Patent Publication Number: US-6655109-B2

Title: Filler device sub-assembly and associated method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/208,185 filed May 31, 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates in general to a filler device sub-assembly, and more particularly, to a filler device sub-assembly, which among other things, substantially precludes air and/or other matter from undesirably entering an associated container upon and/or prior to filling of the same and/or which facilitates reliable uncapping, capping, and/or recapping of the container. 
     2. Background Art 
     Filling assemblies for use in association with filler devices have been known in the art for years and are the subject of numerous patents including: U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,683; U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,844; U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,151; U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,552; U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,253; U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,882; U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,833; U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,381; U.S. Pat. No. 4,437,498; U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,054; U.S. Pat. No. 3,774,658; U.S. Pat. No. 3,568,734; U.S. Pat. No. 3,430,639; EP Pat. No. 568,121 A1; and EP Pat. No. 554,951 A1. While the above-identified fill assemblies have become commercially available for use in association with filler devices, problems associated with precluding air and/or other undesirable matter from entering an associated container before filling as well as uncapping, capping, and/or recapping at an operatively acceptable speed remain largely problematic. In addition, problems associated with replacing a stock or common cap associated with a pre-filled and/or pre-capped container with a different, specialized cap have been identified. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a reliable, filler device sub-assembly for use in association with any one of a number of filler devices, including rotary fillers, which remedies the detriments and/or complications associated with conventional filler assemblies known in the art. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a filler device sub-assembly comprising: (a) a first cap gripping arm and a second cap gripping arm, wherein each of the first and second cap gripping arms include a second end, and wherein the second ends of the first and second cap gripping arms cooperatively define a cap retaining region; (b) a pivot opening associated with each of the first and second cap gripping arms, wherein the first and second cap gripping arms are pivotable about the pivot opening; and (c) means for guiding a cap into the cap retaining region, wherein the cap guiding means facilitates outward pivoting of at least one of the first and second cap gripping arms by a cap which results in directing a cap into the retaining region toward retention thereof. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cap guiding means further includes an extending surface associated with at least one of the first and second cap gripping arms, wherein the extending surface facilitates the outward pivoting of the associated cap gripping arm upon contact by a cap. In this embodiment, each of the first and second cap gripping arms may include an extending surface. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each second end of the first and second cap gripping arms is configured so that the defined retaining region substantially matches the configuration of a cap. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filler device sub-assembly further comprises means for biasing each of the first and second cap gripping arms toward each other. In this embodiment, the biasing means may comprise at least one spring attached to each of the first and second cap gripping arms. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filler device sub-assembly further includes means for sensing at least one of the presence or absence of a cap within the holding region. In this embodiment, the sensing means may comprise a proximity sensor. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the filler device sub-assembly may further comprise: (a) a first rim gripping arm and a second rim gripping arm, wherein each of the first and second rim gripping arms include a second end, and wherein the second ends of the first and second rim gripping arms cooperatively define a rim retaining region, and further wherein the first and second rim gripping arms are pivotable about the pivot opening and; (b) means for guiding a rim of a container into the rim retaining region, wherein the rim guiding means facilitates outward pivoting of at least one of the first and second rim gripping arms by a rim of a container which results in directing the rim of a container into the rim retaining region toward retention thereof. 
     The present invention is also directed to a filler device sub-assembly comprising: (a) a first rim gripping arm and a second rim gripping arm, wherein each of the first and second rim gripping arms include a second end, and wherein the second ends of the first and second rim gripping arms cooperatively define a rim retaining region; (b) a pivot opening associated with each of the first and second rim gripping arms, wherein the first and second rim gripping arms are pivotable about the pivot opening; and (c) means for guiding a rim of a container into the rim retaining region, wherein the rim guiding means facilitates outward pivoting of at least one of the first and second rim gripping arms by a rim of a container which results in directing the rim of a container into the retaining region toward retention thereof. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a filler device sub-assembly for filling a container with product. The container includes an inner surface, an inner volume, a rim and a cap. The sub-assembly comprises means for retaining a rim of a container, means for substantially sealing rim and means for manipulating the cap. The substantial sealing means substantially seals at least one of the product and a portion of the inner surface of the container against a rim of the container, to, in turn, substantially preclude the ingress to and egress from the volume of the container. The manipulating means manipulates the cap of the container, to in turn, remove the cap from the rim of the container, and, to re-engage the cap onto the rim of the container. The removal and re-engagement of the cap occurs when the substantial sealing means actively substantially seals the volume of the container. 
