Abstract: A method and device for the manufacture of packaging units or disposable single-use kegs. 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.

Abstract: Screw caps (2) are fitted to the necks of respective containers (3) by a unit comprising a carousel equipped with a platform on which the containers are placed, a frame positioned above the platform, and a drive system by which the platform and the frame are set in rotation about a main vertical axis. The unit comprises at least one screw capping device (7) associated with the rotating frame of the carousel, located above a respective container (3) and equipped with a gripping mechanism (9) lockable onto the cap (2) of the container, also a first motion-inducing linkage (25) by which the gripping mechanism (9) is caused to rotate about an axis (Y) parallel to the main vertical axis, and a second motion-inducing linkage (37) by which the gripping mechanism (9) is moved toward or away from the respective cap (2). The screw capping device (7) is packaged internally of a box-like body (10) associated removably with the rotating frame and housing the gripping mechanism (9).

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A capping device fits caps onto containers by applying an axial force to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. The capping device utilizes a spindle rotatable about an operational axis for imparting rotation to a capper unit. A connector coupled to the capper unit is releasably coupled to the spindle by a quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism is normally biased in the locked position and is configured to automatically move from the unlocked position back to the locked position when the connector mates with the spindle as a user re-connects the capping unit back to the spindle. Methods of releasing and re-connecting the capping unit to the spindle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for screwing caps onto receptacles, the device comprising a rotary spindle having a first end provided with a cap gripper head and a second end connected to a two-portion clutch member, one of which portions is constrained to rotate with the second end of the rotary spindle, and the other of which portions is constrained to rotate with a drive shaft on the same axis as the spindle and associated with a drive member, wherein the portions of the clutch member comprise a magnetic bell and a magnetic core having dimensions suitable for enabling it to be engaged in the bell, the device further comprising a displacement member for displacing the bell and the core relative to each other between a position in which the core is engaged in the bell and a position in which the core is disengaged from the bell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism, system and method for transferring closures. More specifically, the invention relates to a mechanism, system and method for transferring a closure from a first station, preferably a closure chute to a second station, preferably a closure chuck, through the use of a button with a lobe.

Abstract: A neck support knife for supporting a bottle during capping includes an arcuate planar surface having a plurality of elongated cleats extending away from the planar surface and arranged in a radial pattern. The cleats have a tooth-like vertical cross-section. An inner arcuate face adjoins the planar surface and engages the bottle neck during operation. On each cleat, the corner nearest the inner arcuate face is shaped to reduce contact with the bottle flange/neck junction. In a preferred embodiment, the cleats are all canted from the radial orientation in the same direction so that the bottle is biased against the inner arcuate face during capping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screwing/rolling head 1 for screwing and sealing a pre-threaded cap 5 on to a threaded neck 6 of a container 7, the head 1 having a cap pressing member 4 capable of engaging the cap 5 and screwing it on to the container 7. The said cap pressing member 4 is associated for operation with a body 2 of the head 1 in such a way that it can be moved with respect to the body 2 between a first contracted configuration and a second extended configuration, in which the movement is rotary-translational with only one degree of freedom. The present invention also relates to a head 1 in which asymmetrical clutch means 18 are interposed between the cap pressing member 4 and the body 2, and a head 1 in which the body 2 comprises a first element 8 and a second element 9 connected to it with respect to rotation by means of a disengageable torque limiter 24.

Abstract: Capping head assemblies that are useful for applying pre-threaded closures onto containers with improved sensitivity. The novel features of the devices are a simple and novel means of adjusting the torque in a magnetic clutch assembly. In addition, the advantage of preventing contamination by water and other liquids during the filling and capping of liquid containers, and further, have the capability of being greased without having to disassemble the device. In addition, these can be accomplished without changing the capability of being able to read the adjustment scales on the outside surface of the magnetic clutch assembly and the adjustment scales on the outside surface of the upper spring assembly for adjusting the tension in the spring.

Abstract: A container filling plant having a container closing machine with a bearing system to guide a reciprocating shaft in the container closing machine. The bearing system is designed to be cleaned to minimize the presence of contaminants in the bearing system and in the product in the containers to be closed.

Abstract: The use of a frictional engagement with the top and/or side of a lifter ring on the neck of a bottle for controlling the rotation of the bottle during the capping process. The frictional engagement may be used to hold the bottle steady during the capping process or may be utilized to cause counter rotation of the bottle during the capping process. A method and apparatus for using counter rotation of the bottle to apply a cap to a bottle is also described.

