Abstract: An apparatus is provided for non-destructively testing for a predetermined minimum release torque of container caps on containers at a torque testing station. The apparatus includes a device for clamping the containers at the torque testing station; a device for grasping the caps of the containers at the torque testing station; a device connected to the cap grasping device for applying a release torque to the container caps; and, a device including a strain gage coupled to the release torque applying device for sensing the level of release torque applied to the caps and providing a signal indicative of such level. The apparatus also includes selectively operable controls for destructively testing selected capped containers, on a sampling basis, to determine the actual release torque of the container caps on such containers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for non-destructively testing for a predetermined minimum release torque of container caps on containers that are sequentially delivered to a torque testing station in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a device for delivering capped containers to the torque testing station; a device for clamping the containers at the torque testing station; a device for grasping the caps of the containers at the torque testing station; a device connected to the cap grasping device for applying a release torque to the container caps; and, a device including a strain gage coupled to the release torque applying device for sensing the level of release torque applied to the caps and providing a signal indicative of such level. Capped containers that pass the test are sequentially passed along for further processing (e.g., packaging and shipping) by the user, and those that fail the test are segregated in a reject area for reprocessing or destruction.

Abstract: A container capper is provided which includes a container clamping mechanism for clamping previously-filled containers at a capping station that is positioned at a point along a container conveying means. The capper also includes an adjustable speed rotary motor which drives a capper head having a plurality of radially movable, cap-grasper jaws supported therein for grasping caps and rotating them relative to the containers. Motor speed adjustability and torque sensing are provided to give precise control of the amount of torque with which caps are applied to containers. The capper head is vertically movable from an upper, cycle start, position to an intermediate position, at which the jaws thereof may be loaded with a cap, and to a lower position, at which the loaded cap is placed onto the top of a clamped container and is rotated thereon until a predetermined torque is reached. The capper head is moved between its upper, intermediate and lower positions by means of a camming mechanism.