Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically closing and sealing the lids of hinged containers as the containers travel along a conveyor belt from an initial position to a final position along a substantially horizontal surface. The apparatus includes a series of rail assemblies positioned above the horizontal surface. An elongated lid-closing rail assembly affixed to the horizontal surface includes a first section adapted to project beneath the containers as the containers move from the initial position to the final position thereby raising the lids of the containers, and a second, arcuate section, the second section extending toward the back edge of the horizontal surface thereby lowering the lids of the containers upon their respective base sections as the containers move from the initial position to the final position.