Abstract: A method and capping apparatus is provided for securely seating a closure with curvilinear top surface onto a container in a manner that avoids damage from excessive force applied to the closure. The apparatus has a cap locking unit with a circulating compression belt that contacts a top surface of the closure/container as the combination is being transported from underneath by a conveyor. A dancer contacts an inner surface of the compression belt. Pressure is applied from the dancer through leading and trailing leg components that converge from a common pivot. Ends of the leading and trailing legs are spaced from one another less than the length of the closure. Force is applied to the closure by simultaneous pressure from both legs on different first and second areas of the closure top surface.

Abstract: A method and capping apparatus is provided for securely seating a closure with curvilinear top surface onto a container in a manner that avoids damage from excessive force applied to the closure. The apparatus has a cap locking unit with a circulating compression belt that contacts a top surface of the closure/container as the combination is being transported from underneath by a conveyor. A dancer contacts an inner surface of the compression belt. Pressure is applied from the dancer through leading and trailing leg components that converge from a common pivot. Ends of the leading and trailing legs are spaced from one another less than the length of the closure. Force is applied to the closure by simultaneous pressure from both legs on different first and second areas of the closure top surface.

Abstract: A magazine and tube dispensing method is provided. The magazine includes a receiving compartment for temporarily receiving unfilled tubes intended for filling with a flowable product, the compartment being formed with a movable outer rail wall. A gate assembly downstream from the receiving compartment includes a constriction passageway formed between a lateral inner wall and a lateral member wall allowing downward gravity feed of tubes only in a single file. The lateral member wall is movable in a direction toward or away from the lateral inner wall and integrally movable as a member of the outer rail wall, thereby adjusting a cross-sectional dimension of the passageway to accommodate processing of different diameter tubes.