By Screwing Closure On Container Patents (Class 53/490)
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Patent number: 11047676Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the particularly automated measurement of a closing angle of a lid (110) of a container (100) particularly a bottle lid (110) with a screw thread (120) comprising the following steps: a) Positioning of the container (100) and determining of a starting position, b) Turning of the lid (110) from a closing position (I) into the direction of an open position (II) of the lid (110), c) Detection of an open position (II) of the lid (110) and a corresponding open position angle ?, d) Calculation of the closing angle ? of the lid (110) on the basis of the open position angle ? and particularly, a lid parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Steinfurth Mess-Systeme GmbHInventors: Johann Angres, Martin Falkenstein
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Patent number: 10543941Abstract: A machine and a method are for the automatic preparation of substances for intravenous application. The machine includes a container receiving zone which defines a matrix of individual positions for initial and final containers, and a number of actuators for transferring substances from initial container to final container. Each of the actuators is positioned beneath the zone for receiving initial and final containers, each of the actuators is able to move relatively, independently of the rest of the actuators, and each of the actuators is suitable for receiving and operating injectors with different volumes and degrees of precision in order to remove substances from initial containers and insert them into final containers.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Kiro Grifols, S.L.Inventors: Borja Lizari Illarramendi, Naiara Telleria Garay, Asier Lizarriturri Martiarena, Ana Belen Barrio Jimenez, Amaia Ilzarbe Andres, Jose Ignacio Andres Pineda
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Patent number: 8931243Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a closure and particularly to a closure of the type known as a sport cap.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbHInventors: Bernard Guglielmini, Jean-Yves Rognard
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Publication number: 20150001261Abstract: The present invention provides a slider valve assembly for connection to a spout of an aseptically-packaged flexible container for filling and dispensing flowable material. The slider valve assembly comprises a cap member, a valve member, and an outlet member. The cap member has a central opening and is adapted to be secured to the spout of the container. The valve member defines one or more side openings in communication with a central bore, is slidable within the central opening of the cap member and is lockable into a closed or open position. The outlet member is detachably engaged to the valve member and is used for actuating the valve member. The outlet member also defines a hollow interior portion which is in communication with the central bore of the valve member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: James W. Johnson
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Patent number: 8919083Abstract: A pharmaceutical storing and dispensing device including a child resistant mode and a non-child resistant mode between the container and the closure. The closure comprises a non-child resistant cap shaped to removeably engage the container and a child-resistant cap shaped to be permanently fixed to the non-resistant cap. The non-child resistant cap and child resistant cap are provided in intentionally varying quantities such that the quantity of child resistant caps is less than the quantity of non-child resistant caps.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Tri State Distribution, Inc.Inventors: David A. Miceli, Joseph A. Miceli
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Patent number: 8915052Abstract: A method and a device for screw capping vessels, in particular bottles, by measuring the power consumption of a linear drive system for lifting and lowering the closing head in a pick phase for picking up the respective closing cap and/or in a screw phase for screwing on the closing cap being, and by comparing that measured power consumption with at least one characteristic value of the power consumption to detect an imminent or occurred incorrect closure. In this manner, vessels can be closed at a low error rate and possibly incorrectly closed vessels can be discharged from a continuous product stream at a low error rate.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Andreas Dewert, Klaus Buchhauser, Günter Frankenberger
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Patent number: 8904739Abstract: A method for closing containers with closures by means of a closing device may include screwing closures onto openings of the containers. For closing the containers, a final torque (Dend) may be prescribed, with which the closing operation is completed, and this final torque (Dend) is less than a maximum torque (Dmax), which is applied at least once during the overall closing operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Horst Lang
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Publication number: 20140319142Abstract: A membrane for sealing an open spout of a food package comprises a central circular disc member, an outer annular disc member connected to the central circular disc member along its inner periphery at a connection angle, and a resilient tubular portion extending between a first open end and a second end being connected to the outer annular disc member, the diameter of the second end being smaller than the outer diameter of the annular disc member, wherein the annular disc member is pivotable relative the central circular disc member for increasing the diameter of the second end of the tubular portion by changing the connection angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Göran Johansson, Lennart Stillerud, Bengt Håkansson, Pär Rydberg
