Abstract: A capping head for applying caps on containers or bottles and a capping assembly are provided. The capping head comprises a gripping assembly having a hollow body longitudinally extending along a vertical axis and internally defining a seat for the cap, the seat being delimited at its lower end by an inlet mouth for the introduction of the cap. A moving assembly is connected to the gripping assembly for controlling the movements thereof and is hermetically separated therefrom, and an ejector member is housed inside the hollow body of the gripping assembly, in such a manner that it is free to axially slide. The ejector member carries first and second magnetic elements such that a relative axial approach of the second magnetic element towards the first magnetic element results in a translation of the ejector member towards the lower inlet mouth of the gripping assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic blow molding apparatus having a container forming station with a forming head coupled to a source of liquid blow medium. The container forming station further includes a mold configured to receive a preform and has interior surfaces that define the container shape. The container forming station injects a liquid end product into the preform and expands the preform to simultaneously form and fill a container with the liquid end product. Prior to the container being removed from the container forming station and while it is still full of the liquid end product, a seal is engaged with the container.

Abstract: A sealing jaw assembly for a sealing unit, and in particular an arrangement for suspending a sealing jaw in a socket is disclosed. The arrangement is based on a first and a second spring arrangement wherein the action of the first spring arrangement onto the sealing jaw may be activated and deactivated.

Abstract: A capping device for capping vials borne by a respective conveyor (101), with caps (3) which include an inserting portion (31), shaped for insertion into a mouth of the vial (2) and a head portion (32), which remains externally on the vial (2) after capping. The capping device (1) includes a pick-up zone (12) configured for supporting and containing the caps (3) to be picked up by contacting only the head portion (32) thereof, a conveyor (11) for supplying caps (3) to the pick-up zone (12), configured to carry the caps (3) by contacting only a head portion (32) thereof; and a pick-up and inserting device (13) configured and activatable for picking up at least one cap (3) at a time from the pick-up zone (12), contacting only the head portion (31), and for holding the cap only by the head portion (302) while transporting the cap to a respective vial (2), and then inserting at least a part of the inserting portion (301) into the mouth of the vial (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for delivering a beverage into a thermoplastic container formed from a heated preform, the preform being approximately cylindrical and positioned in a mold, characterized in that it includes injection unit for injecting at least one beverage into a recess in the preform so as to promote expansion of the preform inside the mold, the mold defining the shape of the container, the injection unit comprising an injection head designed to inject at least one beverage through a mouth of the recess, the injection head being integrated into the mold.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for insertion of uniquely shaped packaging may include the following elements, (a) a securing mechanism to hold a container along a conveyor in a predetermined location, (b) a transfer device which removes a spray cap mechanism from a second timing screw and aligns the spray cap mechanism over a container opening on the container, (c) a diptube assembly which locks a diptube hanging from the spray cap mechanism, and (d) the transfer device tightening the spray cap mechanism on the container opening after the diptube is inserted into the container opening.

Abstract: A large transfusion filling and corking machine includes a frame unit, an electric control unit, a bottle-in unit, a following and filling unit, a nitrogen-charging and corking unit, and a bottle-out transfer wheel unit. The bottle-in unit, the following and filling unit, the nitrogen-charging and corking unit, and the bottle-out transfer wheel unit are mounted on the frame unit and connected by turns. The nitrogen-charging and corking unit is connected with a cork-delivering unit. A nitrogen-precharging unit is arranged between the bottle-in unit and the following and filling unit, which is connected with the bottle-in unit through a bottle-in transfer wheel unit, and connected with the following and filling unit through a transitional transfer wheel unit.

