US2518856A

US2518856A - Method and apparatus for sealing containers

Info

Publication number: US2518856A
Application number: US693207A
Authority: US
Inventors: William D Bell
Original assignee: Anchor Hocking Glass Corp
Current assignee: Anchor Hocking Glass Corp
Priority date: 1946-08-27
Filing date: 1946-08-27
Publication date: 1950-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 1967-08-15

Description

Aug. 15, 1950 w. D. BELL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS 4 Sheeis-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 27, 1946 INVENTOR. WIHICIITI D. Bell.

ATTORNEYS Aug. 15, 1950 w, p, BELL 2,518,856

' METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 27, 1946 A 4 "Sheets-Sheet 2 I INVENTOR. Wilhdm D. Ball,

ATTORNEYS Aug- 15,1950 w. D. BYELL 2,518,856

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEALING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 27, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. W||I|am D. Bell.

BY v M W474)- TTORNEKi Patented Aug. 15, 1950 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEALING ooN'rAiNERs William D. Bell, Columbus, Ohio, assignor to Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation, Lancaster, Ohio, a corporation ofDelaware Application August 27, 1946, Serial No. 693,207

17 Claims. (01. 226- 824) I My inventionrelates to method and apparatus for sealing containers. It has to do, more particularly, with a method and apparatus for applying closures to containers and for establishing a sterile atmosphere within the head-space oi the containers. 7 1

In my'Patents Nos. 2,284,631, issued June 2,

1942, and 2,361,365, issued October 31, 1944 I disclosea method of sealing containers in which a combustible gas is introduced into the. extended "head-space of each. container, the combustible mixture so formed is ignited, and the closure is sealed upon the container while the entire headspace of the container is enveloped in thehighly heated products-oi the combustion. Such method has been found to be highly satisfactory in ob-' to the sealing zone, of supporting the containers as they are being sealed, of introducing thecombustile gas into the head-space oi the containen and of bringing about the ignition and combus-' tion of the combustible mixture.

By the present invention the sealing process is greatlysimplified due to the employment of a I new method of introducing the combustible ases I By using into the head-space of the container. this new method of introducing the'gases, a very great. simplification of the apparatus required for performing the sealing process is possible for the following reasons:

(1) Valves for the control of the flow of gases to the head-space can be eliminated.

(2) The combustible gases can be introduced into the head-space in such a wa that ignition takes place automatically, eliminating the neces sit-y of providing auxiliary igniting devices.

According to the present invention, I provide a machine including simple means fGr supporting the containers while they are withdrawing clo sures from the closure supply chute and while the closures are being applied to the containers. This means is such that the containers may he fed at random to the machine, without the need for indexing the containers.

' The combustible gas required for the production oiv the partial vacuum in the head-space of the container. (or required for the operation of the machine) flows. constantly during the operation of the sealing machine. The gas, mixed with insuli'iicientair for complete combustion, issues.

a steady stream from a suitable orifice or burner. Thus, some of the gas remains, unignited at the burner tip, but will enter into the head-space of the container and mix with the free oxygen therein which will support combustion of such gas and will be consumed in the combustion thereof, automatic ignition of the gas and air mixture in'the head-space resulting from the adjacent flame issuing from the burner tip.

The burner is so arranged that the gas or gaseous mixture normally burns'freely in such a position that the heat of the combustion does not injure the closure to be applied to the container or injure an part of the machine. The closure or cap to be applied to the container is supported in the lower end of a cap-feeding chute in angular position so that as the container moves along therebeneath it engages the skirt of the cap and withdraws it from the chute, means being provided for leveling the cap and pressing it on the upper end of the container as the container continues to move. When the container approaches or comes into the sealing zone, the burner discharges the stream of gas and the enveloping jacket of flame into the space between the container and the closure or cap that is about to be sealed upon it. When the stream of combustible gas, mixed with a part of the air required for complete combustion, issues from the orifice and burns in the air, the resulting flame consists of a core of unburned mixture surrounded by a jacket or envelope of flame, the combustion being sustained by oxygen obtained both from the.primary air introduced into the burner with" the gas and from the surrounding atmosphere. Normally, this envelope of flame completel encloses the stream of unignited mixture as it issues from. the burner orifice. However, as soon as the flame jet encounters the closure or cap, to be applied to the container, and the container, the integrity of the flame envelope is broken by the resulting turbulence and by impingement of the jet upon the relatively cold surfaces of the cap andcorrtainer, and unburned gas mixture from the inner core of the jet spills out into the head-space. This action is timed to take place as the closure is applied to the container, and sterilization of the closure and head-space of the container thereby results and a partial vacuum is thereby formed just as with the processes and machines described in my previous patents.

