Patent ID: 6187235
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: B29C,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of processing caps comprising the steps of:molding at an elevated temperature a liner having a raised sealing ring with an upper surface inside the cap to form a lined cap;advancing a stream of lined caps from a first position to a second position while supplying cooling air to the lined caps to cool the liner sufficiently rapidly to form a skin at least on the upper surface of the sealing ring before the caps arrive at the second position for further processing, wherein the step of advancing further includes:providing a rotating first turntable for receiving the lined caps at the first position and advancing the lined caps to the second position;providing a cooler for supplying cooling air;providing an open-ended enclosure extending between the first position and the second position, the enclosure forming a channel through which the first turntable rotates, the enclosure being adapted to receive the cooling air in the channel, so that as the first turntable moves the lined caps from the first position to the second position through the channel the liner is exposed to the cooling air and is cooled sufficiently rapidly to form the skin at least on the upper surface of the sealing ring before the lined caps arrive at the second position;providing a rotating second turntable for receiving lined caps from the first turntable at the second position and advancing the lined caps toward a third position;providing a vacuum pump for drawing a vacuum and applying it to the caps on the second turntable; andproviding at least one inspection station being coupled to the second turntable.