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.

Abstract: A lightened, molded plastic closure exhibiting enhanced strength includes a top wall portion, and an internally threaded, depending annular skirt portion. The interior surface of the skirt portion, below the closure thread, defines an array of alternating grooves and lands, which together define a plurality of circumferentially spaced, vertically extending strengthening ribs on the inside surface of the skirt portion. The skirt portion thus exhibits desirably enhanced column strength, thereby facilitating efficient formation by “stripping” from an associated core pin during molding. In the preferred form, the exterior surface of the skirt portion is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced gripping knurls respectively aligned with the grooves defined at the interior surface of the skirt portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for inspection of molded closures that would measure specific parameters of the closure on an on-line basis as they are ejected from an associated compression molding apparatus. Measuring specific parameters of the closure on an on-line basis identifies problems with specific tool sets, sub-systems, and process settings of the molding apparatus, thus substantially reducing the amount of scrap that is produced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a circuit assembly, such as including a radio frequency identification device (RFID), wherein first and second portions of an antenna of the circuit assembly are provided on respective first and second substrates, with the associated electrical circuit, having first and second electrical contacts on respective opposite sides thereof, positioned between the first and second substrates. Alternatively, first and second portions of an antenna of the circuit assembly are provided on a substrate, with the associated electrical circuit, having first and second electrical contacts on respective opposite sides thereof, electrically joined to the respective antenna portions. Highly efficient manufacture is thus promoted.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for conveying and orienting multi-diameter plastic closures includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of conveyor flights each having a channel configuration. Each conveyor flight includes a pair of spaced apart sidewalls which are spaced apart by a distance greater than a portion of the associated closure having a smaller diameter, but by a distance less than a larger diameter of the associated closure. By this arrangement, whereby each conveyor flight is engageable with each of the closures at generally diametrically opposed portions thereof, efficient and consistent handling and orientation of multi-diameter closures is facilitated.

Abstract: A capping and nitrogen dosing apparatus for containers includes a rotary capping machine which is configured to serially receive filled containers, and apply closures to respective ones of the containers. The present apparatus includes a dosing system for injecting an inert gas, typically nitrogen in liquid form, into the head space of each container to enhance the integrity and rigidity of the package, and to improve the freshness and flavor of the container's contents. Notably, the dosing system is configured to effect nitrogen injection close to or at the so-called transfer point of the capping machine, thus desirably abating nitrogen dissipation, and enhancing consistent and efficient product dosing.

Abstract: An object sorting and orienting apparatus is for sorting, orienting and discharging a plurality of objects, such as, container closures dispensed from a hopper. An endless conveyor transports the closures from a loading area, through an intermediate area, to a discharge area. At least one regulator, including an adjustable spill-plate, regulates the effects of object fill-level within the hopper during a sorting run. Orienting means, including an extension of the adjustable spill-plate and a plurality of flights on the endless conveyor, arrange the closures in a correct orientation. Sorting means, including a belt path disruptor and a substantially vertical belt path, sort incorrectly oriented closures from correctly oriented closures. Discharge means, including a removal device and at least one discharge chute, discharge correctly oriented closures from the discharge area.

Abstract: The modular turret cage is used with a capping machine adapted to apply closures to containers, such as beverage, food, or water containers. The capping machine includes a stationary cap. The modular turret cage has a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the turret cage is rotatably received in the stationary cap. The turret cage includes a top mounting plate at the top end of the turret cage and a base mounting plate at the bottom end of the turret cage. A plurality of panel sections extends between and connects the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate. The panel sections are fixedly connected to the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate and are separately removable from the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate.

Abstract: The modular turret cage is used with a capping machine adapted to apply closures to containers, such as beverage, food, or water containers. The capping machine includes a stationary cap. The modular turret cage has a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the turret cage is rotatably received in the stationary cap. The turret cage includes a top mounting plate at the top end of the turret cage and a base mounting plate at the bottom end of the turret cage. A plurality of panel sections extends between and connects the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate. The panel sections are fixedly connected to the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate and are separately removable from the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate.

Abstract: A tamper-evident package includes a plastic closure having a top wall portion, a depending annular skirt portion, and a tamper band at least partially detachably connected to the skirt portion. The package further includes a container having a neck portion configured for tamper-indicating cooperation with the projections on the tamper band. The container includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced ratchet-like locking teeth, each of which presents a locking surface for interfering engagement with a respective one of the projections of the closure tamper band. The arrangement is particularly configured to promote rapid tamper-indication attendant to relatively little rotation of the closure relative to the container.