The particular apparatus, which is described hereinafter and which I ma provide for performing my method, includes a movable burner.

This burner is normally so disposed that the jet of flame is directed away from the closure which is to be applied to the container. Thus, even though the burner supplies a constantly burning jet, the burner is so disposed that the jet will not injure the closure. However, I provide means so that when the container approaches or comes into the sealing zone, the burner is moved into a position where the stream of gases and the enveloping jacket of flame is directed into the space between the container and the closure that is about to be sealed upon the container. As mentioned above, the integrity of the flame envelope is broken by impingement of the jet upon the closure and, moreover, the integrity of the envelope is disturbed by the lag of the outer portion of the flame, relative to the burner tip, as the burner swings into association with the closure. This results in the spilling of a greater amount of unburned gas mixture into the head-space of the container. The movable burner is provided with a tip which reduces the velocity of a small portion of the issuing stream of combustible gas to a point which will insure that a flame will burn continuously on the tip. a A stationary pilot burner is also provided, adjacent the burner, so that in the event the main flame is extinguished for any reason it will be re-established immediately.

In the accompanying drawings, I have illustrated one form of apparatus which may be employed in performing my method. In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the sealing machine.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the machine.

Figure 3 is an enlarged side elevational View of the sealing head and associated mechanism.

Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view of the sealing head and associated mechanism illustrating the two positions of the burner.

Figure 5 is a detailed view, mainly in vertical section, illustrating how the container moves into position to engage the cap to be applied thereto and showing the burner in its normal position with the flame jet directed away from the cap.

Figure 5a is a diagrammatic view illustrating the condition of the flame jet when the burner I is in the position shown in Figure 5.

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, but showing the burner in the position to which it moves as the container withdraws the cap from the chute, the flame jet being directed beneath the cap.

Figure 6a is a view similar to Figure 5a, but showing the condition of the flame jet when the burner is in the position indicated in Figure 6.

Figure 7 is a View similar to Figure 6, but shows the cap being pressed into sealing relationship with the upper end of the container.

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 88 of Figure 4. through the burner mounting and fuel supplying structure.

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 9-9 of Figure 4 through the pilot burner.

Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially along line m m through the burner occupies when a container is in sealing position.

- the top plate 6.

Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the sealing head and associated parts.

With reference to the drawings, and particularly to Figures 1 and 2, I have illustrated one form of my apparatus as comprising generally a supporting table I, a conveyor unit 2, a container gripping and guiding unit 3, and a sealing head unit 4. The conveyor 2 will feed the containers continuously into association with the unit 3 which will grip them and guide them into association with the unit 4. At the unit 4, a cap will be guided into association with the upper end of the container, a flame jet will be directed beneath the cap creating a combustible mixture in the head-space which will be ignited and the cap will be guided into sealing position on the container as combustion occurs. The rapid drop in pressure in the head-space of the container resulting from contraction, upon cooling of the gases remaining in the head-space, will aid in drawing the cap down into sealing relationship to the container. In some cases, depending upon the type of cap used, no further action will be required to seal the cap on the container. However, in other cases it may be desirable to subject the cap to mechanical sealing pressure to permanently seat the cap on the container.

