David W Liebal

US Patent:

61053430, Aug 22, 2000

Filed:

Nov 6, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/187961

Inventors:

Michael A. Grove - Copley OH
Scott A. McSherry - Uniontown OH
David W. Liebal - Seven Hills OH

Assignee:

Pneumatic Scale Corporation - Cuyahoga Falls OH

International Classification:

B65B 728

US Classification:

53490

Abstract:

A capping machine (10) and method for installing a cap (12) having a threaded portion onto a container (14) having a threaded portion, the threaded portion of the cap corresponding to the threaded portion of the container, the capping machine having a rotatable turret (20) and a rotatable cap chuck (16) which grips the cap and positions the cap on the container. The cap chuck is rotated by a spindle (22) driven by a servo motor (24) at adjustable and reversible rotational velocities independent of the rotational velocity of the turret. The number of rotations of the cap is determined by monitoring the number of rotations of the servo motor compared to the number of rotations of the turret and is transmitted to a spindle drive control(70). The torque imparted to the cap is monitored by a torque monitor (50) and is transmitted to the spindle drive control. The rotational velocity of the cap is adjustable in response to the compared monitored number of rotations and monitored torque.