Screw Or Lug Closure Applying Means Patents (Class 53/317)
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Patent number: 12235281Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and an apparatus for capping blood sample tubes after they are processed in an automated blood sample analysis processing system are provided. One aspect describes an automated blood sample tube capping assembly configured to automatically cap a plurality of sample tubes after they are processed in an automated blood sample analysis processing system.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: CERNER INNOVATION, INCInventors: Joseph Eugene Rose, Joseph Matthew Rudy, Daniel Mark Kowalchuk
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Patent number: 11999523Abstract: A device for manipulating an object, utilizing a pair of opposed legs that are rotatably connected to a pair of plates. The legs are rotated via a pair of contracting and expanding units. The units are mechanically linked to the first and second legs and the first and second legs are enabled to grip an object when the units contract.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2022Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: TORR INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Tomothy E. Orr
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Patent number: 11760616Abstract: The invention relates to a capping machine comprising a protected area from impurities, an unprotected area divided from the protected area by a parting wall, and an operating unit. The operating unit includes a container support element arranged in the protected area, an operating head arranged in the protected area and configured to apply one capsule on the relative container, a motor assembly arranged in the unprotected area and configured to drive motion of the operating head, a torque control head between the motor assembly and the operating head, and an annular bellows element coaxial with the vertical axis and within the protected area and one opposite axial end crossed in a sealed manner by an output shaft of the torque control head. The torque control head is arranged above the parting wall in the unprotected area and the output shaft crosses said opening and the entire bellows element.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONSInventors: Luigi Rusconi, Michele Soncini, Alessandro Fusaro
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Patent number: 11753286Abstract: A device for gripping and centring containers, in particular bottles of which the neck is provided with a rigid collar, in a capping and/or control station of a capping installation is provided and includes a centring ring, intended for being inserted onto a container and for resting on an upper portion of the body of the container, and a plurality of jaws, distributed along the circumference of the centring ring and arranged to receive, in an operating condition, the region of the neck of the container located immediately below the rigid collar. The centring ring is associated with moving members arranged to control a displacement thereof in vertical direction, and the jaws are associated with moving members arranged to control a displacement thereof in vertical direction, simultaneously with or independently of the vertical displacement of the centring ring, and a displacement in horizontal direction. A capping installation is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2018Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: FT SYSTEM SRLInventor: Marco Forno
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Patent number: 11572263Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tube opening and closing device capable of opening and closing a lid of a tube and comprising a container, a lid coupled to the container so as to enable the container to be blocked, and a joint part for connecting the container and a first side of the lid comprises: a tube supporting rack having a plurality of openings formed on one surface thereof, wherein the containers of the tubes can be inserted into each of the plurality of openings; an opening and closing part positioned at an upper part of the tube supporting rack, rotating around a first rotary shaft and having a coupling groove in which a second side of the lid, which faces the first side of the tube, can be accommodated; and a driving part for rotating the opening and closing part, wherein the lid can be opened and closed with respect to the container through the rotation of the opening and closing part.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2017Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: BIOINFRA CO., LTD.Inventor: Sang Deuk Lee
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Patent number: 11524882Abstract: An actuation unit for a capping head for the application of caps on containers or bottles, as well as to a capping head using such a unit, are provided. The actuation unit for a capping head for the application of caps on containers or bottles comprises at least two actuators, of which a first actuator is adapted to impart a translational displacement along a closing axis and a second actuator is adapted to impart a rotational movement about the closing axis, each actuator of the at least two actuators causing the rotation of a first shaft and a second shaft, respectively, both arranged coaxial to the closing axis, and is characterized in that the shafts of the at least two actuators are placed side by side along the axis and are mutually connected by means of at least one rotation decoupling joint.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: AROL S.P.A.Inventors: Marco Caffa, Marco Cipriani, Marco Forno, Diego Amerio
