Abstract: A flexible chain diverter system acts as a moveable diverter “swing-arm” capable of dispensing groups of bottles into the array of entrance gates for loading onto a shipping pallet. The flexible chain has a variable axial length. As a result of the ability to change in axial length, the diverter described herein can remain taut at the shortest distance gates and can stretch to reach gates at the maximum range of reach. This allows for the path length of travel to be optimized for any gate.

Abstract: An automated capping head is disclosed. It has a linkage which permits its driven rotational sleeve to be linked to a housing such that these parts can move axially relative to one another as a cap is being tightened on a bottle. The configuration of the parts reduces wear and maintenance issues.

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: 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 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 capping head assembly has a first housing with a spindle mounting collar and supports a clutch housing. The clutch housing has an upper portion with a first magnetic ring and a lower portion with a second magnetic ring. The lower portion is freely rotatable relative to the upper portion and permits the adjustment of the air gap between the first and second magnetic rings. A locking mechanism maintains the adjusted air gap at a selected value that represents a definable torque level in the magnetic clutch. The capping head also includes a post assembly calibration system that establishes a known reference point, which compensates for manufacturing tolerances between individual capping heads.

Abstract: Caps for milk or juice bottles having four screw threads with serrations. The matching threads on the containers also display serrations. The serrations on the caps and the bottles engage each other to prevent their relative rotation to prevent the opening of the closure. An applicator places the cap onto the bottles by first twisting the caps in the reverse direction to properly seat them on the bottle necks. It then reverses the direction to start the closure. The applicator first holds the cap at an angle relative to the horizon and the direction in which the bottles move on a conveyor. As a bottle moves on the conveyor, it engages the lower, tilted edge of the cap. The bottle moving on the conveyor and in contact with the cap overcomes the tension, created by gravity, holding the cap from its location where it awaited the arrival of a bottle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for applying screw-on caps to containers. The caps are fed down a chute and are engaged by the mouths of containers. Each cap, after it is engaged with the mouth of a container, is pressure-urged down onto the container in a position parallel to the path of movement of the container and is rotated in a screw-off direction. It then moves to a position where it is engaged by another friction device and another hold-down device where it is rotated in a screw-on direction.