     The present invention is also directed to a filler device sub-assembly having a means for manipulating a cap. The cap manipulating means includes a rotation post, first and second cap gripper arms and a cam. The rotation post includes a follower attached thereto. The first and second cap gripper arms are capable of retaining the cap in a gripped orientation. The first and second cap gripper arms are pivotally associated with the rotation post. The cam is associated with the follower such that the cam actuates the follower to, in turn, impart rotation of the rotation post and associated cap gripper arms a predetermined arcuate distance upon movement of the rotation post in either of a substantially upward and substantially downward movement. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the cam may include an upper cam portion and a lower cam portion. The cam actuates the follower. In turn, the cam through the follower imparts rotation of the rotation post and associated cap gripper arms a predetermined arcuate distance upon movement of the rotation post in one of substantially upward and substantially downward movement. Subsequently, the cam imparts rotation of the rotation post a further predetermined arcuate distance in the same direction upon movement of the rotation post in the other of the substantially upward and substantially downward movement. As a result, continued upward and downward movement directs the rotation post through a full circular rotation. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1A of the drawings is a fragmentary top view of a filler device sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention showing, in particular, the cap manipulating means; 
     FIG. 1B of the drawings is a fragmentary top view of a filler device sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention showing, in particular, the rim retaining means; 
     FIG. 2 of the drawings is a fragmentary side elevational view of a filler device sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention taken partially along line A—A and partially along line B—B of FIG. 1B; 
     FIG. 3 of the drawings is a fragmentary side elevational view of a filler device sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention taken along line A—A of FIG. 1B; 
     FIG. 4 of the drawings is a fragmentary side elevational view of a filler device sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention taken along line A—A of FIG. 1B showing, among other things, an upper end thereof; 
     FIG. 5 of the drawings is a perspective view of a filler device sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 of the drawings is a fragmentary side elevational view of an embodiment of a cap manipulation means in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 of the drawings is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cap manipulation means in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 of the drawings is a side elevational view of a filler device in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 9 of the drawings is a fragmentary top view of a filler device in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
     It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, are identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. 
     Referring now to the drawings and collectively to FIGS. 1A-4 in particular, schematic representations of a filler device sub-assembly  10  are shown, which generally comprises housing  11 , means  12  for retaining a rim of a container, means  14  for manipulating a cap of a container, means  16  for substantially sealing a portion of a container against a rim of a container, means  18  for ejecting a rim of a container, and means  19  for sensing the presence or absence of at least one of a cap or a rim of a container. It will be understood that FIGS. 1-9 are merely schematic representations of a filler device sub-assembly. As such, some of the components have been distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, filler device sub-assembly  10  is primarily intended for use in association with filler device  200 , which is capable of filling associated containers and/or bags with any one of a number of materials (i.e. product) in solid, liquid, and/or gaseous states. 
     Housing  11  is shown in FIGS. 1A-4 collectively as comprising base  22 , upper plate  24 , and riser posts  26 ,  28 ,  30 , and  32 . As will be understood, housing  11  provides a structure for the attachment and operation of the remainder of the filler device sub-assembly components. For example, base  22  includes opening  34  and upper plate  24  includes opening  36  for receiving and retaining cap manipulating means  14  and rim retaining means  12 . Similarly, and as will be explained in greater detail herein, riser posts  30  and  32  provide a shaft upon which substantial sealing means  16  is linearly slidable. Housing  11  generally comprises a stainless steel material which is resistant to corrosion. Of course, other materials, such as aluminum and nonmetals are likewise contemplated for use. Indeed, the housing is not limited to any particular material, and various materials may be utilized depending on the particular application. 
     Rim retaining means  12  is shown in FIGS.  1 B and  3 - 5  collectively as comprising first gripper arm  40 , second gripper arm  42 , pivot axle  41 , means  43  for biasing the first gripper arm and the second gripper arm toward each other, and means  45  for guiding the rim into a desired gripped orientation. As is shown in FIG. 1B, first gripper arm  40  includes first end  44 , second end  46  and pivot opening  48 . Similarly, second gripper arm  42  includes first end  50 , second end  52  and pivot opening  54 . The two gripper arms combine to define rim retaining region  49 , which accommodates and retains the rim of a particular container. The gripper arms are pivotally associated with pivot axle  41  which is fixed to opening  36  of upper plate  24  of housing  11 . The pivot openings of the gripper arms are positioned about pivot axle  41  so that the gripper arms can pivot thereabout. In a grasping position, the first ends  44 ,  50  are in abutment and in contact with a stop, such as stop  150  (FIGS. 3 and 4) and the second ends are substantially in abutment. In the extended position, the first ends are away from the stop, and the second ends are separated so as to be ready to receive a rim. 