Abstract: Stiff and impact resistant closures derived from the stiff and impact resistant blends including poly(propylene) or poly(ethylene/propylene) and calcium carbonate; stiff and impact resistant compositions including poly(propylene) or poly(ethylene/propylene) and calcium carbonate. A presently preferred blend contains from about 40 to about 60 weight percent of poly(propylene) or poly(ethylene/propylene) and from about 25 to about 35 weight percent of calcium carbonate particles treated with fatty acid, the treated particles having a particle size of from about 2.5 to about 3.5 microns.

Abstract: A bottle closure testing apparatus includes a plurality of testing modules mounted side by side on a base plate. Each testing module includes a base block having a pressure input, a pressure signal output, and a holder for a test vessel. The test vessel is a plastic bottle blow-molding preform having a bottle finish and a pressure entry port. A preform is mounted to each of the modules with the pressure entry port in fluid communication with one of the pressure inputs. A closure is screwed onto each of the preforms and the preforms are pressurized to a preselected test pressure via the module. The pressure within the preforms can be monitored by pressure gauges at the signal outputs, or by transducers at the signal outputs which communicate a pressure signal to remote monitoring equipment.

Abstract: A self-sealing, dispensing closure comprises a shell, a cover moveable axially toward and away from the shell, and a valve connected to the cover via a stem, and adapted to close the outlet when the cover is moved away from the shell and to open the outlet when the cover is moved toward the shell. The shell has a generally conical surface. The cover has a resilient skirt, which is discontinuous. The skirt engages the surface to bias the cover away from the shell and to bias the valve toward the closing position but to permit the cover to move toward the shell and to permit the valve to move away from the closing position. The shell and the cover have formations coactive to prevent the cover from being moved toward the shell and the valve from being moved away from the closing position at certain but not all positions of relative rotation of the shell and the cover.

Abstract: A closure includes a promotion piece holding container within a cap to be installed onto a container such as a bottle. The promotion piece receiving container includes a top flange captured by a lip of a seal installed within the cap. The promotion piece receiving container includes a frangible band extending circumferentially around a substantial circumference of the container. The container can include a bottom flange arranged for convenience gripping and removing of the container from the cap, and a pull tab attached to the frangible band to assist in removing the frangible band to open the container for removal of the promotion piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for creating a blended stream of articles, such as for use in connection with product promotions and the like. The invention contemplates that first and second streams of discrete promotional articles are blended so that the resultant stream includes articles at a predetermined ratio. The present invention facilitates creation of a blended product stream comprising all winning promotional articles with differing values, with subsequent formation of a blended article stream comprising winning and non-winning promotional articles. Precise and cost-effective introduction of the winning and non-winning promotional articles into the marketplace can thus be effected.

Abstract: A closure includes a promotion piece holding container within a cap to be installed onto a container such as a bottle. The promotion piece receiving container includes a top flange captured by a lip of a seal installed within the cap. The promotion piece receiving container includes a frangible band extending circumferentially around a substantial circumference of the container. The container can include a bottom flange arranged for convenience gripping and removing of the container from the cap, and a pull tab attached to the frangible band to assist in removing the frangible band to open the container for removal of the promotion piece.

Abstract: A staged, sequentially separated injection molding apparatus for forming a molded container closure includes a mold base portion, a plurality of concentric, separable telescopic mold elements, and an opening therein defined by one of the base portion and the mold elements for injecting a mold material into the apparatus. The elements are configured such that they can be separated or removed from the mold, from the inner most element outward, to provide sufficient free space for the newly molded part to flex inward as the mold elements are removed. The inward flexing of the part, permits ready removal of the next outwardly most mold element, while minimizing the possibility of damage to the molded part. Each of the mold elements includes a mold face, which in conjunction with the base portion, in part defines a mold cavity. The inner and outer mold elements and the intermediate mold element include flange portions opposite of their respective mold faces.

Abstract: A promotional closure includes an outer closure cap, and a removable inner promotion compartment for receiving an associated promotional element such as a coupon, game piece, currency, or the like. The promotion compartment has a generally cup-shaped configuration, including a circular bottom wall, and an upstanding generally cylindrical side wall. An annular flange extends generally outwardly from the side wall, and includes a detachable portion whereby the annular flange can act as a pull-ring or finger grip to facilitate opening or splitting of the side wall of the compartment. The annular flange is preferably connected to a hingedly detachable section of the side wall which can be pulled open by manipulation of the flange to facilitate access to the contents of the compartment.