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Patent number: 8869497Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for closing containers (3) having a closure (1), particularly a bottle closing machine. Said machine has at least one closing head (4) displaced in a direction toward a container opening (2) along a displacement path (H) for applying the closure (1). To this end, a prescribed external force (FA) is applied to the closing head (4). According to the invention, the closing head (4) comprises an internal force supporting element (6, 7) supporting the externally applied force (FA).Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2009Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Igor Singur
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Publication number: 20140263149Abstract: A container is provided. The container includes a neck. The neck includes coupling features. A first closure is configured to be coupled to the container by a first coupling feature. A second closure is configured to be coupled to the container by a second coupling feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Portola Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Berge, Mike Xiaoli Ma
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Publication number: 20140231376Abstract: The packaging system according to the invention comprises a container (1), which includes a neck (2) defining an axis (X-X), and a stopper (10) for closing the neck, which includes a skirt (12) adapted to be fastened removably around the neck.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventors: Grégory Antier, Andrew Stone
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Publication number: 20140230378Abstract: Self-heating containers comprise a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber is sized to contain a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants which, when contacted, exothermically react. The reaction chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with a barrier therebetween. The barrier comprises a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion is attached to a reaction chamber wall and has an opening sized to allow reactants to flow through from one compartment to the other. The second barrier portion is attached to the first barrier portion to close the opening. The barrier can be opened by moving an actuator into engagement with the second barrier portion to dislodge the second barrier portion from the first barrier portion and thereby open the barrier. In certain embodiments, the heating chamber can be a can with prepackaged comestible substance therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Heat Wave Technologies, LLCInventors: John Ford, Douglas Lund
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Publication number: 20140183196Abstract: The present invention relates to a tamper resistant lid (10) for a container (1). The lid (10) exhibits a centre axis (X) and comprises an outer and an inner member (20, 40). The outer and inner members (20, 40) are further adapted to be substantially prevented from displacement along the centre axis (X) with respect to each other. At least a part of the inner member (40) comprises threads (48) enabling a threaded connection to the container (1) by means of rotating the outer member (20) in a first direction. The lid (10) further comprises at least one stop member (51, 52, 53, 60) preventing the inner member (40) from rotation with respect to the outer member (20). The at least one stop member (51, 52, 53, 60) is adapted to be controllably disabled with a designated force after said inner member (40) has been connected to the container (1), so that the outer member (20) can be freely rotated with respect to the inner member (40) to thereby prevent removal of the lid from the container (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Carmel Pharma ABInventor: Tobias Rosenquist
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Publication number: 20140158688Abstract: A closure for a container is described. The container has an opening through which contents of the container are dispensed and a holding member (255, 285, 295, 305, 315, 316, 317, 340, 350) for cooperating with the closure to retain the closure on the container. A sealing member (220) is configured to sealingly close the container opening. The sealing member includes a retention member (260, 275, 290, 300, 310, 325, 335, 345, 355) engageable with the holding member of the container to retain the sealing member in sealing engagement with the container. A cap member (225) has a top rim and a sidewall depending from the top rim. The sidewall includes an attachment member (160) for attachment to the container and an engagement member (245) that operatively couples the sealing member to the cap member upon placement of the cap member on the container. The cap member is rotatable relative to the container and relative to the sealing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIESInventors: Thomas D. Loughrin, Dennis V. Boruszewski, David C. Ulstad, Christopher A. Cox, Mark D. Green, Terrence B. Mazer, Frank S. Walczak, Kenneth M. Cramer, James P. Perry
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Patent number: 8720164Abstract: An apparatus for closing containers includes a movable closing head for applying closures to the containers and is arranged in the interior of a sterile chamber of the apparatus and arranged to move in a longitudinal direction (L) of the containers to be closed. At least one wall is provided which delimits the sterile chamber, wherein the closing device is arranged on a carrier which is arranged partially inside the sterile chamber and partially outside the sterile chamber, and extends through the wall and moves in the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the wall. Arranged in the interior of the sterile chamber is a first sealing element which is elastic in the longitudinal direction (L) and which seals off from the sterile chamber a region of the outer periphery of the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Klaus Buchhauser, Guenter Frankenberger
