Capping and nitrogen dosing apparatus
AssigneeAlcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
InventorsBernard Winters, William Moll, Larry Ellis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A capping and nitrogen dosing apparatus for containers includes a rotary capping machine which is configured to serially receive filled containers, and apply closures to respective ones of the containers. The present apparatus includes a dosing system for injecting an inert gas, typically nitrogen in liquid form, into the head space of each container to enhance the integrity and rigidity of the package, and to improve the freshness and flavor of the container's contents. Notably, the dosing system is configured to effect nitrogen injection close to or at the so-called transfer point of the capping machine, thus desirably abating nitrogen dissipation, and enhancing consistent and efficient product dosing.
Claims15
A capping and nitrogen dosing apparatus, comprising:
- a rotary capping machine including a rotatably driven turret for serially receiving a plurality of containers, and a plurality of capping beads for applying closures to respective ones of said containers as said containers are moved about a generally circular path by said turret, and
- a nitrogen dosing system for dispensing liquid nitrogen into a head space of each of said containers received by said capping machine, above container contents, just prior to application of a respective closure thereto, said dosing system including a dispensing nozzle which intersects said circular path about which said containers are moved at a position between each said container and the respective one of said closures held by one of said capping heads.
A method of capping containers, comprising the steps of:
- providing a capping machine including a rotatably driven turret, and a plurality of capping heads;
- serially directing a plurality of containers onto said turret of said capping machine, and moving said containers about a generally circular path;
- operating said capping heads to apply closures to respective ones of said containers as said containers are moved about said circular path;
- and
- dispensing liquid nitrogen into each said container received by said capping machine after it is received by said turret and, above container contents, just prior to application of a respective closure thereto.
A capping and nitrogen dosing apparatus, comprising:
- a capping machine including a driven carrier for serially receiving a plurality of containers, and a plurality of capping heads for applying closures to respective ones of said containers as said containers are moved along a path by said carrier, and
- a nitrogen dosing system for dispensing liquid nitrogen into a head space of each of said containers received by said capping machine, above container contents, just prior to application of a respective closure thereto, said dosing system including a dispensing nozzle which intersects said path along which said containers are moved at a position between each said container and the respective one of said closures held by one of said capping heads.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.