Abstract: An improved high-throughput system for screw-capping a continuous supply of bottles with a continuous supply of screw-caps. The system generally comprises a conveyor having opposed parallel gripper belts for ushering bottles single-file along a continuous supply and transporting them to a capping station for screw-capping (the spacing of said gripper belts being adjustable to accommodate bottles of various sizes), an adjustable-incline cap feeding chute for delivery of caps to the capping station, a capping head for receiving bottles and caps from said conveyor and feeding chute, respectively, and for applying the caps onto the bottles with programmable torque. The capping head is fully adjustable and comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) for controlling operation of the entire capping system. Indexed readouts for calibration are provided at all primary adjustment points.

Abstract: A capping device fits caps onto containers by applying an axial force to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. The capping device utilizes a drive member rotatable about an operational axis for imparting rotation to a capper body slidably coupled to the drive member. A helical spring urges the capper body away from the drive member with a biasing force. A bearing mechanism allows relative free sliding movement of the capper body relative to the drive member. The bearing mechanism includes a plurality of bearing members. In one embodiment, the bearing members are bushings. In another embodiment, the bearing members are ball bearings.

Abstract: A device for applying a cap on the neck of a bottle or similar container comprises an applying head movable along an axis and provided with an assembly for gripping the cap having a tubular body with an end mouth which is adapted to receive and hold within it the cap. Inside said tubular body is mounted freely slidable an ejector member. Stop means are provided to limit the upwards displacement of the ejector member with respect to a fixed reference when the applying head moves upwards subsequent to an application of a cap.

Abstract: A capping device fits caps onto containers by applying an axial force to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. The capping device utilizes a spindle rotatable about an operational axis for imparting rotation to a capper unit. A connector coupled to the capper unit is releasably coupled to the spindle by a quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism is normally biased in the locked position and is configured to automatically move from the unlocked position back to the locked position when the connector mates with the spindle as a user re-connects the capping unit back to the spindle. Methods of releasing and re-connecting the capping unit to the spindle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for screwing caps onto receptacles, the device comprising a rotary spindle having a first end provided with a cap gripper head and a second end connected to a two-portion clutch member, one of which portions is constrained to rotate with the second end of the rotary spindle, and the other of which portions is constrained to rotate with a drive shaft on the same axis as the spindle and associated with a drive member, wherein the portions of the clutch member comprise a magnetic bell and a magnetic core having dimensions suitable for enabling it to be engaged in the bell, the device further comprising a displacement member for displacing the bell and the core relative to each other between a position in which the core is engaged in the bell and a position in which the core is disengaged from the bell.

Abstract: A capping device fits caps onto containers by applying an axial force to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. The capping device utilizes a drive member rotatable about an operational axis for imparting rotation to a capper body slidably coupled to the drive member. A helical spring urges the capper body away from the drive member with a biasing force. An adjustment mechanism adjusts the biasing force thereby adjusting the axial force applied to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. A pair of retaining pins move between a latched position to prevent adjustment of the biasing force and an unlatched position to allow adjustment of the biasing force. The retaining pins are biased in the latched position to prevent inadvertent adjustment of the biasing force during use.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a cap relatively to a container. The container moves along a predetermined path at a container speed. The cap has a first and a second cap engagement location. The first and second cap engagement locations are circumferentially spaced apart relative to each other. The apparatus includes a first cap engaging component, the first cap engaging component including a first component cap engaging surface for engaging the cap at the first cap engagement location and applying a first substantially tangential force thereto. The first cap engaging surface moves at a first speed when substantially in register with the first cap engagement location. A second cap engaging component includes a second component cap engaging surface for engaging the cap at the second cap engagement location and applying a second substantially tangential force thereto. The second cap engaging surface moves at a second speed when substantially in register with the second cap engagement location.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having a bottle closing machine for applying screw caps to bottles. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 CF. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 CF. §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.

Abstract: Proposed is a closing cone for screwing screw closures onto containers, particularly bottles, with a receiving part, with a pick ring coupled therewith in rotation-resistant manner and with a pick-up system. The closing cone is characterized in that the pick ring (5) is segmented and is provided with movable segments (17), and that an actuation system (65) is provided which cooperates with the segments (17) so as to create a variable inner diameter of the pick ring (5). Closing cone according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation system (65) is provided with a cone-taper coupling between the receiving part (3) and at least one segment (17), and preferably all segments, of the pick ring (5).