     Gripper arm biasing means  43  is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as comprising extension springs  56 ,  58  which are releasably attached to each of the gripper arms. In a steady state condition, the springs are extended, and, in turn, biased such that the second ends of the gripper arms are forced toward and into contact with each other. An external force is required to overcome springs  56 ,  58 , to, in turn, separate the ends of the gripper arms  40 ,  42  from each other. In other embodiments, the retaining means may comprise compression springs which operate individually on each of the gripper arms. Of course other retaining means, such as gripper arms which utilize a hydraulic force or a pneumatic force to retain a rim are likewise contemplated for use. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 5, rim guiding means  45  comprises rim extending surfaces  53 ,  53 ′ which are associated with second ends  46 ,  52  of the respective first and second gripper arms. The rim extending surfaces are positioned such that upon outside contact, by, for example, a rim of a container, the gripper arms are pivoted away from each other. In addition, the rim extending surfaces are angled toward the rim retaining region such that upon outside contact, by a rim of a container, the rim extending surfaces (that are in contact with the rim) guide the rim toward and into rim retaining region  49 . Preferably, the rim extending surfaces are angled toward the rim retaining region at an angle of about 15 to about 75 degrees. To achieve cooperative operation, the two cap extending surfaces are angled at substantially identical angles. 
     Cap manipulating means  14  is shown in FIGS. 1A,  3 , and  5  collectively, as comprising first cap gripper arm  60 , second cap gripper arm  62 , means  63  for biasing the cap gripper arms toward each other, means  65  for guiding the cap into a gripped orientation, cam  64 , rotation post  66  and lifter shaft  68 . It will be understood that cap manipulating means  14  removes the cap from the container and directs the cap away from the container so that it may be filled. Subsequently, the cap manipulating means returns the cap to the container so that the container can be resealed. 
     Specifically, as is shown together in FIG. 1A, first cap gripper arm  60  includes first end  70 , second end  73  and pivot opening  74 . Similarly, second cap gripper arm  62  includes first end  77 , second end  79  and pivot opening  80 . As with the gripper arms  40 ,  42  of rim retaining means  12 , cap gripper arms  60 ,  62  likewise define cap gripping region  69  (FIGS. 1A,  5 ) which is configured to accept and retain caps of a particular configuration. 
     The cap gripper arms  60 ,  62  are arranged so that the pivot openings  74 ,  80  are positioned to pivot about the axis of rotation post  66 , from a grasping position to a released position. In a grasping position, the first ends are in abutment and in contact with a stop, such as stop  151 , and the second ends are substantially in abutment. In the extended position, the first ends are away from the stop and the second ends are separated so as to be ready to receive a cap. Specifically, as is shown in FIGS. 1A,  4  and  5 , similar to the gripper arms  40 ,  42 , biasing means  63  forces cap gripper arms  60 ,  62  into a retaining position. Specifically, biasing means  63  includes extension springs  84 ,  86  which are releasably attached to each of the cap gripper arms to bias them toward each other. External force is required to overcome the springs so as to separate the ends of the cap gripper arms away from each other. 
     Cap guiding means  65  is shown in FIGS. 1A and 5 as comprising cap extending surfaces  71 ,  71 ′ associated with the respective second ends of the cap gripper arms. As with the rim retaining means, the cap extending surfaces are configured so that contact by, for example, a cap of a container, directs the cap gripper arm (in contact with the cap of a container) in an outward direction and simultaneously guides the cap toward cap gripping region  69 . To achieve this guiding of the cap, the cap extending surfaces are angled at an angle of about 15 to about 75 degrees. To achieve substantially cooperative operation, the two cap extending surfaces are angled at substantially identical angles and at angles substantially identical to the rim extending surfaces  53 ,  53 ′. 
     Rotation post  66  is shown in FIG. 3 as comprising first end  88 , second end  90  and follower  82 . Gripper arms  60 ,  62  are attached to first end  88  of rotation post  66 , and follower  82  is attached to second end  90  of rotation post  66 . Lifter shaft  68  includes first end  94 , second end  96  and lifter surface  98 . First end  94  of lifter shaft  68  is rotatably coupled to rotation post  66  by way of coupling  67 . Lifter surface  98  includes roller member  99  which is coupled to second end  96  of lifter shaft  68 . 