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Patent number: 11374481Abstract: A magnetic coupling device (1) is provided for coupling a first member (10) and a second member (11), coaxial with each other, so that they can jointly rotate about a common axis and/or translate along such axis or can perform relative rotary and/or translatory movements depending on the intensity of a torque or an axial force applied to one of the members. At least one of the members (10) has axially extending magnetized areas (12) each consisting of a row of axially aligned magnets (12?), the magnets (12?) in one area (12i) being axially offset relative to the magnets of an adjacent area (12j).Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2018Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: AROL S.P.A.Inventors: Diego Amerio, Marco Caffa, Marco Cipriani
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Patent number: 11186392Abstract: A distribution unit for feeding lids (1) to necks (9) of containers (10) comprises a chute element (102) arranged for receiving a row of lids (1), an outlet opening (103) arranged for releasing said lids (1) one at a time, said outlet opening (103) being intended to be positioned above a conveying device (100) suitable for conveying said containers (10) along an advancement direction (F) so that each of said containers (10) interacts with said chute element (102) to remove a corresponding lid (1) from said outlet opening (103), said distribution unit (101) further comprising a guide element (105) having an active surface (106) extending on an opposite side of said chute element (102) with respect to said outlet opening (103) and arranged for interacting with said lids (1), said active surface (106) having a stepped profile.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2017Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Alessandro Pedrazzi, Romano Sighinolfi, Massimo Viola, Mauro Cavazzuti
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Patent number: 11174142Abstract: The present invention concerns a motion transmission group for capping heads for screw caps. This group comprises a device for applying in use a predefined axial load to means of axial engagement of the caps which a capping head associated in use with said group is provided with. The device comprises at least one axially pre-loaded compression spring so as to generate in use this predefined axial load. The device is separable from the main structure of the transmission group as a single body, with the aforesaid at least one spring maintained associated with a support structure of the device in pre-loaded condition by means of two axial positioning portions to allow the replacement of the device with a structurally similar device, but suitable to generate in use a different axial load.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Inventors: Giuliano Boscaro, Alessandro Ticinelli, Andrea Stella
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Patent number: 11136150Abstract: Apparatus for installing a bung plug in and/or extracting a bung plug from a container positioned below the apparatus includes a carrier selectively movable up and down relative to the container, a bung plug engagement tool carried by the carrier and including a bung plug wrench and a centering collar carried by the carrier and at least partially surrounding the bung plug wrench.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2020Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Specialty Equipment Fabrication CompanyInventors: Michael J. Seiver, Thomas P. Reichelt, Michael I Alshan, Jaime Iramategui
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Patent number: 10843221Abstract: A rotatable tool assembly including a motor and a tool assembly operatively coupled to the motor. The tool assembly includes an epicyclic gear system rotatably coupled to the motor and one or more tools rotatably coupled to the epicyclic gear system. The motor is configured to rotate the epicyclic gear system, and the epicyclic gear system is configured to rotate the tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Alex Joseph Wollin
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Patent number: 10807144Abstract: A tool for curling of can necks as part of a tool plate that includes an expansion control device for controlling of the spreading of a collet, a collet clutch, an interconnecting means provided with a stop mechanism, and a holder being fixed in the collet clutch at its one end, the collet being arranged on its other end, the collet in the non-active position being insertable into the can to permit segments of the collet to spread in the direction of the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: MORAVIA CANS A.S.Inventor: Jan Sedlacek
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Patent number: 10807744Abstract: An automated drum manipulation system and methods include at least one among an automated drum rotator, bung locator, bung plug extractor and bung plug installer. The bung locator includes at least two spaced-apart bung location sensors and at least one downwardly-extending foot spaced outwardly relative to the sensors and configured to rest upon the drum's outer rim, positioning the sensors over the upper surface of the drum so they can concurrently detect the presence of opposing sides of the lip of the drum's bung opening as the drum is rotated below the bung locator.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Specialty Equipment Fabrication CompanyInventors: Michael J. Seiver, Louis E. Bruce, Thomas P. Reichelt, Michael I Alshan, Jaime Iramategui
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Patent number: 10654698Abstract: An applying unit for applying lids of opening devices to spouts of packages comprises a plurality of applying devices arranged for applying the lids to the spouts, a plurality of transfer arrangements, each transfer arrangement supporting a corresponding applying device and being movable along a track arrangement, wherein the transfer arrangements are self-movable along the track arrangement and are movable independently from each other along the track arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.Inventor: Alessandro Zuccotti
