Patent GB-296698-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to machines for stoppering, capping, or sealing bottles,jars, and other receptacles
IPC: B67B3/24
Filed: 1927-05-05
Abstract: 296,698. Huxley, J. H., and Stephens, W. A. May 5, 1927. Stoppering.-Relates to apparatus for stoppering, capping, or sealing bottles &c., of the type in which the bottles &c. are sealed in vacuo and in which the difference in pressure within and without the sealing chamber is utilized to operate the sealing means. According, to the invention a bottle &c. B is placed in a. chamber C having a flexible wall D which is deflected on a difference of pressure obtaining on either side thereof. The deflections of the flexible wall or diaphragm D is utilized to actuate means for applying or securing the cap A to the bottle. Fig. 1 shows the apparatus used for applying closures of the type described in Specification 289,348, [Class 125 (iii), Stoppers &c.], and comprises a presser member 1 and a co-axial cap-shaped member 2. The diaphragm forms a false head to the chamber C so that air can be separately admitted to the space above the diaphragm. Suction is applied at the nozzle N and the pressure in the chamber C is indicated by a gauge G. As air is exhausted from the chest the head descends, due to the atmospheric pressure above the diaphragm. The member 1 applies the cap A and as the difference in pressure is increased the spring 3 is overcome and the cup 2 closes the securing curls A<1> of the cap under the shoulder of the bottle &c. The movement of the head 1 relative to the cup 2 is limited by a pin 1b operating in a slot 2d, and the tension in the spring 3 is adjusted by the nuts 11. In a modification for use with closures of the type described in Specification 263,603, [Class 125 (iii), Stoppers &c.], the cup 2 is dispensed with, and the diaphragm is spring-loaded, In this arrangement any desired degree of vacuum is obtained by adjusting the spring. The bottles &c. may be introduced to the chamber by a reciprocating platform P or through lateral ports. The tappet-arm 23 fixed to the platform P may operate a valve 24 to automatically control the suction applied to the chamber C and also the re-admission of air. In a further modification, both sides of the diaphragm are exhausted and air is subsequently admitted on one side to give a more powerful stroke to the head. Both manual and automatic control means for the vacuum are described for this modification. The invention is further described as applied to a rotary apparatus in which the bottles are reciprocated on pedestals co-operating with a circular cam-track. The diaphragm may be fitted in the platform P (Fig. 1) and a bed for the bottle &c. may be secured thereto. In this case the platform is stationary and the chest C is reciprocated. In a further modification for applying caps of the type described in Specification 233,602 the diaphragm operates a cone disposed between two resiliently controlled pivoted arms. For the modifications are shown and described for securing closures of the kind known under the registered trade mark " Phoenix " in which the diaphragm operates a pressure ring, and in which the diaphragm is located in the side of the chest. The vacuum in the chest may be broken by admitting dry steam at pressures from ¢ to 5 lbs. per sq. in. The diaphragm may be dished or capped to increase the surface and traverse thereof.