     Cam  64  is shown in FIG. 3 as comprising proximal end  102 , distal end  104  and cam surface  72  (see also, FIG.  5 ). Proximal end  102  of cam  64  is attached to base  22  of housing  11 . Cam  64  comprises a substantially cylindrical member. Rotation post  66 , lifter shaft  68  and cam  64  are positioned such that they have a corresponding longitudinal axis. Cam surface  72  includes a configuration which facilitates the receipt and travel of follower  82  thereon from a lowest position to a highest position. In a lowest position, cap gripper arms  60 ,  62  are proximate upper plate  24  of housing  11 . In a highest position, cap gripper arms  60 ,  62  are directed away from the upper plate. 
     As will be explained, cam surface  72  is configured so that each upward travel of lifter shaft  68  will yield a 90 degree rotation (or a rotation sufficient to allow free access to the rim by the fill valve of filler device  200 ) of rotation post  66 , and each downward travel will return the rotation post 90 degrees (or other predetermined angle) to the original orientation. Of course other configurations are likewise contemplated which achieve different degrees of rotation. 
     As is shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 collectively, substantial sealing means  16  includes pad housing  108  and linear movement means  110 . It will be understood that the substantially sealing means substantially seals the volume within the interior of the container from the outside of the rim of the container prior to and after filling to preclude contamination of the container as the cap is removed and replaced. Pad housing  108  includes fill pad  112  and slidable housing  114 . Slidable housing  114  is slidably positioned on risers  30 ,  32  of housing  11 . Linear bearings or the like may be utilized to facilitate the controlled low-friction movement of the slidable housing about risers  30 ,  32 . 
     Linear movement means  110 , is shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 as comprising, force means  116  for upwardly directing pad housing  108  and means for downwardly directing pad housing  108  which direct slidable housing  114  between from a first position proximate base  22  of housing  11  and a second position proximate upper plate  24  of housing  11 . Upward moving means  116  may comprise a cam actuated by the rotative movement of the sub-assembly relative to the remainder of filler device  200  (FIG.  8 ), a pneumatic device, hydraulic device or electric device which is capable of overcoming return springs  118 ,  120  (FIG. 5) and to direct slidable housing  114  toward upper plate  24  of housing  11 . Return springs  118 ,  120  (FIG. 5) return the slidable housing toward and preferably into contact with base  22  of housing  11 . Of course, other assemblies which return pad housing  108  from upper plate  24  to base  22 , including fully pneumatic, hydraulic or electric systems are contemplated for use. 
     Rim ejecting means  18  is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B as comprising lever member  132 , rotation pivot  134  and means  136  for rotating the lever member about the rotation pivot. Lever member  132  includes bar  140  and arm  142 . Lever member  132  is configured so that, upon rotation about the rotation pivot, arm  142  is directed across second ends  46 ,  52  of the gripper arms of rim retaining means  12 , to, in turn, dislodge and release a container retained by gripper arms  40 ,  42 — as well as an associated cap. Rotating means  136  comprises a cam (not shown) which actuates, to, in turn, rotate the lever member about the rotation pivot. Various means for rotating the lever member are contemplated for use, including, but not limited to, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical power. 
     Sensing means  19  is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as comprising at least one sensor positioned upon at least one of the rim retaining means and the cap gripping means. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises a proximity type sensor associated with the cap gripping means and/or the rim retaining means. As such, the sensor facilitates the determination as to the presence or absence of a cap or a rim. Such a system can be alerted to a fault condition, and, in turn, the filling operation can be stopped in the event that a container rim or a cap is not present. Of course, other sensors, such as micro-switches, and/or optical sensors are contemplated for use in accordance with the present invention. While various configurations are contemplated, such sensors may be positioned on one or both of the rim gripping arms and/or the cap gripping arms. 
     In operation, and as is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, filler device sub-assembly  10  is associated with rotatable filler device  200 . Rotatable filler device  200  includes such assemblies  10  for each of the ten separate fill stations on rotating carousel  210 . 
