening direction while supporting the cap with respect to the neck, and applying the cap to the neck so as to achieve substantial thread engagement. A reverse drive mechanism may be used with the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Portola Packaging Limited
    Inventor: Gerry Mavin
  • Patent number: 6968965
    Abstract: A threaded container closure assembly in which the container comprises one or more radially extending members proximate the distal end thereof that initially engage with one or more radially extending members or partial radially extending members on a mating closure or top proximate the distal end thereof so that the container and top become at least partially interconnected and are thereby not too easily and inadvertently separated while the user attempts to cause engagement of the threads for screwing down the top onto the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Kelly W. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 6948297
    Abstract: A capping apparatus 1 includes torque sensor 12 which detects an output torque when a chuck 7 is driven for rotation by a motor 9. Initially, a cap 5 is held by the chuck 7. The cap 5 is fitted over a mouth of a vessel 2, and then the chuck 7 is rotated through one revolution in a clamping direction. A resulting output torque is detected by the torque sensor 12, and the output torque rapidly increases at the position where the threads on the cap 5 and the vessel 2 abut against each other (an incipient position of meshing engagement P). The cap 5 is rotated through a given angle of rotation as referenced to the incipient position of meshing engagement P, thus threadably engaging the cap 5 with the vessel 2. The invention allows a uniform clamping of cap 5 at the completion of the capping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kitamoto
  • Patent number: 6874301
    Abstract: A capping apparatus 1 includes torque sensor 12 which detects an output torque when a chuck 7 is driven for rotation by a motor 9. Initially, a cap 5 is held by the chuck 7. The cap 5 is fitted over a mouth of a vessel 2, and then the chuck 7 is rotated through one revolution in a clamping direction. A resulting output torque is detected by the torque sensor 12, and the output torque rapidly increases at the position where the threads on the cap 5 and the vessel 2 abut against each other (an incipient position of meshing engagement P). The cap 5 is rotated through a given angle of rotation as referenced to the incipient position of meshing engagement P, thus threadably engaging the cap 5 with the vessel 2. The invention allows a uniform clamping of cap 5 at the completion of the capping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kitamoto
  • Patent number: 6871482
    Abstract: A screwing head for screwing a cap onto a bottle or similar container comprises a thruster member positioned within the rotating organ for gripping the cap which is thrust against the cap during a step previous to the start of the cap screwing step, in order to drive the cap onto the neck of the bottle, as well as during the cap screwing step, and during a step following the completion of the screwing of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Arol SpA
    Inventor: Sergio Cirio
  • Patent number: 6823651
    Abstract: A thermoplastic retort container for receiving a closure having a compressible gasket. The present invention further includes a sealing system for sealing the finish of a thermoplastic retort container. The sealing system includes a finish configured to engage a compressible gasket within a closure. Moreover, the present invention includes a method of sealing a container using a closure having a compressible gasket, wherein the container has a land portion for engaging the compressible gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Pechiney Emballage Flexible Europe
    Inventors: George A. Thierjung, James R. Lamb
  • Publication number: 20040216430
    Abstract: There is described a method of applying a threaded cap to a threaded neck of a container. The method comprises the steps of placing the cap on the neck of the container, rotating the cap relative to the neck in an opening direction whilst supporting the cap with respect to the neck; and applying the cap to the neck so as to achieve substantial thread engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Gerry Mavin
  • Patent number: 6805261
    Abstract: A package and method of making and filling it in the form of a tubular flexible bag of laminated plastic sheet material with a dispensing fitment including a spout and a removable closure mechanically fastened to a flat wall at one end of the tubular bag with the method of making the filled package being continuous starting with a flat sheet of material and ending with a filled and closed package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Profile Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernd Laudenberg
  • Publication number: 20040128956
    Abstract: A bottle support structure and wear plate for use in a rotary capping machine used to apply caps onto the upper threaded neck of a series of plastic containers. The plastic containers have a generally cylindrical body with an outer cylindrical periphery with a diameter and a pedaloid base with spaced pads separated by radial recesses extending from a center recess. The bottle support structure supports the weight of the bottle as the bottle is being capped be prevent the body and base of the bottle from being deformed or crushed during the capping process. The wear plate is a flat ring rotated in unison with a star wheel about a machine axis. The ring has an upwardly facing flat surface and a series of container receiving nests movable in the circular path as the ring is rotated. Each of the nests has at least one elongated bar-like abutment projecting upwardly from the flat surface a given vertical distance. The one or more abutments prevent the bottle from rotating during the capping process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: FCI, Inc., an Ohio corporation
    Inventor: Michael H. Peronek
  • Publication number: 20040108294
    Abstract: A plastic closure includes a plastic closure shell having a base wall with a central opening and a skirt with at least one internal thread or bead for securing the closure to a container finish. A plastic disk is retained within the shell parallel to but spaced from the base wall. The disk includes a plurality of axially extending spacer elements around the disk to engage the undersurface of the base wall and space the disk from the base wall of the shell, and angularly spaced fingers extending from the disk through the central opening of the base wall to retain the disk within the shell. A resilient liner is disposed on an underside of the disk for sealing engagement with the container finish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Bloom, Stephen A. Eilertson
  • Publication number: 20040065058
    Abstract: A bottle support plate for use in a rotary capping machine used to apply caps onto the upper threaded neck of one or more containers having a non-fully circular flange. The containers are moved along a generally circular path by a star wheel. The bottle support plate is connected to the star wheel and includes a pocket that at least partially supports and at least partially mates with the flange of the container to at least partially inhibit rotation of the container during the threading of a cap on the upper threaded neck of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: FCI, Inc., a corporation of Ohio
    Inventors: Michael H. Peronek, Kevin Sweeny
  • Patent number: 6688081
    Abstract: A method and closure and container combination for packaging and sealing a commodity in a container that reduces headspace gases, in particular oxygen, allowing the packaged commodity to have a longer shelf life. The method is also useful for reducing stresses on containers that undergo filling at an elevated temperature and/or require in-container pasteurization or retort processes after fill and seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Schmalbach-Lubeca AG
    Inventor: Timothy J. Boyd