Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for applying closures to containers, and capable of applying stake-on caps having generally rectangular cross-sectional exterior surfaces to container whose bodies are also of the same general cross-section, the parts being delivered in random orientation, and each cap being applied to a container in such a manner that it is in proper orientation with respect to the container when finally assembled. The apparatus includes a turret (54) provided with a non-rotatable cam (108), an interrupted drive gear (114), and an alternate continuous drive gear (124). Mounted on the turret (54) for rotation about the centerline of the turret are a plurality of spindle assemblies (90). When applying a rectangular closure (14) to a container (12) designed to receive the closure in only one position of orientation a novel chuck assembly (130) is employed which has an engagement portion which may be held in one of two detent positions spaced 180.degree. apart. When this form of chuck assembly is utilized a driven gear (112) is coupled to the interrupted drive gear (114) by a clutch assembly including a hub (116) mounted on spline shaft (94) and key (118). The parts are so designed that the closure engaging portion (138, 140) will be rotated either 180.degree. or 360.degree. as the body (132) of the chuck assembly is caused to be rotated 360.degree.. When a conventional closure is to be applied to a conventional container, a conventional chuck assembly is substituted for the chuck assembly (130) of this invention and the rotatable spindle is caused to be continuously rotated by a continuous gear (124).

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First Claim