The table I has the four legs 5 which support a top' plate 6 (Figure 1) and a lower shelf 7. The conveyer Z is of any suitable type of endless conveyer and is recessed within the upper surface of the top plate 6. It is driven continuously by a suitable variable speed drive which is not shown. The conveyer will feed the containers continuously to the unit 3 which will grip them and guide them to the sealing head 4. The conveyer 2 has a guide rail 8 associated therewith at the entrance side of the unit 3 and a guide rail 8a at the exit side of the unit 3.

The unit 3 is disposed at a level spaced vertically above the conveyer 2 depending upon the height of the container being sealed. It is disposed intermediate the length of the conveyer and table. Containers placed at random on the loading end of the conveyer will be moved progressively, by the continuously moving conveyer, into association with unit 3. No container indexing mechanism is necessary.

The unit 3 comprises a continuously rotating gripping roller 9 and a gripping segment It), as

shown best in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 13. The roller 9 is supported by a vertical shaft II disposed at one side of the conveyer and extending up from The roller is horizontally disposed and extends over the conveyer 2 in vertically spaced relationship. The roller 9 comprises awheel I2 which is keyed on shaft II and upon which a pneumatic tire I3 is mounted.

The segment I0 is disposed directly opposite the roller 9. It comprises a channel I4 which has its vertically spaced flanges I5 directed inwardly towards roller 9. The edges of flanges I5 are curved and receive the resilient strips I5, which are suitably secured thereto, and which may have serrated outer surfaces. These strips may be formed of rubber or other suitable material. The channel I 4 is supported by top plate 6 at one side of the conveyer. It is provided with depending legs I! (Figure 1) which rest on the upper surface of plate 6 and which are bolted to the plate by the bolts I'Ia. The vertically spaced container contacting strips I6 will be at such levels as to properly grip the containers.

The edges of flanges I5 are so curved that the strips I6 extend relative to the periphery of the epiae'sc 5 the 1 8 in the manner indicated in Figure 12'. At the'entrance end of unit 3, the strips 16 extend over the conveyer a substantial distance and are not concentric with roller ll. "Thus, there is a receiving throat at the entrance end of the unit *3 which is wider than the diameter of thecontainer. The mid-sections of strips it are; however, concentric with roller 9 so that the greatest gripping action on the container will take place while the container is adjacent these sections. Atthe exit end of unit 3, the strips 16 extend an a flatter curve and only slightly over the conveyer and in diverging relationship to the roller "Thus, as each container is moved into associati'on with unit 3, it will first contact roller 9 which will be rotating continuously in a counter- V clockwise direction. The container will be moved into the entrance throat of unit 3 and will be moved into contactwith the strips U3. The container will be rolled along such strips and will be gripped gradually and progressively more firmly between roller 9 and strips 5 6. There 'wfll'be ho tendency for the container to be thrown back from the entrance throat of the unit. roller *9 will be driven continuously in such a manner that the container will travel in the same direction and at the same linear speed or greater linear speed than the conveyor 2. As the container is movedon strips it beyond the mid- --sectlons thereof, it will be released gradually due 'to 'the diverging relationship of roller 9 and strips is driven by pulley Ill. Pulley I9 is driven 'by a'belt 20 which is driven by a pulley 2E keyed "on the drive shaft of an electric motor 22. The "motor 22 is carried by the shelf oi thetable.

Thesealing head unit is also supported by thechannel M. This unit is shown best in Figutes [to 4, and 13. It includes a downwardly and forwardly inclined cap chute 23 which comprises a pair of spaced guide rails 2 which are in the form of angle members. The'rails 2 4 are supported by a bracket '25 which includes a horiuontal shelf 26 that is removably attached by bolts 2! (Figures 1 and 3') to an upstanding support 28 carried on the upper surface of member M. The shelf 25 projects laterally from niember'zs a sumcient distance to properly positlcn the cap chute-over the path of movement of the containers. Furthermore, the shelf will be disposed at a proper height-to locate the lower end of the cap feed the proper level depending upon the height of the containers being sealed.

'The rails 24 will support the caps'ZS which are disposed in edge-to-edge relationship.