     To prepare the assembly for receipt of a container, pad housing  108  of substantial sealing means  16  is placed in a first position wherein slidable housing  114  is positioned away from upper plate  24  and preferably proximate base  22  of housing  11 . Similarly, follower  82  is positioned relative to cam surface  72  so as to be in its lowest position. In such a position, cap gripper arms  60 ,  62  are proximate upper plate  24  and substantially aligned with the rim gripper arms. 
     Once properly configured, a container is supplied via container feed  220  (FIGS.  8  and  9 ). As the container contacts first and second gripper arms  40 ,  42  of rim retaining means  12 , and first and second cap gripper arms  60 , 62  of cap manipulating means  14 , the container rim contacts rim extending surfaces  53 ,  53 ′ and the cap contacts cap extending surfaces  71 ,  71 ′. As the container (rim and cap) continue to move, the movement overcomes respective biasing means  43  and  63  and spreads the respective second ends of the gripper arms apart as the rim extending surfaces  53 ,  53 ′ and the cap extending surfaces  71 ,  71 ′ center the rim and cap, and, in turn, direct same into the respective retaining regions  49 ,  69 . Once the cap and rim are received by the respective receiving regions  49 ,  69  defined by the second ends of the gripper arms, the biasing means direct the gripper arms toward each other so as to grasp and retain the rim and cap in a desired engaged position. 
     After the rim is retained by first and second rim gripper arms  40 , 42 , and after the cap is retained by first and second cap gripper arms  60 , 62 , substantially sealing means  16  maybe activated (Of course, in certain embodiments, the substantial sealing means may be modified and/or omitted from the process entirely). In turn, linear moving means  110  is powered to move pad housing  108 . Specifically, upward moving means  116  of linear moving means  110  overcomes springs  118 ,  120 , and moves slidable housing  114  associated with pad housing  108  toward upper plate  24  of housing  11 . As the slidable housing  114  approaches upper plate  24 , fill pad  112  engages the lower surface of the container, which, in turn, engages a lower surface of the rim of the container. However, in certain instances it may be positioned such that the product within the container is displaced by the pad such that the product engages the lower surface of the rim of the container. As the slidable housing is forced upward, the lower surface of the container (or product within the container) becomes engaged with the lower surface of the rim and the volume defined by the container is substantially sealed and/or substantially isolated. 
     Once a substantial seal is created with the rim, lifter shaft  68  of cap manipulating means  14  is activated by a vertical movement means, which directs the lifter shaft in an upward direction. Upward movement of the lifter shaft directs cap gripper arms  60 ,  62  which include the cap within cap gripping region  69  in an upward direction, thereby removing the cap from the rim. Inasmuch as the movement of follower  82  mounted proximate second end  90  of rotation post  66  is controlled by cam surface  72 , as the rotation post moves in an upward direction by the lifter shaft, cam surface  72  imparts rotation to rotation post  66 , thereby providing a rotative movement means. As was explained above, the upward stroke of the lifter shaft imparts a 90 degree (or other angular) rotation of rotation post  66 , and, in turn, the attached cap, away from the rim of the container. Of course, it is contemplated that the cam surface can be configured in various configurations to import varying degrees of rotation. 
     As or after the rotation post, gripper arms, and cap rotate away from the rim of the container, the fill valve is freely moved into position proximate the rim of the container. Once the fill valve is positioned and once it engages the rim, slidable housing  114  is moved away from upper plate  24 , toward base  22  of housing  11 . At such time, the lower surface of the container (or the product) disengages from the rim thereby placing the volume defined by the container in fluid communication with fill valve. Subsequently, the fill valve is actuated, and the container is filled. 
     After the container is filled with product as desired, slidable housing  114  may be forced upward by upward moving means  116  until it again substantially seals the lower surface of the container relative to the lower rim of the container or product, to substantially isolate the fill valve from the volume defined by the container. Next, the fill valve is disengaged, and the cap manipulating means cycle is completed by a final downward stroke of the lifter shaft, which causes the cam surface to move follower  82  and rotate rotation post  66 , and cap gripper arms  60 ,  62   90  in the opposite direction so that the cap again aligns with the rim and re-engages the rim of the container upon completion of the downward stroke. Once the cap reseals the container, upward moving means  116  is disengaged, and springs  118 ,  120  return slidable housing  114  toward base  22  of housing  11 . 
