Patent ID: 6655115
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: B67B

Abstract:
An automated method of forming a seal over a cork in a necked bottle as the bottle moves along an automated bottle track using a die with an image bearing die surface contained within a seal embossing mechanism, the method comprising:providing a molten seal material which is in a molten state outside of the bottle; introducing the molten seal material in the molten state from outside the bottle into the cavity above the cork in the neck of the bottle; superimposing the image bearing surface of the seal embossing mechanism over the mouth of the bottle containing the molten seal material; centering the top of the bottle relative to the seal embossing mechanism; extending a die surface having a die image from the seal embossing mechanism into contact with the surface of the molten seal material; motivating the seal embossing mechanism along an automated seal track coincident with the movement of the bottle along the automated bottle track with an image bearing die surface in contact with the molten seal material until the molten material has cooled so that the seal impression will be retained by the sealing material; and retracting the image bearing die surface away from the surface of the cooled molten seal material.