Abstract: A system for transporting containers in serial order through container-processing stations, such as filling and capping stations. The transporting system comprises a revolving turret defining a plurality of container receiving pockets in a spaced apart relationship for serially advancing containers from one processing station to another along a generally arcuate path. Each pocket is configured to accept and release a container along predetermined ingress and egress directions respectively. An endless conveyor supplies unprocessed containers to the revolving turret and also removes the processed containers therefrom.

Abstract: A multi-channel wireway in the form of an elongated housing includes a retaining strip and a cover removably mounted to the retaining strip. The retaining strip includes a base of L-shaped profile and a series of vertically spaced and horizontally oriented parallel elongated shelves which define a number of compartments adapted to separately receive therein different types of electric cables and wires and other utility lines such a compressed air lines. The compartments are open-ended towards the cover and are thus accessible when the cover is removed. An elongated closure plate is removable mounted to the open side of at least one compartment, such as the compartment containing the power cables, to deny direct access thereto even when the cover is removed. The shelves have various depths to provide better access thereto. The cover is gravity-supported in a closed position thereof by the retaining strip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor system for transporting containers. The conveyor system is made of an endless belt to which are mounted pivotable flaps having abutments to limit their pivotal movement beyond a predetermined angle when the belt is travelling in a generally upward direction so as to form pockets for transporting containers to the top of the conveyor. When the flaps reach the top portion of the conveyor, they pivot under the effect of gravity to a retracted position where they lay flat against the belt thereby allowing the containers in the pockets to be discharged while providing sufficient clearance for the belt to be in close proximity with a chute which receives the containers. The conveyor of the present invention can thus function effectively in a generally vertical position and is thus more space efficient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for applying a heat-shrinkable band to the neck or to the body of a container. The apparatus comprises a feeding assembly for advancing a continuous sleeve of heat-shrinkable polymeric material along a predetermined path to slip the sleeve over the cap of the container. A cutting assembly then severs the sleeve to leave on the container cap a short band which can be heat-shrunk to form the tamper-proof seal. The cutting arrangement includes a blade carrier rotatable about the feed axis of the sleeve. An extendable cutting blade is mounted to the blade carrier. When the blade is extended to the cutting position, it pierces the sleeve. By rotating the blade carrier, the cutting blade is caused to slit the sleeve circumferentially until a complete cut is effected. The advantage of this arrangement is reduced blade wear, higher speed and possibility to apply the sleeve without any gating or timing of the containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for unscrambling a population of containers. The apparatus comprises an in-feed guide supplying containers in a random neck-leading and neck-trailing orientations to a carousel rotating about a horizontal axis. The carousel supports a plurality of container handling stations that transport individual containers from the in-feed guide to an output station, typically a conveyor belt. During the transport between the in-feed guide and the conveyor belt the container handling stations alter the longitudinal orientation of selected containers so that all the containers dispensed on the conveyor belt acquire a uniform longitudinal orientation.

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: A counting and batching device for items such as tablets, capsules or caplets is faster than the electronic radial feeder counters, and is more easily adjustable for different quantities, sizes and shapes of items than slat counters or disk counters. The device has a hopper with an adjustable feed gate and a first vibrator to cause items to flow from the feed gate. A V-guide sorting trough is positioned beneath the feed gate having a slot at its base to hold a single row of items, and a second vibrator funnels items into a single row moving along the slot. A moving belt receives items from the trough and transports them in a single row between stationary guides past an electronic counter to a diverter where a predetermined number of items are diverted into at least two diverter streams. Loading positions are provided under each diverter stream with provision for positioning and removing containers independently into each loading position.