Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing rotation of bottles in a capping machine while caps are screwed onto bottle necks with capper heads which develop slight axial forces. An especially configured stationary guide member develops an off-center, mechanical force on the shoulder of the bottle which produces an anti-rotation frictional force at the bottle base while wedging the bottle into frictional engagement with an especially configured neck pocket in the capper star wheel. The guide and neck pocket are shaped to maintain the bottle in axial alignment with the capper head while the cap is started onto the bottle neck which support is removed when the cap is tightened so that the aforedescribed pocket frictional engagement can occur.

Abstract: A reciprocating bottle filling assembly is provided with an improved centering guide comprised of two parts. The upper part is rigid and provides support for a pliable non-metallic lower part having a continuous downwardly and outwardly flaring lower surface. The lower surface flexes and deforms easily whereby a bottle can be centered without breakage and a seal provided at the bottle top. A gap is provided between the upper and lower parts around their outer portions improving flexibility of the outer portion of the lower part.