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Patent number: 10272668Abstract: Provided is a conveyance device capable of reducing the speed of conveyed objects, with the interval therebetween being narrowed substantially, while arranging the conveyed objects, which have been carried in one row, in a plurality of rows. The present invention includes a conveyance turret (110) that holds and conveys conveyed objects (K) and a carrying-out turret (120) that holds the conveyed objects (K) and transfers the same to a carrying-out conveyor (130), wherein the carrying-out conveyor (130) is configured to hold the conveyed objects (K) in a plurality of rows and carry out the same, the carrying-out turret (120) is provided in plurality so as to correspond to the plurality of rows of the carrying-out conveyor (130), and the conveyance turret (110) and the carrying-out turret (120) have an interval adjustment mechanism that changes radial positions of the held conveyed objects (K) according to rotation angles thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: TOYO SEIKAN CO., LTD.Inventors: Tadashi Endou, Osamu Hatano, Nobuhiro Sasajima
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Patent number: 10207831Abstract: An apparatus for closing a container includes closer stations. Each closer station has a closer tool, a coupling element, and a driver. The coupling element, with height-control, is positively guided to rotate about a machine axis thereof. Additionally, the coupling element, by way of the driver, drives the closer tool in a required vertical motion.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Matthias Naaber
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Patent number: 9764864Abstract: A transgrip spindle assembly includes a ball head coupler. A transgrip arm includes a quick change bore, and a lateral bore opening orthogonally into the quick change bore. A cam lock assembly includes a cylindrical body, and a ball head bore radially penetrating the cylindrical body for alignment with the quick change bore. The cylindrical body is receivable in the transgrip arm. The transgrip arm is coupleable with the transgrip spindle assembly by coupling the ball head coupler with the cylindrical body.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Change Parts, Inc.Inventor: Robert Milton McCann
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Patent number: 9694923Abstract: A closer for containers, in particular bottles, with a closing head acting in a clean room and with an electric motor comprising at least one rotor and at least one stator, with the closing head connected with the rotor, and an element for clean room separation is formed between the rotor and the stator.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: KRONES AGInventors: Markus Schoenfelder, Stefan Poeschl
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Patent number: 9670044Abstract: A rotatable gripper grips and turns a container cap. When locked, a collet clamp engages the cap, and when unlocked, the clamp releases the cap. The collet clamp is elongate with a first and second ends. The first end has a substantially rigid section. The second end has a gripper section with a substantially cylindrical recess that expands in width to hold the cap when the clamp is moved from locked to unlocked. Between the rigid and gripper sections is a clamping section. An outside surface of the clamping section is conical with a width increasing towards the gripper section. Sliding a ring on the conical clamping section deforms it into the locked position, constricting the recess tightly onto a container cap. When unlocked, the recess widens, permitting the cap to be removed from the recess.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventor: René Weber
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Patent number: 9567198Abstract: A closing machine for closing containers has closing stations. Each station has a closer tool, a magnetically acting coupling element, a drive space, a product space, a linear drive, and a driver. The magnetically acting coupling element has inner and outer magnet elements. The drive space is formed separately from the product space. The linear guide positively drives the outer magnet element. The driver positively carries along said closer tool in a required height movement.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2012Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: KHS GmbHInventors: Andreas Fahldieck, Manfred Hartel, Heinz Hillmann, Thomas Schneider
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Publication number: 20150121805Abstract: A beverage bottle closing machine being configured and disposed to close tops of filled beverage bottles with screw-type and other caps. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Lothar WILHELM, Thomas SCHNEIDER, Igor SINGUR
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Patent number: 8955292Abstract: A device for fitting a screw cap to a container, the device comprising a guide (104) for insertion of a container (106) along a first axis (108), and a holding area (110) for loading of the cap(s) (114) along a second axis (116). The holding area is coupled to the guide so as to form a channel (112) there-between. A slider (118) is movable along the channel so as to allow loading of the cap into the holding area and subsequently bring the cap into contact with a rotating engaging element (120). The slider holds the cap in place against the rotating engaging element while it rotates to fit the cap to the container. The first axis is different from the second axis such that the cap is supported by a portion of the guide upon release from the holding area.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Xentiq Pte LtdInventor: Ulrich Johannes Schraudolph