Abstract: A capping device for capping vials borne by a respective conveyor (101), with caps (3) which include an inserting portion (31), shaped for insertion into a mouth of the vial (2) and a head portion (32), which remains externally on the vial (2) after capping. The capping device (1) includes a pick-up zone (12) configured for supporting and containing the caps (3) to be picked up by contacting only the head portion (32) thereof, a conveyor (11) for supplying caps (3) to the pick-up zone (12), configured to carry the caps (3) by contacting only a head portion (32) thereof; and a pick-up and inserting device (13) configured and activatable for picking up at least one cap (3) at a time from the pick-up zone (12), contacting only the head portion (31), and for holding the cap only by the head portion (302) while transporting the cap to a respective vial (2), and then inserting at least a part of the inserting portion (301) into the mouth of the vial (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping device which has a container picking up device and a closure pick up device for picking up and closing containers. The container pick up device is designed to pick up the container, and the closure pick up device is designed to pick up a closure. The closure pick up device is connected to the container pick up device by means of a connecting element which allows a relative movement between the container pick up device and the closure pick up device to take place in order for the container to be closed with the closure.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of insertion of uniquely shaped packaging elements may include one or more of the following steps: (a) transporting a container along a conveyor, (b) securing the container, (c) aligning a spray cap mechanism over a container opening with a transfer rake assembly, (d) grasping a diptube with a diptube assembly, (e) lowering the diptube assembly and the transfer rake assembly to insert the diptube into the container, (f) securing the container with a timing screw, (g) loading the spray cap mechanism into a sprayer magazine, (h) locking a retractable stop onto the spray cap mechanism, (i) transferring the spray cap mechanism from the sprayer magazine to the transfer rake, (j) locking a second spray cap mechanism with the retractable stop, and (k) retracting the diptube assembly after inserting the diptube into the container.

Abstract: An automated, continuously operating apparatus for assembling valve assemblies onto containers includes a valve carrier using partial vacuum to secure valve assemblies during operation. The apparatus may further include a plurality of jaw assemblies for securing and/or straightening a dip tube, bag-on-valve, or other structure depending from the valve assembly prior to insertion into a container. The apparatus may include sub-assemblies that are adjustable relative to a base frame, thereby facilitating adjustment for container of different heights and to actuate different stroke lengths associated therewith. A defective valve assembly eject system may also be provided to prevent valve assemblies that do not have a dip tube or bag-on-valve from being entering the apparatus and being attached to a container.

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: A machine for packing tablets inside rigid tubes exhibits: a supply line for supplying empty tubes arranged with vertical axes and mouths facing upwards; an inlet station wherein deflector organs operate which tip the cylindrical containers on sides thereof, and first organs which pick up individual thus-tipped containers and release the containers to corresponding gripping organs provided by a multiple conveyor; a filling station in which a plurality of supply units release a predetermined quantity of tablets, stacked one on the other, into paused tubes, borne by the multiple conveyor; a closing station containing devices which insert caps into the mouths of the filled containers borne by the multiple conveyor; an outlet station containing devices which pick up paused individual closed containers borne by the multiple conveyor and release the containers onto transporter organs.

Abstract: In a feeding device, a feeding channel receives articles, or corks, supplied, with a selected orientation, by a selector situated upstream of the device. The feeding channel has, downstream of an initial section, a descending track, in which the articles, or corks are made to slide, due to gravity, toward an outlet section. A first stop, situated in the outlet section, causes an accumulation of articles, or corks, arranged in row, one after another. An extractor is situated at the outlet section to move, with a selected pace, a foremost article, or cork, situated each time ahead of other articles, along a guide toward the discontinuous picking up station for supplying a gripper working at said station.

Abstract: The invention is based on the objective of disclosing a method for sealing containers, particularly bottles, in a mechanized fashion by means of rigid closures, particularly rigid glass stoppers that require careful handling. To this end, an assembly (110) is provided that is designed for sealing containers (20), particularly bottles, by means of rigid closures (10) that are adapted to the containers (20), particularly glass stoppers. The assembly comprises a controllable ram (180, 190) for joining the at least one container (20) and the at least one rigid closure (10), as well as a holding device (300) for holding the at least one rigid closure (10), wherein the holding device (300) has a shape that is at least partially adapted to the shape of the least one rigid closure (10) in order to hold the rigid closure (10) in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A process by which low viscosities liquids are filled into syringes without gas bubbles utilizing lowered temperature and valves to isolate the filling system from the vacuum. The liquid may be drug, device, pharmaceutical, and/or biotech products.