Abstract: A threaded container closure assembly in which the container comprises one or more radially extending members proximate the distal end thereof that initially engage with one or more radially extending members or partial radially extending members on a mating closure or top proximate the distal end thereof so that the container and top become at least partially interconnected and are thereby not too easily and inadvertently separated while the user attempts to cause engagement of the threads for screwing down the top onto the container.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: Containers (2) are closed with screw caps (3) by a unit (1) of the type comprising a carousel (7) on which to advance the containers (2) and the relative caps (3), driven by a motor (6) about a respective primary axis (5a) and equipped with a plurality of capping assemblies (11) each positioned above a relative container (2) and capable of movement vertically between a first position, distanced from the container (2), and a second position of active engagement with the container (2). Each capping assembly (11) presents a gripping mechanism (17) positionable so as to engage a relative cap (3) when the assembly (11) is in the second position, and rotatable about a respective secondary axis (17a) in such a way as to screw the cap (3) onto a threaded neck (4) of the relative container (2).

Abstract: Device for screwing caps onto bottles and similar containers includes a work station, which supports a device for gripping the caps and which moves toward and away from the bottles, carried by a relative feeding line. An actuator, associated to the work station, drives the gripping device into rotation, so as to screw the caps onto the corresponding open heads of the bottles. A fricton device for coupling of the actuator with the gripping device, is operated in step relation with the positioning of the caps close to the open heads of the bottles.

Abstract: A device that is useful for applying pre-threaded closures onto threaded containers with improved sensitivity. The device allows for the adjustment of the torque that is required for capping containers such that variable sizes and variable types of containers can be capped.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and a closure applying machine for closing of containers, such as, for example, bottles, cans, canisters, or the like, by way of screw caps that are screwed on, with a plurality of closure applying positions that are provided at the circumference of a rotatable machine rotor that rotates about a vertical machine axis, to which positions the containers to be closed are transferred at a container input and the closed containers are removed therefrom at a container output, whereby each closure applying position is having a container carrier, a container support and a screw unit, said screw unit having at its lowermost end a screw head and that can rotate about a vertically directed axis and being configured to be rotated by a drive and wherein the screw head during rotation of the rotor remains at a height level, with provision being made that the container support comprises means that assuredly effectuate an assured separatio

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, having a container handling machine such as, for example, filler, rinser, or closer for the processing of containers that comprise a neck ring, said machine comprising a rotating rotor (2) at which are disposed processing stations for the containers (6), with at least one input star (4), with at least one output star and/or at least one transfer star, with carrying pockets (5) that are disposed at the rotor (2) and/or the stars and it being disclosed that the processing stations are disposed on a reference diameter that is smaller than the rotor (2) related reference diameter of the transfer point of the container (6) between rotor (2) and input star and/or output star (4) and/or transfer star.

Abstract: An over-center self adjusting cap chuck adapted for operative attachment to a high-speed capping machine includes a housing having an outer peripheral surface defining an inner annular periphery with an interior face. A plurality of independent engagement jaws are aligned along an annular area of, or within a pocket area of, the interior face. Each engagement jaw has a fastener to connect the engagement jaw to the housing and establish a pivot point to support a limited axial rotational movement thereof to a first open axial position and a second closed axial position for receiving and gripping a work piece respectively. Either a singular bias spring or a pair of bias springs pre-dispose the engagement jaws to the first open axial position.

Abstract: A device for screwing a screw cap onto a container with a magnetic coupling arranged between a spindle which can be driven and the closing head, and in the circumferential area of permanent magnets connected to the closing head, an inductive detector for determining the state of motion is provided. As a result, the simplest means are provided to allow the monitoring of the number of revolutions of the closing head, and defects, such as incorrect container clamping, incorrect closing cone and incorrect threadings, can be readily detected.

Abstract: Containers (2) having a threaded neck (3) and a mouth (4) are capped by a unit (1) appearing as a carousel (5) equipped with capping heads caused to advance along a circular path (P) and capable of axial movement toward and away from the containers in such a way that each one can be fitted with a relative cap (11); each capping head of the unit (1) incorporates a gripper (31) furnished with two jaws (30) presenting relative conical surfaces (26), and respective cylindrical surfaces (27) designed to locate against the neck (3) of the container. When the cylindrical surfaces (27) register against the outer surface of the neck (3), the conical surfaces (32) are positioned with the lower edges (28) encroaching on the area compassed by the mouth (4) in such a way that the cap (11) can be gathered and aligned with the neck (3) of the container (2) before being tightened, thereby ensuring a precise fit.

Abstract: The use of a frictional engagement with the top and/or side of a lifter ring on the neck of a bottle for controlling the rotation of the bottle during the capping process. The frictional engagement may be used to hold the bottle steady during the capping process or may be utilized to cause counter rotation of the bottle during the capping process. A method and apparatus for using counter rotation of the bottle to apply a cap to a bottle is also described.