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Patent number: 8915052Abstract: A method and a device for screw capping vessels, in particular bottles, by measuring the power consumption of a linear drive system for lifting and lowering the closing head in a pick phase for picking up the respective closing cap and/or in a screw phase for screwing on the closing cap being, and by comparing that measured power consumption with at least one characteristic value of the power consumption to detect an imminent or occurred incorrect closure. In this manner, vessels can be closed at a low error rate and possibly incorrectly closed vessels can be discharged from a continuous product stream at a low error rate.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Andreas Dewert, Klaus Buchhauser, Günter Frankenberger
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Patent number: 8915048Abstract: A pharmaceutical storing and dispensing device including a child resistant mode and a non-child resistant mode between the container and the closure. The closure comprises a non-child resistant cap shaped to removeably engage the container and a child-resistant cap shaped to be permanently fixed to the non-resistant cap. The non-child resistant cap and child resistant cap are provided in intentionally varying quantities such that the quantity of child resistant caps is less than the quantity of non-child resistant caps.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Tri State Distribution, Inc.Inventors: David A. Miceli, Joseph A. Miceli
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Patent number: 8904739Abstract: A method for closing containers with closures by means of a closing device may include screwing closures onto openings of the containers. For closing the containers, a final torque (Dend) may be prescribed, with which the closing operation is completed, and this final torque (Dend) is less than a maximum torque (Dmax), which is applied at least once during the overall closing operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Horst Lang
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Patent number: 8869497Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for closing containers (3) having a closure (1), particularly a bottle closing machine. Said machine has at least one closing head (4) displaced in a direction toward a container opening (2) along a displacement path (H) for applying the closure (1). To this end, a prescribed external force (FA) is applied to the closing head (4). According to the invention, the closing head (4) comprises an internal force supporting element (6, 7) supporting the externally applied force (FA).Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2009Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Igor Singur
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Publication number: 20140230378Abstract: Self-heating containers comprise a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber is sized to contain a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants which, when contacted, exothermically react. The reaction chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with a barrier therebetween. The barrier comprises a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion is attached to a reaction chamber wall and has an opening sized to allow reactants to flow through from one compartment to the other. The second barrier portion is attached to the first barrier portion to close the opening. The barrier can be opened by moving an actuator into engagement with the second barrier portion to dislodge the second barrier portion from the first barrier portion and thereby open the barrier. In certain embodiments, the heating chamber can be a can with prepackaged comestible substance therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Heat Wave Technologies, LLCInventors: John Ford, Douglas Lund
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Patent number: 8776482Abstract: A passage for the sealed and/or sterile passage of a functional element (15), for example a rod and/or wave-like functional element through at least one wall (6) separating a sterile chamber (5) from an non-sterile chamber, comprising at least one hydraulic seal (20) enabling a relative movement of the functional element (15) in relation to the at least one wall (6).Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Alfred Drenguis
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Patent number: 8756902Abstract: The container has a bottle-like shape and is made of thermoplastic material. The container is provided with a mouth section which has a fixing ring (3) on the outside. The pre-form is provided for the production of such a container. Both the pre-form and the container produced therefrom are designed without any supporting ring. In order to enable handling, an associated holding device (12) acts on a fixing ring (3) of the pre-form or the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Alfred Drenguis
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Patent number: 8720164Abstract: An apparatus for closing containers includes a movable closing head for applying closures to the containers and is arranged in the interior of a sterile chamber of the apparatus and arranged to move in a longitudinal direction (L) of the containers to be closed. At least one wall is provided which delimits the sterile chamber, wherein the closing device is arranged on a carrier which is arranged partially inside the sterile chamber and partially outside the sterile chamber, and extends through the wall and moves in the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the wall. Arranged in the interior of the sterile chamber is a first sealing element which is elastic in the longitudinal direction (L) and which seals off from the sterile chamber a region of the outer periphery of the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Klaus Buchhauser, Guenter Frankenberger