The caps which Iuse'fer sealing the containers may be of various types although, in this,

instance, I have illustrated side seal caps, as shown best in Figures 5 to '7. These side seal caps are commonly used for sealingiglass jars of the type shown in the drawings and indicated by the numeral it. This glass jar is provided a with a reduced mouth having a sealing shoulder 31 with which the gasket 32 of the cap-cooperates. The gasket is disposed within .a socket doomed in an'enlarged "annular head 33' on the flower edge oftheskirt of the cap.

-- For preventing the lowermost cap from dropp-ing from the cap chute, the vertical flanges of rails 24 are provided at the lower ends of the rails with inwardly projecting cars 34, as shown bestin Figures 2, 4 and .13. These ears engage the bead 33 on opposite sides of the cap. Thus, thel'owermost cap is normally in inclined position at the bottom of the cap chute so that its skirt will be engaged by the leading edge of the container mouth to which it is to be applied in ordertthat the cap will be withdrawn from the chute.

At the lower end of the cap chute, means is also provided for leveling the cap and pressing it on the mouth of the container, as it is Withdrawn from the chute by a container moving past the lower end of the chute. This means comprises a leveling tongue 35 (Figures 5 and 6) which is attached to shelf 25 midway between rails 24 and is inclined downwardly and forwardly in substantially the same plane as the horizontal flanges of the rails 24. The lower extremity of tongue 35 is spaced a short distance above-the lower ends of rails 24. Above the forward edge of shelf 26, a block 36 is secured to the rails 2-4. This block carries a cap depressing unit which includes a leaf spring 3? that extends downwardly to the lower ends of rails 2%. This spring 31 carries a, beveled cap contacting member 38 at its lower end which normally engages the upper corner of the leading edge of the lowermost cap in the chute.

Normal-ly the cap will be supported, as in Figure 5, with its leading edge engaging member 38 and cars 34. Its trailing edge will be supported by tongue .35. When the leadingedge of the moving container engages the skirt of the cap at its leading edge, the cap will be withdrawn from the cap chute as the container moves. In the initial movement of the cap, the head 33 willbe lifted above the ears 34 and they will, subsequently, not contact the edge of the cap. At the same time, the member 38 is lifted against the force of spring 37! and the cap slides down the tongue 35. The member 38 will continue to ride over the surface of the cap as it is withdrawn, as shown in Figure 6, and will press the cap onto the container. The cap will gradually slide down the tongue .35. The cap will be gradually leveled .by this action, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, until it is pressed down completely on the mouth of the container, I In order to sterilize the cap and container as the cap is being withdrawn from the chute and in order to create the desired partial vacuum within the container, I provide the movable burner 39. The burner 39 is in the form of an elbow carried by a burner pivot 0 which is disposed adjacent the entrance end of unit 3 and is carried by the member it. The burner projects horizontally and is normally in the full-line position indicated in Figure 4. It is disposed at a 7 lower level than shelf 2$and below the lower extremity of the cap chute so that it will not interfere with such members in either of its. positions. v

I The burner comprises a main tube which has a tip d! disposed within its outer end, as shown in 751 passage 42 with con'siderablevelocity and, will form the central cone of the flame jet which will consist of unburned mixture. The gas mixture which enters through openings 44 with considerable velocity will expand in passage 43 and its velocity will be decreased so that it will flow slowly through slot 45 thereby ensuring that a flame will burn continuously on the burner tip, as shown in Figures a and 6a.

As shown in Figure 8, the burner 39 has its inner end mounted on and communicating with a hollow block-like member 46. The member 46 is threaded on the upper end of a sleeve 4! which has an integral nut 48 on its lower edge. The nut 48 cooperates with a shoulder 49 on member 46 to clamp in position a ball bearing 50. This ball bearing is disposed within a ring 50a which is supported on and bolted to flange E5 of member I4. A fuel line 52 is threaded upwardly into flange I5 and communicates with the sleeve 41. Thus, the burner 39 can be swung about the axes of member 46 and sleeve 41 While the connection between line 52 and burner 39 is still maintained.