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Patent number: 8617674Abstract: A multi-layer sheet designed for the sealing of a container (10) made of glass by heat sealing on the sealing ring (12) of the container treated by means of oxides and/or of metal salts comprises at least a support layer (21) and a lower layer (22) made of a polymeric heat-sealable material onto which is grafted an unsaturated carboxylic acid.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Amcor Flexibles Selestat SASInventors: Alain Grayer, Guy Boiron
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Patent number: 8615972Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Capmatic Ltd.Inventors: Loris Bassani, Daniel Vaillancourt
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Publication number: 20130319968Abstract: A plastic closure includes a top wall portion, and an annular depending skirt portion having at least one internal thread formation. In order to facilitate high-speed closure application to an associated container, the closure includes an application guide feature positioned in circumferentially spaced relationship to a thread start of the internal thread formation of the closure. The application guide feature is configured to engage the lower surface of an external thread formation of the associated container, whereby cocking, tilting, and other misalignment of the closure is avoided as it is applied to the container with high-speed application equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventors: John Edie, Daniel Elliott, Erin Green
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Patent number: 8590277Abstract: The components of a rotary conveyor (1) for a carousel type capping machine (2) include a center shaft aligned on a main axis (X) coinciding with the main axis of the machine (2), a carrier element (4) coupled to the shaft so that the two rotate as one about the main axis (X), and a set of gripper mechanisms (5) associated operationally with the carrier element (4), distributed circumferentially about the supporting shaft. Each gripper mechanism (5) is switchable between a first configuration, establishing a recess (6) in which to accommodate a respective container (3), a second configuration in which the container (3) is retained within the recess (6) by a predetermined gripping force, and a third configuration in which the container (3) is restrained by a gripping force greater than the force exerted in the second configuration, so as to counteract any unwanted rotation of the container (3) about its longitudinal axis (Y) that might be induced during the course of capping operations.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.Inventors: Marco Baroni, Gianpietro Zanini
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Publication number: 20130305659Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2011Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: SIG Technology AGInventors: Christoph Kenn, Ralf Driessen, Thomas Vetten, Michael Heil
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Patent number: 8495854Abstract: A closure cap that is particularly suited for use with plastic containers in packaging malt based beverages such as beer and ale includes an upper portion and a generally cylindrical sidewall that depends downwardly from the upper portion. The cylindrical sidewall defines a threaded inner surface, which permits the closure cap to be threaded onto a threaded finish portion of a container. Most advantageously, the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall is stylized to resemble a conventional crown closure. In the disclosed embodiment this is accomplished by molding a plurality of fluted ribs into the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall. A method of packaging a beverage and a packaging assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbHInventor: Thomas M. Seidita
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Patent number: 8448800Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assembling a cap (20) of a closure device (9) with an open end (6, 7) of a housing container (5) for forming a container system (1) for body fluids, tissue parts or tissue cultures, whereby a relative rotating or pivoting movement is effected between the cap (20) and the housing container (5) about a common longitudinal axis (14). In order to generate the relative movement, a pressing force (F) is applied to at least one of the components to be assembled directed more or less in the direction of the longitudinal axis (14). The invention further relates to a cap (20) for forming the closure device (9), a housing container (5) and a container system (1) obtained as a result, comprising at least the cap (20), a sealing device (21) device retained in it and the housing container (5).Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Greiner Bio-One GmbHInventor: Franz Konrad
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Patent number: 8375684Abstract: An apparatus for closing containers includes a movable closing head for applying closures to the containers and is arranged in the interior of a sterile chamber of the apparatus and arranged to move in a longitudinal direction (L) of the containers to be closed. At least one wall is provided which delimits the sterile chamber, wherein the closing device is arranged on a carrier which is arranged partially inside the sterile chamber and partially outside the sterile chamber, and extends through the wall and moves in the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the wall. Arranged in the interior of the sterile chamber is a first sealing element which is elastic in the longitudinal direction (L) and which seals off from the sterile chamber a region of the outer periphery of the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Klaus Buchhauser, Guenter Frankenberger
