The present invention relates to an apparatus for capping in succession containers transported on a conveyance device. The apparatus comprises a cap dispensing station for applying caps on the containers. The cap dispensing station includes a cap release passage, a gating unit and a movable cap ejector. The gating unit includes a barrier, capable to acquire either one of first and second operative positions, and a barrier drive mechanism. In the first operative position, the barrier at least partially closes the cap release passage for preventing a cap from freely travelling through the passage under the effect of gravity. In the second operative position, the barrier uncovers the cap release passage for allowing a cap to pass through the passage. The cap ejector engages the barrier drive mechanism such that the barrier drive mechanism causes the barrier to acquire the second operative position. The capping apparatus yields the benefit of repeatable accurate cap dispensing over containers to be capped, by virtue of the novel gating unit.

A cartridge positioning and holding mechanism has a fixed guide for positioning a single-open-ended cartridge when the single-open-ended cartridge is inserted in an axial direction thereof with a cap positioned ahead, and a movable chuck openable and closable for forming and holding the single-open-ended cartridge after a film coil is inserted into the single-open-ended cartridge in an axial direction of the spool of the film coil. The film coil can be inserted into the single-open-ended cartridge highly accurately and efficiently with a simple and small arrangement.

A device for applying a cap on the neck of a bottle or similar container comprises an applying head movable along an axis and provided with an assembly for gripping the cap having a tubular body with an end mouth which is adapted to receive and hold within it the cap. Inside said tubular body is mounted freely slidable an ejector member. Stop means are provided to limit the upwards displacement of the ejector member with respect to a fixed reference when the applying head moves upwards subsequent to an application of a cap.

A feed unit for a container closure device, with a feed device for container closures and a transfer device which transfers the closures from the feed device to a workstation at which containers are closed. The feed device has a rail that terminates at a stationary check shoulder which protrudes into the feed path of the closures along the feed device rail to position each closure to be picked up by the transfer device moving on a path.

An improved pre-capping machine and method for pre-capping containers that are advanced along a predetermined path by standard conveyor systems. The present invention pretightens caps, plugs, overcaps and other fitments to ensure that they are squarely placed on the containers, without damage to the containers, in preparation for their final closure. The apparatus comprises a spindle assembly, having a longitudinal spindle axis, that is connected to a frame for movement of the spindle assembly along the spindle axis. The spindle assembly comprises a cap gripper that is configured to hold a cap centered over the open end of a container so that axes through the cap, the open end of the container and the spindle assembly generally coincide. To place a cap on the container, the spindle is released for free movement along the spindle axis.