A branch passage 53 leads from the line 52 through flange I5. This. passage has a small fuel line 54 connected thereto. This line 54 leads to and carries a pilot burner 55 which is shown in Figure 9. The burner 55 is in the form an inverted cup having a small air inlet opening 55 in its top. The pilot burner is directly adjacent the tip of burner 39 when it is in its normal position, as shown in Figure 4. Thus, if the flame of the main burner is extinguished for any reason it will be rc-established immediatel by the pilot burner.

The fuel line 52, as shown in Figure 1, is connected to a blower and mixer unit 51 which is carried by the shelf 1. The unit 5'! comprises an electric motor 58 which drives a fan 59 that is shown best in Figure 11. The fan includes a cylindrical casing 60 which has a reduced extension 6| on its upper side that forms a mixing chamber. This extension 6| has an air inlet 62, the size of which may be varied by an adjustable plate 63. The fan 59 rotates in a clockwise direction and comprises a plurality of blades curved as indicated. A gas line 64 is connected to the caeing extension 5| but it will be noted that line 52 is connected to the main part of the casing 60. Thus, when the fan rotates, it draws gas from line 54 and air through inlet 62 into the extension 6!, where the gas and air mingle, and then down into the main part of casing 60 from which it is forced through line 52. The line 54 is provided with a needle valve 55 for regulating the amount of gas entering the casing. Thus, by regulating needle valve 65 and/or air inlet 62, the proportion of gas to air of the mixture entering line 52 may be regulated. I

In order to swing the burner over beneath the cap chute to the position indicated by dotted lines in Figure 4 where the tip will be just behind the lowermost cap, as the container to be sealed approaches sealing position, I provide the lever arrangement shown best in Figures 2, 4, 12 and 13. A lever 66 has one end pivoted to the upper surface of member l4 adjacent the exit end of unit 3 by a pivot 67. This lever extends along member 14 beneath the shelf to the pivot unit of burner 39, Member 46 is provided with a laterally extending lug 68 which is connected by pivoted link 68a (Figure 4) to the end of lever 66 A compression spring 69 carried by the upstanding support 28 presses on the outer edge of lever 56 intermediate its ends and normally tends to swing it inwardly and thereby keep the burner 39 in its normal position. Intermediate the ends of lever 65 a container engaging finger i0 is fastened thereto, and is of such size that it normally projects into the path of movement of the containers carried through unit 3. This finger I0 is so located along the lever that the'container will engage it as the mouth of the container is about to engage the lowermost cap to withdraw it from the chute. Thus, as the cap is withdrawn, the burner is swung over so that the jet of flame will project beneath the cap and into the headspace of the container.

Normally, the burner 39 will be in the position indicated by the full lines in Figure 4. The gas or gaseous mixture being discharged from the burner tip will flow constantly, and as shown in Figure 5a, the burner will produce a jet J of flame. The burner is supplied with a combustible mixture by the unit 51 which includes insufficient air for complete combustion of the gas. Consequently, the jet J will consist of a cone C of unburned gas surrounded by a jacket or envelope E of flame, the combustion of the envelope of flame being sustained by oxygen obtained both from the primary air introduced into the burner with the gas and from the surrounding atmosphere. This envelope of flame normally completely encloses the stream of gas mixture as it issues from the burner tip, as shown in Figure 5a. The burner is so disposed at this time that the jet of flame is directed away from the lowermost cap in the cap chute and from the sealing head 4 and associated parts of the machine. Thus, even though the burner supplies a constantly burning jet, no injury to the cap or machine will result therefrom.

