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.

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.

Abstract: A magnet 18 is embedded within a lower portion of a valve element 13, and a magnet 21 is provided on a drive member 15 to achieve a magnetic coupling between the driver member 15 and the valve element 13. When the drive member 15 is driven upward to its uppermost end position shown in FIG. 2, the valve element 13 is also driven upward to its open position, whereby a valve section 13a is spaced from a valve seat 17 to open a channel 11, allowing a vessel 4 to be filled with a liquid. A detected portion in the form of a magnet 34 is embedded in the upper portion of the valve element 13, while a magnetic force detector 35 for detecting a magnetic force from the magnet 34 is provided. The arrangement allows the opening and closing operation of the valve element 13 to be detected accurately by means of the magnetic force detector 35.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning vessels comprises a robot for delivering a vessel from a first conveyor to a second conveyor, a camera disposed on a path of conveyance of the first conveyor for photographing a manner of placement of vessels thereon, and correction device mounted on the second conveyor for erecting a vessel assuming a horizontal position when it is released by the robot. Any change in the size of a vessel does not require a remodelling of components of the apparatus, thus providing a vessel aligning apparatus having a high versatility.