Abstract: A screw capper 1 includes a capping head 6 which grips a cap 5, a servo motor 7 which rotates the capping head, a voltmeter 10 which measures the torque of the capping head, an encoder 11 which detects the rotational angle of the capping head, and a control device 8 which controls the servo motor. In the screw capper, whether rotational fastening is acceptable is to be determined during the rotational fastening, the measured value of the encoder is measured from a predetermined measurement starting point until a rotational fastening completion point, and if the measured rotational angle is in the range of an acceptable decision angle which is set in advance, it is determined that the rotational fastening has been acceptably performed, whereas if the measured rotational angle is not in the range of the acceptable decision angle, it is determined that the rotational fastening is unacceptable.

Abstract: A method and applicator for applying a threaded cap to a threaded neck of a container. The method includes the steps of placing the cap on the neck of the container, rotating the cap relative to the neck in an opening direction while supporting the cap with respect to the neck, and applying the cap to the neck so as to achieve substantial thread engagement. A reverse drive mechanism may be used with the applicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for tightening and loosening caps on containers includes a support, a rotary member mounted rotatably on the support and rotatable about a rotation axis, a complementary unit that is complementary to and that cooperates with the rotary member to define a cap passage therebetween, and a driving unit for driving the rotary member to rotate about the rotation axis. At least one of the rotary member and the complementary unit is pivotable relative to the support so as to permit passage of the cap through the cap passage.

Abstract: A bottle support structure and wear plate for use in a rotary capping machine used to apply caps onto the upper threaded neck of a series of plastic containers. The plastic containers have a generally cylindrical body with an outer cylindrical periphery with a diameter and a pedaloid base with spaced pads separated by radial recesses extending from a center recess. The bottle support structure supports the weight of the bottle as the bottle is being capped be prevent the body and base of the bottle from being deformed or crushed during the capping process. The wear plate is a flat ring rotated in unison with a star wheel about a machine axis. The ring has an upwardly facing flat surface and a series of container receiving nests movable in the circular path as the ring is rotated. Each of the nests has at least one elongated bar-like abutment projecting upwardly from the flat surface a given vertical distance. The one or more abutments prevent the bottle from rotating during the capping process.

Abstract: A capping apparatus 1 includes torque sensor 12 which detects an output torque when a chuck 7 is driven for rotation by a motor 9. Initially, a cap 5 is held by the chuck 7. The cap 5 is fitted over a mouth of a vessel 2, and then the chuck 7 is rotated through one revolution in a clamping direction. A resulting output torque is detected by the torque sensor 12, and the output torque rapidly increases at the position where the threads on the cap 5 and the vessel 2 abut against each other (an incipient position of meshing engagement P). The cap 5 is rotated through a given angle of rotation as referenced to the incipient position of meshing engagement P, thus threadably engaging the cap 5 with the vessel 2. The invention allows a uniform clamping of cap 5 at the completion of the capping operation.

Abstract: The device for holding in an axial direction a pouring neck of a bottle having a radially projecting neck ring and for arresting the pouring neck against a torque applied to the pouring neck in one of two rotary directions upon rotation about the axis of the pouring neck has a carrier (1) which is open at one side and which partially embraces the pouring neck and which has a U-shaped opening (2) with an arcuate bottom (3) whose central axis is perpendicular to the carrier (1), and also has a projecting engagement portion (9) for arresting against rotary movements.

Abstract: A capping apparatus 1 includes torque sensor 12 which detects an output torque when a chuck 7 is driven for rotation by a motor 9. Initially, a cap 5 is held by the chuck 7. The cap 5 is fitted over a mouth of a vessel 2, and then the chuck 7 is rotated through one revolution in a clamping direction. A resulting output torque is detected by the torque sensor 12, and the output torque rapidly increases at the position where the threads on the cap 5 and the vessel 2 abut against each other (an incipient position of meshing engagement P). The cap 5 is rotated through a given angle of rotation as referenced to the incipient position of meshing engagement P, thus threadably engaging the cap 5 with the vessel 2. The invention allows a uniform clamping of cap 5 at the completion of the capping operation.

Abstract: A screwing head for screwing a cap onto a bottle or similar container comprises a thruster member positioned within the rotating organ for gripping the cap which is thrust against the cap during a step previous to the start of the cap screwing step, in order to drive the cap onto the neck of the bottle, as well as during the cap screwing step, and during a step following the completion of the screwing of the cap.