Abstract: A stopper change device (10) includes an airtight chamber body (21) detachably mountable on a head of a bottle, a gas supply port (19) for supplying N gas to the chamber body, an air vent valve (57) for discharging air from the chamber body, a first supporting structure (28) movable upward and downward for supporting a corkscrew, and a second supporting structure (34) movable upward and downward for containing a substitute stopper. The first and second supporting structures are mutually position changeable, and one of them is selectively placed above an opening of the bottle. When the first supporting structure (28) is placed above the opening, a bottle stopper can be pulled in N gas atmosphere. On the other hand, when the second supporting structure (34) is placed above the opening, the substitute stopper is mountable on the head of the bottle in N gas atmosphere.

Abstract: In a device for singling out items coming from a feeder, with the feeder comprising an outlet channel for conveying the items an end section, compacting air jets are placed along the outlet channel for gathering the items one behind the other according to a continuous row, at the end section. The device is equipped with and abutment and catching comb for singling out a series of single and successive leading items of the row of items at the end section, and a driving belt moves the abutment and catching comb according to a direction of extraction at the end section, for abutting and catching a series of single and successive leading items and for transferring and placing the series of singled out items at a handling station.

Abstract: In an apparatus for corking bottles, the corks are fed in succession within the cavities of a plurality of vice-like devices, which are driven in rotation by a carousel device and which are designed to be radially compressed by the vice-like devices before their insertion into the respective bottles. The cavity of the vice-like device that each time comes to occupy the position for receiving the cork is set in communication with a negative-pressure source, which sucks the cork downwards, causing it to drop into the cavity, and maintains it in the correct vertical position. Preferably, a similar suction device is provided at the outlet end of feed channel for feeding the corks, which brings the corks to a loading station. A transfer wheel with a vertical axis transfers the corks in succession from the loading station to the starting station of the corking apparatus, where the corks are received within the respective vice-like devices.

Abstract: Process for the fastening of objects into a box made of a bottom and of at least four lateral sides including introducing, into this box, a sheet of a flexible material, for example, made of cardboard, this sheet consisting of a central part having dimensions that are approximately the same as the bottom of the box, in a manner so as to be able to be displaced in a direction to the bottom of the box and, on at least two opposing sides of this central part, at least one flexible folding panel. The flexible folding panels are folded up to the top. The fastening sheet is shaped, prepared, inserted and pushed into the box until the sheet contacts the upper surface of the objects housed in the box. The folding panels are pushed back, applied and fixed, for example, by gluing, against the internal side of the lateral walls of this box, in a manner so as to create solid fixation of the fastening sheet onto the lateral walls of the box, and, as a result, the fastening of the objects housed in it.

Abstract: A setup table on a bottle handling machine which includes feed-end and delivery-end star wheels and associated guide tracks for the bottles as well as drive devices for the individual star wheels and handling stations, and a support plate that covers the drive devices. A plurality of handling machines are combined into a unit, and the axis of rotation of a rinser is located on a first line, and the axes of rotation of the feed-end and delivery-end star wheels of the rinser and of the filling machine are located on a second line that runs at some distance from the first. The axis of the delivery-end star wheel of the filling machine and the axis of rotation of a crown corker are located on an additional line that runs at an angle to the second line. The axis of an additional capping machine and the axis of the delivery-end star wheel of the crown corker and of the additional capping machine are located on an additional line that runs parallel to this third line.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing tops onto openings of packs arranged at a distance (m) from each other. The apparatus includes a first conveying means, e.g. a first conveyor, for intermittently conveying the packs in a first direction of travel through a row of at least three sealing stations spaced a machine pitch (m) from each other, and a transport apparatus, e.g. a second conveyor, for transporting the tops in a row behind each other and transversely to the first direction of travel, intermittently over the openings of packs located in the row of sealing stations. The transport apparatus includes a tops belt guided over drive rollers to which the tops are detachably attached behind each other using holding bridges. The tops are spaced a belt pitch (t) from each other and the tops belt is provided with positioning apparatus for properly positioning the tops over the openings.

