Capping machine for capping and closing containers, and a method for closing containers

US6484477B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG · DE

Inventor

• Herbert Bernhard · Wolfsheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 12, 2001
• Grant date: Nov 26, 2002
• Expiry date: Feb 22, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B67B3/2033
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Method and device to close containers with a closure that contains a reclosable drinking opening and a protective cap to cover such a drinking opening. Closures of this type for the closure of containers are supplied in the form of a complete unit with a pressed-on protective cap and a closed drinking opening, and in this condition they are cleaned from inside, preferably prior to the actual closing. The closure is then placed on the bottle. During the cleaning and/or sterilization process, it is unavoidable that traces of fluid will remain in the internal structure of the closure, which is constructed of a number of different parts. Such fluid traces represent a major disadvantage, in particular in the beverage industry, and are therefore undesirable. The invention teaches a method of the type described above in which, prior to the closing process, the closures are subjected to a cleaning with the drink opening opened, and then the opened drinking opening is placed on the mouth of the container, during which process the drinking opening is closed, and then the protective caps are placed on the closures.