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Publication number: 20140123597Abstract: A non powered gripping chuck for closing closures onto a container comprising: a chuck body (16) adapted to be rotated wherein the chuck body (16) is circular and has a circumferential rim, pivoting chuck jaws (22) attached in a spaced apart manner to an annular region proximate the circumferential rim by way of pivot pins (24), where the spaced apart pivoting chuck jaws (22) define a capping zone into which a closure can be introduced. The pivoting chuck jaws have a knurls (32) that are distal to the pivot pin (24), where the knurls (32) come into contact with an introduced closure. Chuck also features biasing means (18) for biasing the chuck jaws against spacing means which maintain a minimum diameter for the closure to be inserted into.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventor: Raymond Mallett
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Patent number: 8656688Abstract: A capper used for a great variety of containers and comprising a container carrier, which is adapted to be driven by a capper drive motor for transporting the containers on a lower part, and an upper part, which carries at least one closing element and which is also adapted to be driven by the capper drive motor, the upper part being vertically adjustable relative to the lower part at least for adaptation to different container heights, and where the upper part is vertically adjusted by the capper drive motor, and that a clutch system is provided, which is adapted to be selectively switched between a drive function and an upper-part height adjustment function.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Markus Schonfelder, Peter Schwarzfischer, Lutz Kampmann
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Patent number: 8631630Abstract: The invention relates to a closure head for container closure machines (1) for closing bottles or similar containers with closures, having a head part, having a receptacle formed on a head part and open on the bottom of the closure head and the head part for one closure each, wherein the receptacle forms at least one radial and at least one axial contact surface relative to an axis of the receptacle for the closure received in the receptacle, and wherein the radial contact surface for at least force-fit retaining of the closure in the receptacle is formed of at least one displaceable segment displaceable at least radially to the axis of the receptacle at least in the area of the radial contact surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Matthias Naaber
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Patent number: 8590277Abstract: The components of a rotary conveyor (1) for a carousel type capping machine (2) include a center shaft aligned on a main axis (X) coinciding with the main axis of the machine (2), a carrier element (4) coupled to the shaft so that the two rotate as one about the main axis (X), and a set of gripper mechanisms (5) associated operationally with the carrier element (4), distributed circumferentially about the supporting shaft. Each gripper mechanism (5) is switchable between a first configuration, establishing a recess (6) in which to accommodate a respective container (3), a second configuration in which the container (3) is retained within the recess (6) by a predetermined gripping force, and a third configuration in which the container (3) is restrained by a gripping force greater than the force exerted in the second configuration, so as to counteract any unwanted rotation of the container (3) about its longitudinal axis (Y) that might be induced during the course of capping operations.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.Inventors: Marco Baroni, Gianpietro Zanini
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Publication number: 20130255187Abstract: A height-adjustable capping chuck assembly is configured for use with an associated high-speed, automated capping machine for threadingly applying closures to associated containers. The chuck assembly includes a chuck body defining a cavity for receiving a closure to be applied, and a chuck mounting sleeve by which the chuck body is mounted on the associated capping machine. An adjustable interface, preferably in the form of a threaded connection, joins the chuck body to the chuck mounting sleeve so that the height of the chuck body with respect to the associated machine can be selectively varied. A releasable locking mechanism releasably retains the chuck body in the selected orientation with respect to the chuck mounting sleeve, whereby height adjustment can be readily effected without tools, and without replacement of the capping chuck assembly, or other components.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Closure Systems International, Inc.Inventors: Karl E. Zemlin, Larry Ellis, Frank William Faulkenberg
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Publication number: 20130205715Abstract: The device for processing a product has an element for processing the product and in particular the form of a device that is suitable for connecting a closure element to a container. The device contains means for receiving the product, means for advancing the product, and means for advancing the processing element that is supported on a corresponding shaft. The device contains means that are suitable for moving the carrier shaft of the processing element in the axial direction and means that are suitable for driving the processing element so that the processing element performs a processing rotation, said means acting on the carrier shaft of the processing element in such a way that the means are coordinated with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventor: Andrea Barbolini
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Patent number: 8458992Abstract: Containers are closed with screw caps by a carousel machine of which a central drum (31) is rotatable about a vertical axis (A) and carries a set of capping units (36) equipped with respective capping heads (37), each presenting a gripper (38) by which the cap (3) is held, and a mechanism (66) by which the hinged jaws (39) of the gripper (38) are opened and closed; each capping head (37) is capable of axial motion induced by components incorporated into the relative unit (36), which are guided axially in their movements and supported by auxiliary components (40; 49, 50) associated rigidly with the central drum (31).Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