Abstract: A device for rapid engagement/release of units for fitting lids to containers, has a fixed part and a movable part which can be reversibly coupled to the fixed part. The fixed part houses corresponding first radial elements integral with the movable part and such as to allow the movement in an axial and/or radial direction of the movable part. A first locking device is associated with the fixed part and able to co-operate with corresponding second radial elements of the movable part so as to prevent displacement in an axial direction thereof. A second locking device is coaxially movable on the fixed part and able to co-operate with said first radial elements so as to prevent the rotation of the movable part.

Abstract: A bottle support plate for use in a rotary capping machine used to apply caps onto the upper threaded neck of one or more containers having a non-fully circular flange. The containers are moved along a generally circular path by a star wheel. The bottle support plate is connected to the star wheel and includes a pocket that at least partially supports and at least partially mates with the flange of the container to at least partially inhibit rotation of the container during the threading of a cap on the upper threaded neck of the container.

Abstract: There is described a method of applying a threaded cap to a threaded neck of a container. The method comprises the steps of placing the cap on the neck of the container, rotating the cap relative to the neck in an opening direction whilst supporting the cap with respect to the neck; and applying the cap to the neck so as to achieve substantial thread engagement.

Abstract: A rotary capping apparatus and feedback control apparatus for regulating torque applied to screw-on type caps for containers is disclosed. The present system is integrated into a machine suitable for a clean-room environment. The apparatus includes a supporting frame whereon a computer-controlled driving mechanism including a servomotor for transmitting a predetermined torque to an inflatable gripping device actuated by compressed air for gripping and torquing such caps is provided. The inflatable gripper is imparted with automatic vertical height adjustment to accommodate containers of various sizes. The present rotary capping apparatus provides an integrated closed loop feedback control system utilizing a computer for setting parameters for regulating the application of such torque and a servocontroller interfaced for bidirectional communication with the computer.

Abstract: A gripper includes grip members which are mounted on a first rotary shaft and a second rotary shaft, respectively, so as to be opened and closed. An engaging pawl is formed on an upper surface of the grip member. Both shafts are elevatable in an integral manner. A receptacle member is disposed below an exit star-wheel, and is arranged to rotate integrally with the star-wheel. The gripper is located below the flange of the vessel when receiving the vessel. Accordingly, the engaging pawl cannot contact the flange. When the vessel is depressed by the capping head during a capping operation, the engaging pawl engages the vessel. When the vessel is discharged, the vessel remains suspended above the receptacle member, and the gripper then descends to place the vessel on the receptacle member and to disengage the engaging pawl of the gripper. Accordingly, there is no scarring of the vessel when the vessel is introduced into and discharged from the screw capper, and a stable conveyance of vessels is enabled.

Abstract: A post processing cap applicator for applying a cap to a closure spout after erection, spout attachment, filling and sealing of a carton accommodates custom caps. Cartons are conveyed through the applicator in a first forward direction. A cap supply is configured to dispense caps and to position an edge of a cap in a path defined by movement of the closure spout through the applicator. The closure spout engages the edge of the cap. The applicator includes a rotating, torque-applying element and a drive operably connected to the torque-applying element. The drive is operable in a first direction to tighten the cap onto the spout to a predetermined torque and, once the predetermined torque is reached, to stop tightening the cap. A method for post processing cap application is also disclosed.

Abstract: A screwing head for screwing a cap onto a bottle or similar container comprises a thruster member positioned within the rotating organ for gripping the cap which is thrust against the cap during a step previous to the start of the cap screwing step, in order to drive the cap onto the neck of the bottle, as well as during the cap screwing step, and during a step following the completion of the screwing of the cap.

Abstract: A bottle support plate for use in a rotary capping machine used to apply caps onto the upper threaded neck of one or more containers having a non-fully circular flange. The containers are moved along a generally circular path by a star wheel. The bottle support plate is connected to the star wheel and includes a pocket that at least partially supports and at least partially mates with the flange of the container to at least partially inhibit rotation of the container during the threading of a cap on the upper threaded neck of the container.

Abstract: A bottle support plate for use in a rotary capping machine used to apply caps onto the upper threaded neck of one or more containers having a non-fully circular flange. The containers are moved along a generally circular path by a star wheel. The bottle support plate is connected to the star wheel and includes a pocket that at least partially supports and at least partially mates with the flange of the container to at least partially inhibit rotation of the container during the threading of a cap on the upper threaded neck of the container.

Abstract: A device for checking the fitting of a threaded cap onto a container is associated with automatic cap-fitting apparatus, particularly of the carousel type, which includes a rotatable platform which can move at least one container about a principal axis of the apparatus and at least one screwing head for screwing a cap onto a respective container so as to close the container as a result of its movement about the principal axis. Each screwing head is arranged to screw a cap onto a container with a predetermined tightening torque.