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Patent number: 8316622Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Shriji Polymers India LimitedInventors: Vishnu Jajoo, Anurag Somani
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Publication number: 20120272624Abstract: A cap securing apparatus for rotating a cap relative to a container. The cap securing apparatus comprises a support base supporting a main support, the main support supporting a plurality of arms, and each of the plurality of arms supporting a rotatable wheel adjacent a remote free end thereof. A drive mechanism supplies drive to at least one of the rotatable wheels, supported by the plurality of arms, for inducing rotation thereof. A cap engagement mechanism moves the wheels from a disengaged first position, in which the wheels are spaced from the cap to be one of capped or uncapped with respect to the container, into an engaged second position in which the wheels engage with the cap for inducing rotation of the cap and one of capping the cap to the container and uncapping the cap from the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: KINEX CAPPERS LLCInventors: James ARGERIOU, Lawrence J. QUINLAN
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Patent number: 8291681Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corp.Inventors: Mike Palmer, Nick Kulka
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Patent number: 8261517Abstract: A fuel tank cap including a body, a seal carrier movably positioned within the body, a first seal positioned on the seal carrier and configured for sealably engaging a filler tube opening of a fuel tank, and a second seal positioned on the seal carrier and configured for sealably engaging the body.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventors: Neal L. Keefer, Evan Waymire, Kenneth A. Watson
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Patent number: 8209944Abstract: A pharmaceutical storing and dispensing device including a child resistant mode and a non-child resistant mode between the container and the closure. The closure comprises a non-child resistant cap shaped to removeably engage the container and a child-resistant cap shaped to be permanently fixed to the non-resistant cap. The non-child resistant cap and child resistant cap are provided in intentionally varying quantities such that the quantity of child resistant caps is less than the quantity of non-child resistant caps.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Tri State Distribution, Inc.Inventors: David A. Miceli, Joseph A. Miceli
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Patent number: 8196375Abstract: A tube capper and decapper and method of using the same. The tube capper includes a handheld housing that supports a one-dimensional array of spindles. Each spindle is shaped to receive a cap. A drive mechanism rotates each spindle of the one-dimensional array in unison for capping or decapping a corresponding one-dimensional array of tubes.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Matrix Technologies CorporationInventors: Jonathan Kohanski, Daniel J. Seguin, Joseph DiCarlo, Louis Franzini
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Publication number: 20120103849Abstract: A closure for a container has a plurality of indicia such as date and/or time, disposed on the lid's top surface, with a rotary collar which is adjustable to a fixed position to highlight (select) indicia regarding the contents of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: MEDELA HOLDING AGInventors: Kevin J. Rachuk, Timothy D. Killinger, Mark A. Luzbetak, Jill M. Hunt, Ashley Ceniceros, Brian J. Warren
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Publication number: 20120067892Abstract: A container system for storing material includes a container and a mating closure having a tamper-evident ring frangibly attached to the closure. The container includes a neck having a container thread and an annular rim for engaging the tamper-evident ring when the closure is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the neck includes one or more retaining structures for engaging the tamper-evident ring during retort sterilization processing, packaging, shipping or handling. The retaining structure in some embodiments includes one or more ramps having multiple inclined surfaces. Each inclined surface is oriented at an acute angle between about five and about forty-five degrees such that the tamper-evident ring can slip past the retaining structure when a threshold removal torque is applied. A method of sealing a container using a tamper-evident container system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Marc S. Velmer, Thomas C. Horton
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Publication number: 20120017546Abstract: A bottle support plate for use in a rotary capping machine to apply caps onto the upper threaded neck of one or more containers having a circular flange as the containers are moved along a generally circular path by a star wheel. The bottle support plate 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 an upper threaded neck of the container. The pocket includes a support ledge having an upper surface, a neck cavity, a ledge wall extending upwardly from the upper surface of said support ledge and a non-smooth surface on upper surface of the support ledge. The ledge wall is designed to be at least partially mateable with at least a portion of an outer peripheral edge of the flange of the container. The neck cavity is designed to receive a portion of a neck of the container that is located below the container flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventor: MICHAEL H. PERONEK