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Patent number: 8448800Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assembling a cap (20) of a closure device (9) with an open end (6, 7) of a housing container (5) for forming a container system (1) for body fluids, tissue parts or tissue cultures, whereby a relative rotating or pivoting movement is effected between the cap (20) and the housing container (5) about a common longitudinal axis (14). In order to generate the relative movement, a pressing force (F) is applied to at least one of the components to be assembled directed more or less in the direction of the longitudinal axis (14). The invention further relates to a cap (20) for forming the closure device (9), a housing container (5) and a container system (1) obtained as a result, comprising at least the cap (20), a sealing device (21) device retained in it and the housing container (5).Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Greiner Bio-One GmbHInventor: Franz Konrad
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Patent number: 8444130Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: John Richard Sink, Richard D. Mitchelli, Charles H. Guthrie, Joseph C. Moran, Jr., Demetris P. Young
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Patent number: 8418429Abstract: A bottle support with clutch includes a tray (1), a small gear (2), a shell (3) and a rotary table (5). The shaft sleeve of the small gear (2) is connected with the shell (3) through a bearing (7). The shell (3) is connected with the rotary table (5). The shaft sleeve of the tray (1) is sleeved in the shaft sleeve of the small gear (2), and a clutch (8) is provided between the shaft sleeve of the tray (1) and the shaft sleeve of the small gear (2). The bottle support of the invention has a simple structure, and works in a reliable manner. The revolution and rotation of the tray (1) are completely consistent with that of the capping head during working, thus improving cover rolling quality.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Truking Technology LimitedInventors: Xinhua Li, Niansheng Yang, Zhen Liu, Jianyong Liu, Zhimin Duan, Yue Tang
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Patent number: 8397473Abstract: An apparatus for automatically closing test tubes containing biological material mounted to an automatic test tube conveyor is described, comprising a cap recruiting device (11) adapted to feed a curved channelizer (12) adapted to tip a cap (5) from a configuration with the opening upwards at the inlet of the channelizer (12) to a configuration with the opening downwards at the outlet of the channelizer (12) at a loading surface (13). A horizontal pusher (22) moves the cap (5) from said loading surface (13) to a housing (23) in a channel (14) in which a stem (24) vertically slides and is adapted to move the cap (5) upwards in a test tube closing device (9) comprising a movable head (26) adapted to grip the cap (5) pushed by the stem (24) and to close the open test tube blocked at a working point of the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: INPECO IP Ltd.Inventor: Gianandrea Pedrazzini
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Patent number: 8375684Abstract: An apparatus for closing containers includes a movable closing head for applying closures to the containers and is arranged in the interior of a sterile chamber of the apparatus and arranged to move in a longitudinal direction (L) of the containers to be closed. At least one wall is provided which delimits the sterile chamber, wherein the closing device is arranged on a carrier which is arranged partially inside the sterile chamber and partially outside the sterile chamber, and extends through the wall and moves in the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the wall. Arranged in the interior of the sterile chamber is a first sealing element which is elastic in the longitudinal direction (L) and which seals off from the sterile chamber a region of the outer periphery of the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Klaus Buchhauser, Guenter Frankenberger
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Patent number: 8375683Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers includes a housing, inside which a sterile chamber is formed. A treatment element is arranged inside the housing and is rotatable about a predefined axis. The treatment element is arranged on a carrier inside the housing, and has a drive device for driving the treatment element. The drive device is arranged at least partially outside the sterile chamber and includes at least a first drive element arranged outside the sterile chamber for generating rotational movements, and a second drive element arranged inside the sterile chamber. The first drive element and the second drive element cooperate in a contactless manner to generate rotational movement of the treatment element. The drive elements in each case have at least one magnetisable element and preferably at least the second drive element is displaceable in the direction of its axis of rotation relative to the sterile chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Erwin Knieling, Markus Schoenfelder, Andreas Dewert, Manfred Ziegler, Guenter Frankenberger, Volker Stammel
