Patent · US Expired

Screw capper

US6745542B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
7References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 18, 2002
Grant dateJun 8, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 18, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB67B3/2033
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A gripper includes grip members which are mounted on a first rotary shaft and a second rotary shaft, respectively, so as to be opened and closed. An engaging pawl is formed on an upper surface of the grip member. Both shafts are elevatable in an integral manner. A receptacle member is disposed below an exit star-wheel, and is arranged to rotate integrally with the star-wheel. The gripper is located below the flange of the vessel when receiving the vessel. Accordingly, the engaging pawl cannot contact the flange. When the vessel is depressed by the capping head during a capping operation, the engaging pawl engages the vessel. When the vessel is discharged, the vessel remains suspended above the receptacle member, and the gripper then descends to place the vessel on the receptacle member and to disengage the engaging pawl of the gripper. Accordingly, there is no scarring of the vessel when the vessel is introduced into and discharged from the screw capper, and a stable conveyance of vessels is enabled.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.