Abstract: A fitment for use as a pour spout for a paper carton or flexible bag for liquids and powders has a flange which may be welded around a hole in the carton or bag. A spout projecting outward from the flange is provided with a removable membrane integral with the interior of the spout. Preferably the membrane is concave. A horizontally disposed pull ring may be attached to the membrane by a connector so that pulling the ring removes the membrane by fracturing the tear line at the juncture of the outer edge of the membrane and the projection. A cap snaps over the spout and may be removed by unscrewing the complementary threads on cap and spout. Optionally, a tamper-evidencing band frangibly connected to the lower edge of the cap skirt engages the exterior of the spout so that the cap cannot be removed without breaking the frangible connection. Various means and methods for detachably securing the fitment to a spud or holder during delivery of the fitment from a chute to the interior of a carton are disclosed.

Abstract: A drug filling machine has a plurality of feeders containing a plurality of different kinds of drugs. A plurality of drugs are discharged from one or some or the feeders into a vial. A sealing unit is provided for sealing the mouth of the vial with a transparent sheet. The sealing unit includes a sheet presser for pushing the transparent sheet into the mouth of the vial to form a sealing sheet having a tray-shaped section, a cutter for cutting the transparent sheet into a predetermined shape, and a heater for fusing the transparent sheet to the top end of the vial to seal the mouth of the vial.

Abstract: A double lid system is provided with an electric motor (44) to actuate mechanisms to release the lid (20) from a drum (18) and simultaneously clamp the lid (20) to a door (14) of a port (or vice versa), and with an electric motor (74) to withdraw the door (14) from the port to open the port (or to close it). The system is monitored by sensors (60,62,64,82) associated with an electronic logic interlock to ensure the correct sequence of operations of the motors (44,74). The sensors (60,62,64,82) and the motors (44,74) are readily demountable for remote maintenance or replacement. The door-opening motor (74) may he a linear actuator cooperating with a part-helical slot (80) to open the door (14) and then swing it clear of the port.

Abstract: A closure member for crown cork applicators, which comprises a closure cone and an ejector engaging the longitudinal bore of said closure cone, is provided with an observation opening connecting the bore to the outside thereof, said observation opening having an aperture angle of at least 180.degree. and being dimensioned such that the ejector is located completely within said observation opening. The large observation opening defined in this way permits the best possible access to the particularly critical areas of the closure member for the purpose of examination, cleaning, disinfection or the like.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for filling a plurality of vials, and for securing respective caps on each vial securely mounting a plurality of caps on, and filing with a substance, a plurality of vials. A guidance apparatus is provided that has a guide member with a T-shaped track mounted thereon and an traverse carriage having a T-shaped channel formed therein. The traverse carriage further includes two opposingly spaced and offset apertures for receiving the substance therethrough. The two opposingly spaced and offset apertures are each in axial alignment with one of the plurality of vials at the set points as the traverse carriage is slid along the guide member for filing two of the plurality of vials at each of the set points with the substance. A capping apparatus is also included that has two opposingly spaced side walls, and a track mounted between the base and side walls for slidably receiving the plurality of vials.