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Patent number: 8096099Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Diamond Machine Werks, Inc.Inventor: Walter R. Krevald
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Publication number: 20110265430Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Timothy Ulm, John Richard Sink, Eric X. Bonpain, Mark Alan Uebel
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Publication number: 20110253666Abstract: A bottle closure includes a cap having a cylindrical shaped body and a closed end. The bottle closure further includes a liner disposed on an interior surface of the closed end of the cap, the liner for contacting a bottle opening. The closed end of the cap further includes a recess formed therein for urging a central portion of the liner into a bottle opening when applied thereto (e.g., by a bottling press). The bottle closure may further include or have applied thereto a support structure or central mass to support the recess during the bottling process and thereafter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventor: Timothy P. KELLER
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Publication number: 20110239590Abstract: An apparatus (1) for processing container closures (2) comprises a sterilization unit (3), having a sterilization module (7) with means for spraying on the closures (2) a hot sterilization fluid, a capping unit (4), having screwing means active on the closures (2) for connecting them on correspondent containers, applying a predetermined torque, a guide member (5) configured in such a way to allow a plurality of closures (2) to be arranged therein and connected to the sterilization unit (3) and to the capping unit (4) to guide the closures (2) from the sterilization unit (3) to the capping unit (4), and means (13) for regulating the temperature of the closures (2) arranged in the guide member (5), to provide that the closures (2) have a predetermined desired temperature in the capping unit (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2008Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: SIDEL S.P.A.Inventor: Angelo Silvestri
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Publication number: 20110226721Abstract: A threaded closure assembly comprising a transition and a cap is disclosed. The threaded closure assembly may be utilized to seal a liquid containing bottle, particularly one containing a liquid fabric composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: Richard Lawrence Horstman, Bradley Scott Neufarth, Kerry Lloyd Weaver, Alfredo Pagan
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Patent number: 7992365Abstract: A method of verifying the seating and securing of a closure on a container includes the steps of: (a) positioning a container on a stage of an automated capping station; (b) bringing a closure into contact with the container; (c) detecting the nature of a physical relationship between the container and the closure; (d) responsive to step (c), relatively moving the closure and the container if step (c) indicates seating of the closure on the container is proper; and (e) detecting the nature of a physical relationship between the closure and the container to determine whether the closure is properly secured.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Mark Alan Uebel, James Robert Rivenbark, Jr., Jasper Pollard, John Richard Sink, Demetris P. Young, Tobias Heineck
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Patent number: 7987652Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Weightpack S.p.A.Inventor: Carlo Corniani
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Publication number: 20110155687Abstract: In a method for the at least partial detachment or separation of a sealing film or foil 14 that is sealingly attached to a rim 11 of a neck 3 of a container, vessel, bottle 1, or the like, which rim 11 has a circular sealing surface 12 and the neck 3 has a male thread 4 and a center axis 5, and a screw cap 7 having a female thread 6 complementary to said male thread 4 is screwed down onto the male thread 4 of the sealed neck 3 whilst the screw cap 7 can be unscrewed at any later point in time, as desired, when the screw cap 7 is unscrewed from the neck 3, said sealing film 14 is at least partially detached from said rim 11 of the neck 3, radially, starting from the periphery of the rim and progressing inwardly toward the center axis 5, to be subsequently lifted off from said rim 11.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2011Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventor: Rainer Ammann
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Publication number: 20110131933Abstract: Apparatus for pressurizing the headspace of a filled plastic bottle while applying a cap includes a sealing ring having a surface for engaging a support ring, or other surface of known dimension, of the plastic bottle, clamping apparatus for moving the sealing ring, a chuck for holding the cap in a position to engage a finish of the plastic bottle, a pressure chamber surrounding the chuck having a sealing surface for contacting the sealing ring, a source of pressure coupled to the pressure chamber for introducing a volume of gas or vapor at super-atmospheric pressure into the chamber, and a motor for rotating the chuck and cap within the pressure chamber while the chamber is subjected to the gas or vapor at super-atmospheric pressure to seal the gas or vapor within the headspace of the filled plastic bottle with the cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventor: Darren D. Livingston
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Patent number: 7926244Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Anders Delén, Thorbjörn Bengtsson