When the container to be sealed reaches the gripping unit 3, it is gripped firmly and moved into position to engage the lowermost cap in the chute. The unit 3 exerts the maximum gripping action on the container as it withdraws the cap from the chute. As the container engages the cap, as shown in Figure 6, it also engages finger 10 which causes the burner 39 to swing over into such position that the jet J of flame is directed beneath the cap. As soon as the flame jet J encounters the cap and container, the integrity of the flame envelope E is broken by the resulting turbulence, as shown in Figure 6a, and by impingement of the jet upon the relative cold surfaces of the cap and container. Consequently, unburned gas mixture from the inner cone C of the jet spills out into the head-space of the container and mixes with the free oxygen therein to produce a completely combustible mix, such oxygen supporting combustion of such gases and being consumed in the combustion thereof. Automatic ignition of the gas and air mixture in the head-space results from the normally burning portion of the jet. This takes place, as shown in Figure 6, as the cap is being withdrawn and leveled by continued movement of the container relative to the cap chute. Combustion of the charge not only expands and displaces the air in the head-space, but also consumes the oxygen therein. As combustion subsides, and expansion is substantially complete, the cap will drop into the level position indicated in Figure 7 and will be pressed down on the container by member 38. A suificient vacuum will be created by this action, due to subsequent contraction of the gases in the head-space, and will aid in drawing the cap down into final sealing position. The container head-space and cap will be sterilized by 9. the: intense heat. developed during the combustion, of the mixture of air and gas beneath. the. cap and in the head-space.

As the; continuously moving container passes. out of contact .with finger HI, the burner 39- will he returned to its normal position, When the jet moves out. of sealing position, it will again he in the condition illustrated in Figure. a with the inner cone of unburned mixture C completely enclosed by the envelope-E of. flame.

It will be apparent that I have provided a. simple, efifective and economical method for continuouslyvacuumizing. and, sealingv containers, By using my new method of introducing the comustible gases into.- thehead-space of the container,

at very great simplification or the apparatusv for performing the process results. No valves tor the control of the flow of gases into the headspace of the container are required. urthermore, the gases are introduced into the headspace in such a Waythat ignition takes place automatically and no. special ignition apparatus is required. The container guiding and gripping unit is very efiective and no indexing, mechanism isrequired for the containers'so that they can be fed at random to, the machine.

Various other advantages will be apparent.

Having thus described my invention, whatv I claim is:

1. A method of closing and, sealing a container which comprises providing a. jet of flame and supplying said jet. of flame with insufficient air for. complete combustion so that it is in, the form of an envelope of burning gases having a core of unburned gases, directing said jet of flame into the head-space. of the container so as to break the'integrity of the. flame envelope in order that the gas mixture. from the inner core of the jet spills out into the head-space where it mingles. with the air within the head-space to form. a combustible mixture, immediately igniting such resultant combustible mixture by t e remaining part of the flame envelope to rapidly burn such mixture, and sealing the closure on the container while combustion of such mixture in the headspace subsides.

f2. The method of closing andv sealin a. containerwhich comprises providing a, closure'memher in spaced relationship to the container, providing. a jet of flame and supplying said jet of name withinsufficient air for complete combustion sothat it isv in the form of an envelope of burning gases having a core of unburned gases, directing said jet of flame beneath the closure member and into the head-space of the container so as. to break the integrity of the flame envelope by having it contact the closure member and the container in order that the gas mixture from the inner core of the jet spills out into the head space where it mingles with the air within the head space to form a combustible mixture, immediately igniting such resultant combustible mixture by the remaining part of theflame envelope to rapidly burn such mixture, and sealing the closas. to. break the integrity of the flame envelope.

n order tha he unburned. as. mix ure. from the. inner core of the jetspills out into the head-space and .mingles with the air therein to form. a com-.- ble mixture, immediately nd automatically igniting such resultant combustible mixture the. remainder of the envelope of flame thereby causing he ases beneath the cap. and the head-space. of the container to expand, and Sub.- seq n ly to. con ract, and seating he cap. on the container, as combustion subsides and while the, urned g s are. expanded, in ealing p sition relative. thereto.