Abstract: A lidding and sealing machine for a pail. A pail holding tool set in or on a base and a lid press plate slidably engaged in a bridge on the same base align the pail and the lid for sealing when pressed together. Alignment guides depending from the edges of the press plate engage the lip flanges of the pail and conform the pail lip shape to the lid sealing surface shape even if the pail is distended with the fullness of its contents so its lip is not congruent to the lid sealing surface. A plug insertion tool forces a plug into the pail's drain in a connected and sequential action that is part of the lidding action.

Abstract: Process for the filling of a piston-cylinder unit, for example a shock absorber, with compressed gas and for closing the gas chamber of the piston-cylinder unit with a sealing element in the form of a base. The piston-cylinder unit is placed in an apparatus which apparatus can be connected to a compressed gas source from which the gas chamber is filled. The base is inserted by the apparatus into the open end of the piston-cylinder unit, after which the piston-cylinder unit, now under pressure and closed off by the base, is closed by, the process of welding.

Abstract: A sample-contained container corking-up method of the present invention comprises a first step of holding each stopper supplied from a stopper supply means by a stopper holder and opposing an inserted portion of the stopper to the open top of the container which is supported at its corked-up position, a second step of pushing the inserted portion of the stopper, which has been opposed to the open top of the container by the first step, into it to a first predetermined position, while holding the stopper at a certain state by the stopper holder, a third step of releasing the stopper holder from the stopper and retreating the stopper holder to its waiting position after the stopper pushing operation conducted by the second step, and a fourth step of further pushing the inserted portion of the stopper into the container to a second predetermined position, deeper than the first one, while leaving the stopper holder retreated to the waiting position by the third step.

Abstract: A ball placer device is provided for containers in a capping machine, which consists of a vertical tube assembly mounted to the capping machine to receive a series of balls therein. A feed assembly for the balls is retained above the vertical tube assembly on the capping machine, so that the balls can enter into the vertical tube assembly in a stacked relationship. A conveyor is to carry a series of the containers in upstanding positions under the vertical tube assembly. Each container is of the type having a neck with a collar thereon. A mechanism is for placing each ball from the vertical tube assembly upon each collar on the neck of each container, one at a time, as the containers are carried under the vertical tube assembly by the conveyor.

Abstract: A machine for filling and closing packs for liquids, wherein an opening is arranged in an upper surface which can be connected to a pouring device. The device has a first feed conveyor (3) with a base for open, empty packs (8). It has a conveyor (12) for intermittently moving the packs (8) from a base position (I) into individual intermediate positions (II-X, XI), an end position (IX), and has a filler station, a stoppering station and a carry off conveyor (25). A transverse sliding conveyor is arranged in the path of movement behind the feed conveyor (3), and transverse conveyors and entrainment devices are arranged between the feed conveyor (3) and the carry off conveyor (25) for the purpose of intermittently moving transportation boxes (14), and, in addition, the filler and stoppering stations are arranged in the region of the transverse conveyors at a level above the transportation boxes (14).

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for attaching a spout to a planar portion of an article such as a milk or juice carton, which may be integrated into conventional carton forming and filling machines, includes the steps of heating a stem of a spout, applying a bonding agent to a flange on the spout, positioning the spout in a predetermined relation to a spout applicator, positioning a carton with a hole provided in a predetermined relation to the spout applicator and attaching the spout to the carton where the heated stem is deformed to mechanically engage the carton about the hole. An apparatus to accomplish the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filling and capping machine including a computer controlled turret having a plurality of pockets for positioning a plurality of containers to at least a fill position and a capping position along the turret's path. The controller programmably positions the turret to these positions for variations of the locations of the pockets on the turret and accommodates for variations in the size and number of the container pockets and the type of fill product and type of containers. The controller also controls the position of the filling unit for the type of fill product as well as controlling the positioning of the filling unit and the capping unit for variations in the type of container. The controller uses a combination of servo motors and fluid motors to vertically and rotationally position the elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealingly closing a pack for liquids in which the top of the pack is provided with a hole into which is fitted a pouring device that includes a cup-like recess which defines a flange. The apparatus includes a pivot device that pivots about a main horizontal axis. The pivot device includes several mandrels onto which the pouring devices are to be individually mounted. The mandrels are rotatable about their respective longitudinal axes to allow a thread of adhesive to be applied to the flange of each pouring device so that the pouring device can be subsequently attached to the top of the pack by joining the flange of the pouring device to the collar of the hole in the pack.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting caps onto fluid containers in a predetermined particular orientation relative to the fluid containers. Caps are drawn from a source of caps and placed singly, in succession, on a cap seat which is in a particular known orientation. Each cap is taken, while on the cap seat, to a delivery position. During transfer to the delivery position, each cap is aligned into a known particular orientation. A device for picking up the caps takes each cap from the cap seat to a container and mounts the cap onto a waiting fluid container, in the desired predetermined orientation with respect to the fluid container. The device includes an operatively associated clamp that supports the fluid container about a flange around the neck to prevent crushing of the fluid container during mounting of the caps.

