Patent ID: 6810636
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: B29C,B31B

Abstract:
A container and spout assembly apparatus for assembling a plurality of flexible containers with corresponding spouts, the apparatus comprising:a plurality of assembly stations substantially rotatably positioned about a general axis of rotation, each of the plurality of assembly stations including, a container manipulating assembly for retaining and manipulating one of a plurality of flexible containers; a spout grasping and positioning member for relatively positioning one of a plurality of spouts in a desired position relative to one of a plurality of flexible containers upon at least one of manipulation and retention thereof by the container manipulating assembly; and a joining assembly for joining one of a plurality of flexible containers and one of a plurality of spouts positioned into a desired position relative to the flexible container by the spout grasping and positioning member; a container introduction station, for sequentially introducing each one of a plurality of flexible containers to the respective container manipulating assembly of the plurality of assembly stations; a spout introduction station, for sequentially introducing each one of a plurality of spouts to the respective spout grasping and positioning member of the plurality of assembly stations; and a container removal station, for removing each one of a plurality of flexible containers and spouts from each of the plurality of assembly stations after joining of same by the joining assembly.