Abstract: A gripper for industrial manipulators, especially for optical inspection devices to inspect transparent or semitransparent containers includes a body and an upper portion constrained to the body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the body. An actuator is operable to impart rotations to the upper portion, and jaws are mounted on the upper portion and are movable closer to and away from each other to pick up and release an object. Rotation of the upper portion and activation of the jaws are controlled by the same electric motor housed in the gripper itself. The electric motor rotates a drive shaft coaxial with the longitudinal axis and connected to the upper portion so that the jaws rotate about the longitudinal axis. The assembly formed by the electric motor and the drive shaft may translate along the longitudinal axis to move the jaws and, therefore, open and close the gripper.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a component to an article includes a first retaining member that retains the component, a second retaining member that retains the article, a movement system for moving the first retaining member and the second retaining member between a non-operating position where the component and the article are spaced apart from one another, and an operating position where the component and the article are in a coupling position, and a detection system for detecting the positioning of the component on the first retaining member. The detection system includes an image detector device for capturing at least one image of the component when the component is retained by the first retaining member, and a processing unit provided for analysing the image captured by the image detector device and verifying if the component is retained on the first retaining member in a predefined position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capping device for closing screw caps, comprising a motor and a power train so as to transmit force from the motor to the screw caps by means of the power train. The capping device comprises a control unit configured for dynamically adapting the operation of the motor, making use of a measured actual value of an operating parameter of the motor, a target closing torque and an actual closing torque model.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a container with a container closure, for example for closing a drinks container with a roll-on closure, a screw type closure, a press-on closure, a crown cap and/or a press-in closure, comprising a lifting unit which can be displaced in a longitudinal direction and which has a guide unit for predetermining a position of the lifting unit in the longitudinal direction and a closure receiving member which is connected to the lifting unit via a pretensioning device for retaining a container closure and for applying the container closure to a container opening of a container which is intended to be closed with a head pressure which is predetermined by the pretensioning device, and an adjustment apparatus for automatically adjusting the head pressure which is predetermined by the pretensioning device; it further relates to a closure member which comprises an above-mentioned apparatus.

Abstract: A laser alignment tool for capping heads. The laser alignment tool comprising in combination an adapter housing that is adaptable to a headset or spindle on a capping machine, a laser bore housing, a laser pointer contained in the laser bore housing and a laser center platform.

Abstract: A gripper for capping machines intended for screwing a cap onto a container adapted to being capped, in particular has a threaded neck for being capped. The gripper has a body capable of revolving on the axis of rotation, and at least two levers adapted to taking at least two different positions. The first position in which it is possible to insert a cap between the gripper levers and the second position in which the cap is locked between the gripper levers at least rotationally. At least one moving guiding shackle hinge-is mounted to the body and at least one lever which is slidingly mounted to the gripper body by means of a guide enabling movement of the lever in a horizontal direction, perpendicular to the axis of the gripper, and the end of the guiding shackle is slidingly and rotatably mounted to the at least one lever.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for holding a bottle to be closed, comprising a holding element for holding, in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the holding element, a neck ring of the bottle to be closed, and a fastening element for fastening the holding element to a bottle closing device or to a bottle transport device, and having a torque sensor for detecting a torque acting between the holding element and the fastening element. Furthermore, the present disclosure discloses a device for closing a bottle and a method for closing a bottle.

Abstract: A quick-change coupling is described for a container treatment machine, in particular a capping machine, with an outer member and an inner member engaging therewith in a positive-fit manner, between which members torques in a working direction of rotation and axial forces can be transmitted. Due to the fact that the outer member and the inner member are connectable to each other by pushing one into the other and twisting, a simple connection/separation of the quick-change coupling is possible without tools, as well as reliable and play-free transmission of unidirectional torques and contact pressure forces.

Abstract: Automated setup and operation of a container capping machine is achieved by providing motors, each under computer control, to make the necessary adjustments regarding setup and operation, and a plurality of sensors and other devices adapted to send information related to container and cap configurations and machine operation to the computer.

Abstract: A tool-less adjustable torque setting assembly for a bottle capping headset wherein there is a witness mark and a push button. The operator pushes in the button and a tooth on the button's inside surface of the housing disengages with the inside wall of the housing where there are a series of mating teeth. The assembly is rotated to the desired setting and released. The button, which is spring loaded, will return to the seated position in the series of teeth within the housing. No tools are required to adjust the torque setting.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a packaging element having a sub-area that includes a packaging-element opening includes an enclosure having an outer load-bearing structure having load-bearing elements and a wall structure held in the load-bearing structure and isolated by the load-bearing structure from loads. It also has two subsections, one on and moving with a conveyor and the other on a device frame and not moving with the conveyor. The enclosure defines a sterile interior that contains the packaging-element opening. The conveyor moves the packaging element along a transport route in a transport direction. Supports of the load-bearing structure extend transversely to the transport direction and connect to a longitudinal chord oriented along the transport direction. Either the load-bearing structure is disposed outside the enclosure and spaced apart from the enclosure or the transport route includes a circular conformation and a ring forming the longitudinal chord.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing containers with one of a sealing cap and a screw cap includes an ejector having a function element that returns an ejecting element from an ejection position to an initial position. The function element is formed as a magnetic element.