Abstract: A process is described in which a tubular bar (27) which is substantially but not entirely filled with flowable solids (28), is closed at one end. To close the tubular bar (27) at its end, a thread (3) is introduced into the tubular bar (27) and is caused to form a ball of thread therein. The thread (3) is preferably introduced into the tubular bar by being blown through a hollow needle (11).

Abstract: A fitment inserter machine, such as a machine for inserting a spout into the top opening of a blow molded container is disclosed. A conveyor continually moves containers through the machine. A transfer arm and rotary placer removes the lowermost spout from a vertical dispenser and places the spout on a moving container. Jaws grasp the container finish while it is still moving and hold the finish while a pressing head mounted on a flying table moves downwardly to press the spout into correct alignment with the container.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for effecting sealing of a fused quartz ampoule 24 while maintaining a vacuum on the ampoule via system 12 is disclosed. A plug 28 of fused quartz is lowered into the vertically disposed ampoule 24 (while maintaining the vacuum thereon) and heat sealed therein to prevent any vapor escape from, or contamination of, the contained semiconductor growth charge 29 during subsequent semiconductor crystal growth processes. A rotary vacuum feed-through mechanism 16 selectively rotates axle 34 and spool 32 to unwind wire 30 for lowering of plug 28 into the reduced diameter portion 24b of ampoule 24. Ampoule 24 is hermatically connected to vacuum housing 18 by quick release flange 20 wherein O-ring 22 retains ampoule 24.

Abstract: A machine for making fuel elements/aerosol generating cartridges useful for smoking articles, the machine providing for receiving a random supply of tubular, open-end containers, orienting the containers to position them for filling, filling the containers with a predetermined amount of aerosol generating material, and capping the open ends by inserting fuel elements therein.

Abstract: A compact self-contained machine operated by a single gear motor and having start and stop cycle switches feeds a cotton roving and severs the roving into plugging lengths. The severed plugging lengths are folded and inserted as plugs into the mouths of pipets which are held one at a time by hand in a locator bushing on a cycle activating panel of the machine.

Abstract: A machine for automatic sealing of sterile bottles in a bottle filling plant is proved enabling high capacity. The machine has fluid powered means to axially displace a die forming means between a position above said bottle and a position surrounding a cap in the bottle mouth. Telescopically displaceable means are also provided to close said die forming means radially around the neck of said bottle and, after execution of said sealing, to open said die forming means radially. The machine also includes telescopically displaceable plunger means to apply axial pressure towards the top of the cap pressing it down into the die forming tool against the action of a resilient plug in the mouth of the bottle.