4. The. method of continuously sealing cap on containers which comprises moving the containers c ntinuously, providing a. j t of flame and. supplying said jet of flame with insufficient air for complete combustion so that it is in the form of an envelope of burning gases having a core of unburned gases, guiding a cap into position over each successive container during its continuous moyement and while guiding the cap into such position directing said jet of flame beneath the cap and into. contact with the can so as to break. the integrity of the flame envelope in order that the unburned gas mixture from the inner core of the jet spills out into the head-space and mingles with the air therein to form a combus,-' tible mixture, immediately and automatically igniting such resultant combustible mixture by the remainder of the envelope of, flame, thereby causing the gases beneath the cap and in the head-space of the container to expand and sub-- sequently to. contract, seating the cap on the container, as combustion subsides and While the burned gases are expanded, during continuous, movement of the container.

5. Apparatus for closing and sealing a container comprising a burner for directing a flame into the head-space of the container, means for constantly supplying said burner with a gas and air mixture to provide a constantly burning flame, said means functioning to supply only part of the air needed. for combustion of the as s p-.-

plied thereby So as to produce a flame in the form of an envelope of burning gas and, acore of unburned gas in order that when the integrity of the flame, envelope is broken upon entering into the container the gas, mixture from the inher core of the jet will spill out into the 'headspace where it mingles with the air within the head-space to form a completely combustible mixture which is immediately ignited by the re-. maining part of, the flame envelope, and means for sealing the closure on the container as combustion of; such mixture in the head-space subsides.

6. Apparatus for closing and sealin a cone tainer comprising means for supporting a closure member in spaced relationship to the upper end of the container, aburner for directing a flame beneath the closure member and into th head space of the container, means for constantly supplying said burner with a gas. and air mixture to provide a constantly burning flame, said means functioning to supply only part of the air needed for combustion of the gas supplied. thereby so as to produ a name in the f rm of a e l p of burning gas and a. core of unburned gas in order that. when the integrity of the flame. envelope is broken upon. encountering the closure member nasamixture whichis immediately ignited the re-.

maining part of the flame envelope, and means for moving the closure member and the container relatively to seal the closure member on comprising an inclined cap chute for feeding caps successively into position to be engaged by the upper ends of containers moved successively into association therewith, means for so moving the containers, a burner associated with the cap chute and having a constantly burning flame which is directed beneath each successive cap into the head space of each successive container as the cap is withdrawn from the chute, and a mixer and blower unit for supplying air and gas to the burner, the air and gas being supplied in such amounts that there is insufficient air for complete combustion of the gas.

8. Apparatus for closing and sealing containers comprising an inclined cap chute for feeding caps successively into position to be engaged by the upper ends of containers moved successively into association therewith, means for so moving the containers, and a burner associated with the cap chute and having a constantly burning flame which is directed beneath each successive cap into the head space of each successive container as the cap is withdrawn from the chute, said burner comprising a central core for high velocity gas mixture and a surrounding passage for low Velocity gas mixture.

9. Apparatus for closing and sealing containers comprising an inclined cap chute for feeding caps successively into position to be engaged by the upper ends of containers moved successively into association therewith, means for so movin the containers, and a burner associated with the cap chute and having a constantly burning flame which is directed beneath each successive cap into the head space of each successive container as the cap is withdrawn from the chute, said burner being pivoted for swinging movement and normally occupying a position where'it is directed away from the cap chute, and means for moving the burner each time a container is moved into engagement with the lowermost cap in the chute so that the flame will be directed beneath said cap and into the head space of said container.

10. Apparatus for closing and sealing containers comprising an inclined cap chute for feeding caps successively into position to be engaged by the upper ends of containers moved successively into association therewith, means for guiding the containers into association with the cap chute and for gripping them as they withdraw caps from the chute, said guiding and grip ping means comprising a driven roller adapted to engage one side of each container and an arcuate member adapted to engage the opposite 'side of the container, and a burner associated with the cap chute and having a, constantly burning flame which is directed beneath each successive cap into the head space of each successive container as the cap is withdrawn from the chute.