Abstract: A container handling machine and method of handling containers, in which an attachment arrangement is used to attach an elongated strip, such as a banderole, a security strip, a label strip, or a tax strip, to the removable top of a closed container. Either or both of the container holder and the attachment arrangement which attaches the strips can be rotated in order to place the strip in a particular orientation with respect to the container.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pressure device for exerting pressure on an opening device fitted to a package of a food product pourable into a tube of packaging material, the device having a first pressure member movable between a first work position, in which it presses a first area of the opening device against the package, and a first rest position, in which it is detached from the opening device; and a second pressure member movable between a second work position, in which it presses a second area of the opening device against the package, and a second rest position, in which it is detached from the opening device; the first and second area being crosswise to each other.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: The capping industry has many variations in each cap that is placed on containers. It is very critical that a capping chuck have the ability to adapt quickly and easily to each and every cap that is available. The present invention uses the flexibility in its construction to grasp all variations to the caps without the need for expensive and time consuming shut downs. The present capping chuck meets these ever expanding changes within the industry.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a torque measuring station, comprising a cap-engaging assembly for engaging a cap that has been secured onto a container, a torque measuring assembly for obtaining a measurement indicative of the torque exerted on the cap by the cap engaging assembly and a processing entity in communication with the torque measuring assembly. The processing entity is operative for receiving the measurement indicative of the torque, and for causing the container to be handled, once released from said cap-engaging assembly, on the basis of the measurement indicative of the torque applied to the cap.

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: An apparatus for producing packaging, in particular composite packaging for liquid foodstuffs, having a cross-sectional area that decreases in the pour-out direction in the gable region. The packaging is composed of a sleeve having a gable region having a plurality of gable faces and a pouring element. The apparatus has at least one rotatable mandrel wheel having a plurality of mandrels for holding the sleeves. Additionally, a method for producing such packaging and a gable press for use with the aforementioned apparatus. In order to allow easier and more cost-effective production, it is proposed that the apparatus has a gable press, assigned to a single mandrel wheel position, for folding the gable region, for connecting all the gable faces of the gable region of the sleeve to the pouring element and for sealing the protruding ears in the same mandrel wheel position.

Abstract: The apparatus, system, and method provides an instrumented container with a contour similar to that of a production container which includes two portions spaced apart and joined by a torque sensor. The instrumented container also includes a processor which directs the periodic sampling of data measured by the torque sensor during the capping process, and a memory which stores a plurality of data values. The apparatus, system, and method provides a reusable instrumented container form to which a portion of an actual production container may be attached. The instrumented container is indistinguishable, for purposes of the capping line, from a regular production container. It may thus be used to test individual spindles, randomly test application torque, verify set application torques, and provide accurate information as to the impact of a particular dye or other variable on bottle capping.

Abstract: A head for applying threaded caps to containers that are to be used in automatic machines for closing containers. The head may comprise a tubular bushing, a shaft that extends coaxially within the tubular bushing and that carries at a bottom end thereof an attachment for a cap gripping member, and a magnetic clutch set between the tubular bushing and the shaft.

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: An apparatus for securing a cap onto a cylindrical container includes a main stage and three clamps. Each of the clamps is pivotally attached to the main stage and rotatable about a respective axis of rotation. The axes of rotation of the clamps define an outer circle having a center. Each of the clamps comprises a generally planar body and an arcuate edge and can be used to both center a cap and grip and rotate a vial for attachment of the cap.