Abstract: A vacuum sealing device includes a plug which is thrust into the port of an insulated steam injection tubing for closing an annular space of the tubing which confines a vacuum. The plug is mounted for movement within a first mounting element and for movement within a bellows having an end connected to the first mounting element. A second mounting element is connected to the opposite end of the bellows and carries a rod which is fixed to the plug. By moving the two mounting elements together, the bellows is compressed and the plug is thrust by movement of the rod. The first mounting element is connected to an upper clamping section which cooperates with a lower clamping section to engage around a tubular to be plugged. The upper section can be correctly centered with its plug over the port of the tubular by momentarily compressing the bellows to extend the plug. The plug is provided with a shank portion and a breakable tab for breaking the plug away from the shank portion.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for applying an end plug to an end of a fuel rod tube includes a housing having spaced inlet and outlet ends adapted to receive the end plug and tube end, respectively, one of three alternative embodiments of a guide arrangement which defines an internal guide channel aligned in tandem with the inlet and outlet ends of the housing along a common axis, and a cylindrical ram movable along the axis for engaging and moving the end plug from the inlet end through the guide channel to the outlet end where the plug is applied to the tube end.

Abstract: An assembly for filling and sealing a cavity (14) in a container (10). The assembly includes a fill passage (18) in sealing engagement with the periphery of the receiving passage (12) in the container (10). A vacuum source (24) withdraws gas from the container (10) and the assembly. Powdered material under a vacuum is supplied to a vibrating platform (44) which dispenses the material while vibrating so that the material passes through a valve (48, 52), the fill passage (18) and into the container (10). A plug magazine (26, 125) stores and delivers one spherical ball (28) at a time to the fill passage (18) for being forced into the receiving passage (12) to seal the container (10). A vacuum valve (48, 52) seals the material supply from the fill passageway (18) to maintain the vacuum in the material supply when the container (10) is received.

Abstract: A container filling apparatus for simultaneously filling all containers in a group of containers with a desired volumetric quantity of liquid. A lead group of containers is separated from a line of unfilled containers received by the apparatus. The group of containers is sequentially subjected to a filling operation and to the application of sealing caps, followed by the discharge of the resulting group of filled and capped containers from the apparatus. Each group of containers is supported during the filling and capping operation for proper orientation of the fill openings.

Abstract: A tap attachable to a spout of a container for decanting a liquid such as wine into bottles has a rotary valve housing and a valve body provided with a detachable handle, part of that valve body being a tubular spigot fitting into a transverse bore of the valve housing to fill a bottle aligned with that bore. The spigot, when withdrawn from the bore after removal of the tap from the spout and plugging of the latter, is receivable in an internally threaded plastic cap for forcing it into the neck of a freshly filled bottle; to unseal the bottle, a complementarily threaded extremity of the handle detached from the valve body is screwed into the cap for extracting same.

Abstract: A closure arrangement for stoppering bottles with pressurized, carbonated, water-based liquid contents which comprises in combination; a bottle having a body portion, an elongated neck portion with two annular flanges thereon, and a mouth portion; and a one-piece elastomeric plastic molded corking means having an elongated cylindrical stopper insertable into the mouth of the bottle, a head connected to the stopper, an annular, circumferential ring positioned below the head, concentric with the stopper and capable of being received between the two annular flanges, a flexible, elongated folded tether connecting the ring to the head, and a plurality of short frangible bridges connecting the ring to the head, said bridges breaking when the ring is forced between the two flanges. The elongated tether provides a means for preventing injury when the cork is removed from the bottle.

Abstract: A plug driving apparatus comprising an annular rotary receiver stand for receiving containers, the receiver stand having container placing portions disposed at a plurality of locations thereon in circular arrangement, plug driver heads disposed individually above said placing portions, each of the heads having a sucker portion for sucking and retaining thereon plugs, a plurality of plug pick-up means, each having a retractable hooked portion adapted to be extended to and retracted from a point right beneath the plug driver head, fixed plug-feeder means for feeding plugs to the hooked portion, the plug driver head being adapted to be raised and lowered between an intermediate position where the sucker portion thereof sucks and retains thereon a plug held in the hooked portion and a lower position where plug driving operation is carried out and an upper limit of movement of the driver head.