11. Apparatus for closing and sealing containers comprising an inclined cap chute for feeding caps successively into position to be engaged by the upper ends of containers moved successively into association therewith, means for guiding the containers into association with the cap chute and for gripping them as they withdraw caps'from the chute, said container guiding and gripping means comprising a, driven roller adapted to engage one side of each container and an arcuate member adapted to engage the opposite side of the container, said arcuate member including portions concentric and portions eccentric with the axis of said roller, and a burner associated with the cap chute and having a constantly burning flame which is directed beneath each successive, cap into the head space of each successive container as the cap is withdrawn from the chute.

12. Apparatus for closing and sealing containers comprising an inclined cap chute for feeding caps successively into position to be en-' gaged bythe upper ends of containers moved successivelyinto association therewith, means for guiding the containers into association with the cap chute and for gripping them as they withdraw caps from the chute, said guiding and grip-" ping means comprising adriven roller adapted to engage one side of each container and an arcuate member adapted to engage the opposite side of the container, said roller comprising a wheel supporting a pneumatic tire and said arcuate member carrying a strip of compressible material which engages the side of the container.

13. Apparatus for closing and sealing containers comprising an inclined cap chute for feeding caps successively into position to be engaged by the upper ends of containers moved successively into association therewith, means for guidingthe containers into association with the cap chute and for gripping them as they withdraw caps from the chute, means for leveling the cap and pressing it on the container as it is withdrawn from the cap chute, a burner associated with the cap chute and having a constantly burning flame, said burner being pivotally mounted and normally being directed away from the cap chute, and means for swinging the burner as the containe' is moved into position to engage the cap in the chute so that the flame will be directed beneath said cap and for returnin it to its normal position as the capped container is moved away from the cap chute.

I 14. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the container guiding and gripping means comprises a positively driven roller and an arcuate member which grip opposite sides of the containers, and wherein said burner moving means is associated with said guiding and gripping means and includes a finger which normally projects into the path of movement of said containers.

15. Apparatus according to claim 13 including a stationary pilot burner supported adjacent the pivotally mounted burner.

16. Apparatus for applying caps to containers comprising a cap feeding unit for supporting a cap in position to be'engaged by a container moved into association therewith, means for moving a container into association with said unit and for gripping the container as it engages the cap, said means comprising a driven roller adapted to engage one side of the container, said roller including a pneumatic tire for engaging the container, and an arcuate member adapted to engage the opposite side of the container and along which the container is rolled by the roller, saidarcuate member carrying a strip of serrated rubber adapted to contact with the container, said arcuate member having end sections eccentric to the axis of said roller and an intermediate section concentric to the axis of said roller 13 whereby the container will be gradually gripped and then gradually relased.

17. Apparatus for applying caps to containers comprising a cap-feeding unit for supporting a cap in position to be engaged by a container moved into association therewith, said unit including a chute formed of spaced angle members which are inwardly directed and which are downwardly inclined so that they support the caps in edge-to-edge relationship, means for preventing the lowermost cap from dropping from the chute, said means comprising inwardly directed lugs carried by said angle members, means for guiding the cap into level position on the container and for pressing it thereon as the cap is with- N drawn from the cap chute, said means compris- Ring a tongue disposed in substantially the same planeras the inwardly directed flange of the angle membersiior engaging the lower sides of the caps, and a leahspring disposed between the angle members and inclined to the same extent for engaging'the top sides of the caps, said leaf spring carrying a beveled cap-engaging surface on its lower end, said tongue terminating above the comprising a driven roller carrying a pneumatic tire for engaging one side of the container and an arcuate member on the opposite side of the lower end of said spring, and means for gripping 25 the container as it engages the cap, said means container, said member having end sections eccentric relative to the axis of the roller and an intermediate section concentric with the aXis of the roller, said member carrying a serrated rubber strip for engaging the container.

WILLIAM D. BELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,801,062 White et a1 Apr. 14, 1931 1,986,595 Fischer Jan. 1, 1935 2,284,631 Bell June 2, 1942 2,361,365 Bell Oct. 31, 1944 2,433,549 Enkur et al Dec. 30, 1947 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 576,415 Germany Apr. 13, 1932