Abstract: A closing plug is screwed onto the threaded open end of a syringe by a screwing assembly provided with a pocket adapted to receive the closing plug from a hopper which houses in its inside a plurality of closing plugs, a support device of the syringe, and an actuating device for moving the pocket and the support device with respect to each other with a roto-translating movement about and along a longitudinal axis of the syringe so as to screw the closing plug onto the open end of the syringe itself.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: A gripping device for automatic bottle-topping machines comprising an anti-rotation blocking element, mobile between an opening position and a gripping position, a first mechanism, provided for actuation of the anti-rotation blocking element, a first actuation element, operatively connected to the first mechanism a gripping element, mobile between an opening position and a gripping position, a second mechanism, provided for actuation of the gripping element, and a second actuation element, operatively connected to the second mechanism, wherein the anti-rotation blocking element and the gripping element are provided for engaging on a bottle.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cap onto a cylindrical container includes a main stage and three clamps. Each of the clamps is pivotally attached to the main stage and rotatable about a respective axis of rotation. The axes of rotation of the clamps define an outer circle having a center. Each of the clamps comprises a generally planar body and an arcuate edge and can be used to both center a cap and grip and rotate a vial for attachment of the cap.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A child resistant cap assembly for a bottle is disclosed comprising an inner cap and outer cap. When an external pressure is applied to the outer cap, the teeth on the outer cap engage with the inner cap. While engaged, the cap assembly is rotated in a counter clockwise direction to unfasten or unscrew the cap assembly from the bottle.

Abstract: A mechanism for tightening a partially threaded cap on a container passing along a production line. The mechanism includes a first member having a first end and a second end. The first end being structured to be coupled at or near the production line and the second end being rotatable with respect to the first end. The mechanism further including a second member coupled to the second end of the first member and rotatable therewith. The second member having a plurality of cap engaging portions, each of the cap engaging portions being structured to engage the partially threaded cap on a container passing along the production line in a manner that tightens the partially threaded cap.

Abstract: A capping chuck assembly embodying the present invention comprises an outer chuck housing, and inner, central guide disc upon which a plurality of circumferentially spaced gripper segments are mounted. Each gripper segment includes an inner jaw portion for engagement with an associated closure, and an outer cam surface. The outer chuck housing defines a plurality of inwardly facing, cam drive surfaces positioned for respective engagement with the outer cam surfaces of the gripper segments, so that rotational drive of the outer chuck housing collectively drives the gripper segments and guide disc to urge the segments radially into engagement with an associated closure.

Abstract: Decapping system for opening or closing reagent containers or cartridge systems closed by a lid which is removed and secured by a rotational movement and method thereof are disclosed. The decapping system has a centering unit at its lower end that provides a snap-in element which engages the lid, and a plurality of simultaneously driven and vertically movable screwing heads which compensates for variable heights and/or sizes of cartridge systems to be processed.

Abstract: 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 whilst 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.

Abstract: A device for closing containers, particularly bottles, with screw caps, having at least one rotatably drivable closing head in which a closure-specific closing element is exchangeably retained, a positive-fit quick-change mechanism for the respective closing element is embodied in the closing head, and in the release state of the quick-change mechanism the closing element can be laterally removed or inserted essentially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the closing head.

Abstract: A torque head assembly and method of capping effective to cap a variety of trigger spray cap bases or common caps to a spray bottle or container includes a drive roller mounted on a drive gear. The drive gear is in meshed gear communication with a plurality of train gears enclosed within a generally C-shaped driver housing wherein the a distal train gear engages a driven gear upon which a driven roller is mounted. An actuator allows the driver housing of torque head assembly to approach a variety of trigger spray cap bases or common caps within a plane generally horizontal thereto and at least partially co-planar therewith so as to capture the same between the dive roller and the driven roller and to thread mount the same onto the spray bottle or container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing, determining, and adjusting a closing torque of a container closing machine. The method involves at least partially unscrewing a screw cap or closure in the closing machine and measuring an opening torque used to at least partially unscrew said screw cap or closure. The measured opening torque is then compared with a desired range of opening torque and an adjustment of the closing torque for the particular closing device is calculated and performed such that, upon the closing device screwing screw caps or closures on containers in a run of containers, the closed containers are openable using an opening torque within the desired range of opening torque.

Abstract: A capping head comprising a support adapted to be associated with means arranged within a capper comprising at least two identical working units, which are associated with the support and are motorized in the same direction, each working unit comprising a shaft provided with motor drive means, which is connected, with the interposition of a torque-limited coupling, to a transverse arm adapted to support a rotating roller, both rollers are designed to come into contact with a cap to be screwed onto a container.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having bottle plate support tables therein. 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: A low inertia capping clutch has an outer driving portion and an inner driven portion coupled together by a magnetic interaction. Cavities within the driven inner portion of the clutch reduce the mass and therefore reduce residual rotational inertia. This residual rotational inertia is further reduced by forming the driven inner portion of the clutch out of lightweight material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, in a filling machine, of producing a package with a top of plastic which is injection molded in the machine and is capped before the top has become configurationally stable. In the method, the capping, at least during a first introductory phase, takes place in that a cap with internal threads is rotated and the package is displaced linearly in a direction towards the cap in such a manner that it may be ensured that the relationship between the speed of rotation of the cap and the speed of displacement of the package substantially correspond to the thread pitch of the threads in the cap and in corresponding threads on the neck when the threads enter into mesh with one another.