GB470829A - Improvements in or relating to machines for applying closures to or removing them from bottles and other containers - Google Patents

Abstract

470,829. Stoppering bottles. GIMSON & CO. (LEICESTER), Ltd., and CLARKE, A. Feb. 21, 1936, Nos. 5289 and 25341. [Class 125 (ii)] An apparatus for applying screw - caps, screwstoppers, corks &c. tc bottles &c. or for removing them, comprises a stoppering-chuck 16 and a fluid-operated piston 21, 22 arranged in a cylinder 15, which moves the chuck towards the bottles, and nut-and-screw means for imparting a rotary motion to the chuck. The main cylinder 1 is positioned over the bottle support (not shown). A plungerlike body 6 is arranged to slide in the cylinder 1 and an annular space 6 is provided between the two. It is packed at 9. In the lower end of the body 6 a bush 12 is screwed which carries an archimedean screw 13. A nut 14 limits the downward motion of the screw. The cylinder 15 is in axial alignment with the cylinder 1. A pair of jaws 17 are provided on the chuck 16, and are secured by a collar 18 and lock-nut 19. A rod 20 extends into the cylinder 15 and carries the piston 21, 22. Surrounding the rod is a compression spring 25. Toggle-levers 26 operate the jaws 17. Relative movement between the slide rod 20 and the screw 13 opens or closes the jaws of the chuck. When there is sufficient fluid pressure in the cylinder 15 to overcome the resistance of the spring 25 the chuck-jaws 17 close and when the fluid pressure is released, they open. A tongue piece on the bracket 27 permits the body 6 to slide therein but not to turn. A roller 30 riding on a cam 29 permits the body 6 and screw 13 to move downwards until the stopper is arrested by the bottle. Compressed-air is the preferred fluid for operating the pistons, but water, oil &c. can be used if desired. The air acts as a cushion while the stopper is '' finding " the bottle. Fluid pressure is admitted to the lower cylinder 15 through a tube 33 and through a hole 42 to the main cylinder. Residual air in the body 6 escapes up the annular space C and through an outlet 47. Valves are provided for controlling the fluid pressures in both cylinders. The capping heads may operate singly; in pairs ; or in a revolving table machine. In a modification the lower cylinder is slidably mounted in the main cylinder. The fluid control valves may be of the rotary disc type. A conveyer may be provided for feeding the bottles &c. to the capping heads. Means are provided for releasing the fluid pressure if a bottle is not in position for capping. The machine may be used with ordinary headed-corks where a turning movement facilitates the corking operation.