SCREWCAPPING AND PUMP PLACING APPARATUS

摘要

A screwcapping apparatus having a torque belt with a maximum predetermined application torque. The belt positively engages the cap or a chuck clamped to the cap to tighten the cap onto a threaded receiving object without exceeding the predetermined application torque. A belt tensioner such as an airspring maintains the tension on the belt to maintain a positive engagement with the cap or the chuck. Each chuck has two states. A first state allows free rotation of the chuck and the cap gripping jaw mechanism. A second state permits rotation up until a stop or other positioner. Thus, proper orientation is established for the chuck for picking up a pump cap. A stem straightening guide includes a stem guide element having a channel for capturing a pump tube stem therein. A stem straightening plate is encountered by the pump tube stem as it is within the channel of the stem guide. The stem guide is on an arm that can swing into and out of engagement with the pump tube stem. The stem guide arm is on a shaft that can be raised and lowered to move the stem guide element along the stem guide plate from an upper position to a lower position until the tube is reliably oriented over the opening of a container.