Dispensing nozzle

An apparatus for applying sealant to a seam in a container sidewall formed by overlapping portions of the sidewall, said apparatus including:

• conveying means operable for moving a container to and away from a first sealing station;
• first detecting means positioned adjacent to a portion of said conveying means and being operable for detecting the rotational position of a container sidewall;
• first drive means positioned adjacent said first detecting means and being operable for selectively rotating a container to a predetermined rotational position;
• and
• first sealant dispensing means positioned adjacent said conveying means at the first sealing station and being operable for dispensing sealant onto at least a portion of said seam, said first sealant dispensing means cooperating with means for providing relative movement between a portion of the first sealant dispensing means and the container, said first sealant dispensing means including a nozzle for dispensing a ribbon of viscous liquid said nozzle including
• a body having a first portion adapted for being secured to a source of liquid and a second portion extending from said first portion with said second portion having an exterior surface and a free end;
• first means defining a first passage extending at least partially through said second portion;
• and
• second means defining a second passage opening onto said second portion exterior surface, said second passage being in flow communication with the first passage, said second means including a pair of spaced apart generally parallel first surfaces partially defining the second passage with a width greater than the spacing between the pair of first surfaces said second passage being generally rectangularly shaped in transverse section.