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Publication number: 20110083405Abstract: A method and a device for screw capping vessels, in particular bottles, by measuring the power consumption of a linear drive system for lifting and lowering the closing head in a pick phase for picking up the respective closing cap and/or in a screw phase for screwing on the closing cap being, and by comparing that measured power consumption with at least one characteristic value of the power consumption to detect an imminent or occurred incorrect closure. In this manner, vessels can be closed at a low error rate and possibly incorrectly closed vessels can be discharged from a continuous product stream at a low error rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: KRONES AGInventors: ANDREAS DEWERT, KLAUS BUCHHAUSER, GÜNTER FRANKENBERGER
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Publication number: 20110041465Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL PLASTICS AND EQUIPMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Mike Palmer, Nick Kulka
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Publication number: 20110036839Abstract: A plastic screw cap has a threaded top portion and tabs of varying heights disposed around an inner circumference of a lower sleeve-portion. These tabs clasp a land disposed on a container neck to restrain the sleeve portion on the neck when the cap is unscrewed. A threaded top portion mates with threads on the container above the land. A sealing liner and diffusion barrier disposed at the bottle opening, together with a crush-resistant cap structure, prevent wine leakage and control oxygen ingress. Typically, the plastic cap is threaded onto the container neck, forming a tamper-evident seal. When unscrewed, the plastic-cap top moves up the container threads, exerting a pull on the sleeve portion, which is restrained due to the closure tabs acting on the land. Between the closure tabs and the threaded top is a breakaway line, which tears due to the removal forces. This tear evidences tampering.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventor: William A. Gardner
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Publication number: 20110016828Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for processing a plastic container by applying a label to a cap, threading the cap on a bottle, and closing dispensing doors on the cap before a heat shrink label sleeve is applied. The label is applied to the cap in a predetermined orientation with respect to the cap and the cap is threaded onto the bottle by a threader wheel adjacent a starwheel that carries caps and bottles in alignment. The dispenser door is closed by a peg that is urged downwardly into contact with the dispenser door.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Richard A. Parker, George E. Ervin, William J. Connelly, Daniel R. Perkins, Oscar O. Medina, Kerry T. McColly
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Publication number: 20100314391Abstract: A closure for a container opening according to one embodiment comprises a plug including a series of projections and being constructed and arranged to be received within the container opening and an overcap constructed and arranged for being attached to the plug so as to close off an interior of the plug and create an assembly. The projections being constructed and arranged for interfit with a specialized wrench socket for threadedly advancing the plug into the container opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventor: Gary M. Baughman
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Patent number: 7845149Abstract: A capper/de-capper system 1 has a rack support 10 for supporting a rack 11 containing a plurality of capped tubes 31 in a given position. A head unit 12 supports a two-dimensional array of capping/de-capping spindles 13, each of which includes a clutch 133 and a capping/de-capping spigot 131 or socket, the spindles being aligned with the tube positions defined in the rack. A drive mechanism 108 moves the tubes and the head unit relatively towards and away from one another in use, when a rack containing capped tubes is disposed in the rack support, causing engagement and disengagement of the capping/de-capping spigots or sockets with and from the tube caps 32. A spindle drive system 15-22 provides simultaneous rotation of the capping/de-capping spigots or sockets together after engagement with the caps, either to detach caps from the tubes or attach caps to the tubes.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: The Automation Partnership (Cambridge) LimitedInventors: Stephen Owen, Justin Owen, Adrian Neil Bargh
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Patent number: 7845148Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: PSR Automation IncorporatedInventors: David R. Ramnarain, Brian D. Ramnarain, Christopher D. Ramnarain
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Patent number: 7836669Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying threaded lids to threaded necks of containers, wherein a lid orienting device is disposed in the transport path of the lid for engaging a leading side surface of a projection on the lid to cause the lid, as it moves past the lid orienting device, to rotate to a prescribed angular position relative to the transport path. The thread or threads of the lid then will be positioned in a known orientation when engaged by the lid applying head at the lid transfer station so that the lid applying head can orient the lid in a known positional relationship to the thread or threads of the threaded neck of the container to protect against cross-threading of the lid when screwed onto the threaded neck.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: The Sherwin Williams CompanyInventors: Donald W. Cassil, Paul D. Flint, Curtis S. Shay, James A. Rehak, Marcel Kubascik