Patent ID: 6293170
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: B67B

Abstract:
Apparatus for opening a container having a twist-off top, wherein said apparatus comprises:a base including an upward-facing lower platen;first and second conductive posts extending upward from said base;a carriage including a downward-facing upper platen displaced above said lower platen, wherein said carriage is movable along said first and second conductive posts;a knob movable to cause movement of said upper platen in a first direction, toward said lower platen, wherein said knob is slidably mounted to move on said carriage through a predetermined distance parallel to movement of said carriage along said first and second conductive posts;a spring, resisting movement of said knob in said first direction, and restoring said knob opposite said first direction;a platen drive causing relative rotation between said upper and lower platens, wherein said platen drive includes an electrical motor, andcontrol means causing operation of said platen drive, wherein said control means operates in response to relative movement between said knob and said first carriage, wherein said control means includes electrical contacts closed by movement of said knob in said first direction relative to said carriage, and closing said electrical contacts causes current to flow through said electrical motor, wherein said control means includes a first circuit applying a first voltage to said first conductive post, and a second circuit applying a second voltage across electrical contacts when said first contact is applied to said second conductive posts, and wherein said electrical contacts are within said carriage, establishing electrical contact between said first and second posts when said knob is fully moved in said first direction relative to said carriage, and breaking electrical contact between said first and second posts when said knob is released.