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Patent number: 8375682Abstract: Capping assemblies (2) of the type fitted to capping units (1a) in a machine for packaging containers filled with fluid or powdered products are equipped with a gripping apparatus (1) comprising a gripper (4) with three arms (5), each carrying an adapter (20) furnished with a pad (20b) offered in direct contact to the cap, through which the gripping action is applied. Each adapter (20) is secured to a fitting (17, 18) insertable into a socket (16) afforded by the bottom of a structural member (6) that forms the main part of each arm (5) and is hinged to the movable head of a relative capping assembly (2); when inserted into the structural member (6), the fitting (17, 18) is retained automatically by a snap lock mechanism (12) incorporated into the arm (5), which can be released subsequently by introducing the tip of a screwdriver into a slot (18a) created in the side of the fitting (17, 18) and levering the components apart.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
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Patent number: 8353145Abstract: A capping machine (1) of carousel design comprises a centre shaft (2) turning on a fixed base frame (3) about a vertical axis of rotation (Y), a set of capping units (4) encircling and revolving as one with the shaft (2) about the axis of rotation (Y), and a cylindrical cam (5) interposed between the shaft (2) and the capping units (4), by which the single units (4) are caused to move toward and away from the fixed base frame (3). During operation, the cam (5) is held in at least one predetermined fixed position relative to the base frame (3) by a single supporting element (6) anchored to the base frame (3), concealed internally of the rotating shaft (2) and connected to the cam (5), which represents a departure from the conventional method of supporting the cam on two or more columns located externally of the carousel structure and exposed to view.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Azionaria Construzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
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Publication number: 20120311963Abstract: In a cap fastening apparatus 10 in which a rotation of a motor 20 is transmitted to a chuck 50 while being decelerated by a speed reducer 40, and a cap 1 gripped by the chuck 50 is threadably attached to a bottle 2, a torque limiter apparatus 30 is interposed between the motor 20 and the speed reducer 40, the torque limiter apparatus 30 disconnecting a transmission of a rotation from the motor 20 to the chuck 50 at a time when a rotational resistance of the chuck 50 becomes larger than a set torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: KAO CORPORATIONInventors: Tsutomu Fukuda, Yasuhiro Tanaka
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Publication number: 20120222388Abstract: The device for sealing containers comprises a container feeding device for an intermittent feed of containers in a transport direction, a cap feeding device having a plurality of cap gripper units; and a capping device movable in and opposite to a lowering direction. The capping device has a plurality of capping units corresponding to the plurality of cap gripper units in the cap feeding device. Each capping unit has a screwing-on mechanism at one end. Each screwing-on mechanism is adapted to pick up a cap and to seal the container with the cap in a lowered position of the capping device. The capping device and the plurality of cap gripper units of the cap feeding device are configured and arranged such that the plurality of cap gripper units of the cap feeding device are positively guided in the lowering direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: UHLMANN PAC-SYSTEME GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Michael Kronawitter, Joachim Noe
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Publication number: 20120186194Abstract: A closing means for containers including a transport means for the containers having a drive and at least one closing unit for applying a closure by a linear motion along a central line and a rotary motion about the central line, wherein the rotary motion is applied by rolling off two gear members. To achieve a structurally simple and flexible embodiment the first one of the gear members is connected with a separate drive independent of the drive of the transport means.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: KRONES AGInventor: Ulrich Schlieper
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Publication number: 20120174536Abstract: A capping machine for closing a receptacle with a cap having a preformed internal thread, the capping machine including a capping head, a drive shaft, a drive, a shifting device, at least one sensor and at least one control device. The at least one sensor senses the position of the cap relative to the receptacle once the cap has been placed on the receptacle. The shifting device includes a comparing unit in which the sensed position and the reference position are compared. A direction of rotation of the drive is defined by the control device via the shifting device in accordance with the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: CLOSURE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL DEUTSCHLAND GMHInventor: Wolfhard Schwarz
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Publication number: 20120159902Abstract: A capping head for screwing screw caps onto containers includes a center axis and a capping cone having a cavity that holds a screw cap. The capping head has a toothed profile, whose teeth essentially point in the direction of center axis. The cavity has an opening. A root diameter of the toothed profile lies on a first imaginary annular surface. A tip diameter of the toothed profile lies on a secondary imaginary annular surface. The first and second annular surfaces are arranged concentric to the center axis. The second annular surface and the center axis enclose a first angle, while the diameter of capping cone increases in the direction of opening. The first annular surface and the second annular surface enclose a second angle that is greater than 0°.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: Closure Systems International Deutschland GmbHInventor: Wolfhard Schwarz