     Next, the container is removed from the fill assembly by way of rim ejecting means  18 . Specifically, rotating means  136  directs the rotation of lever member  132  about rotation pivot  134 . As lever member  132  rotates, arm  142  pushes against the rim of the container. In turn, the force of the arm against the container overcomes biasing means  43  of rim retaining means  12  and biasing means  63  of cap manipulating means  14  thereby separating first and second gripper arms  40 ,  42 , and first and second cap gripper arms  60 ,  62 . Once these are separated, the continued rotation of the lever member expels the rim and the cap from the gripper arms. Once disengaged, the container can be removed from the rotating fill device. The lever member is returned to its original position, and the assembly is again ready to accept another container. The cycle is now ready to be repeated. 
     In a second embodiment of the invention, a filler device sub-assembly is provided which facilitates the filling of a container and the exchange of the cap of the container during filling. As such, a first cap (present on the container prior to filling) can be removed and, the container can be capped with a second cap upon completion of the filling process. 
     It will be understood that the cap manipulating means, housing rim retaining means, substantial sealing means, ejecting means and sensing means are contemplated to be substantially identical, or at least analogous in structure and/or function, to those identified with respect to the first embodiment. 
     In this second embodiment, the cap gripper arms (not shown) are mounted on rotating plate  110 . The particular operation of the gripping arms is substantially the same as in the first embodiment with the exception that gripper arms may be centered upon a pivot axis which does not correspond to the pivot axis of the rotation post. 
     In the second embodiment, the cap manipulating means  14  includes cam  164  in place of cam  64  and means  169  for lock-step rotation of rotation post  66  relative to lifter shaft  68 . 
     In particular, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, cam  164  comprises lower cam portion  166  and upper cam portion  168 . The lower cam portion and upper cam portion are spaced apart a predetermined distance sufficient to permit movement of follower  82  therebetween. Lower cam portion  166  includes cam surface  172  and upper cam portion  168  includes cam surface  172 ′. As will be explained, the positioning and spacing of the lower and upper cam portions, follower  82  is capable of traveling the full 360 degrees of cam  164 . 
     Lock step rotation means  169 , as shown in FIG. 6, comprises a lower series of magnets  180  associated with lifter shaft  68  and an upper series of magnets  182  associate with rotation post  66 . The lower series of magnets are positioned circumferentially around the lifter shaft in order of alternating polarity. Similarly, the upper series of magnets are positioned circumferentially around the rotation post in order of alternating polarity. 
     The upper and lower series of magnets are positioned in close proximity such that the magnetic fields overlap and interact. In particular, if one magnet of the upper series of magnets overlays a magnet of the lower series of magnets of the same polarity, the magnets will repel causing rotation post  66  to rotate into a position wherein interacting magnets of the upper and lower series of magnets are opposite in polarity. In such an orientation, the two series of magnets serve to lock the rotation post and the lifter shaft together until the magnetic force is overcome. 
     In operation of this embodiment, after the cap and rim are retained and the substantial seal is created between the rim and the lower surface of the container (as described with respect to the first embodiment), the cap manipulating means is activated and directs the lifter shaft in an upward direction. The upward movement first directs the gripper arms away from the rim, thereby removing the cap from the rim. 
     The continued upward movement directs follower  82  into the cam surfaces  172 ,  172 ′. Specifically, the follower  82  contacts upper cam surface  172 ′ which overcomes the magnetic force of the lock step means and impacts rotation of the rotation post relative to the lifter shaft. As the cam begins to return downward, the lock step means directs further rotation of the rotation post relative to the lifter shaft until an orientation which pairs magnets of opposing polarity is achieved. 
     At such time, the lifter shaft has returned to its lowest position and the cycle is repeated. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 collectively, the upper and lower cam portions and the magnets of the upper and lower series of magnets  180  and  182 , respectively, are configured such that each complete upward and downward movement of the lifter shaft corresponding to 120 degrees of rotation of the rotation post. In particular, the upward stroke overcomes magnetic force and rotates the lifter shaft 60 degrees. Similarly, the downward stoke overcomes magnetic force and rotates the lifter shaft another 60 degrees in the same direction. The magnets serve to urge the lifter shaft into the desired orientation during rotation and to retain the lifter shaft in the desired orientation at the conclusion of each downward stroke. 
     In such an embodiment, an additional apparatus (not shown) may be incorporated to remove the cap from the respective gripper arms and to replace a second cap into the gripper arms, as it is directed about a complete revolution. In turn, a conventional cap from the container can be removed by the cap manipulating means during one cycle, ejected into a cap collecting container and replaced by a stylized cap in a second cycle, and finally replaced on the container during the third cycle. 
     The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.