Method and apparatus for assembling containers

Apparatus for assembling a relatively rigid medicant container having a threaded end and a diluent container having a flexible body portion and a mating, threaded receiving port surrounded by a relatively rigid laterally extending flange, said apparatus comprising:

• a frame and a clamp assembly which includes a support platform extending from said frame, the platform having a concave opening therein for receiving said port, with the support platform engaging and supporting said flange adjacent said port of said diluent container, and gripping fingers disposed on opposite sides of said opening and pivotally mounted to said frame, said fingers pivotable in a first direction toward said platform to press the flange against the platform in a first gripping mode of the assembly to prevent rotation of the diluent container, said fingers pivotable in a second direction away from said platform to release themselves from said flange in a second release made of the assembly;
• a torque-applying assembly disposed on said frame and in cooperative relationship with said platform for engaging and rotating said medicant container in said port of said diluent container while said flange is pressed by the gripping fingers to effect threaded engagement of said containers;
• and
• an operator and a cam rotated thereby which engages said torque-applying assembly and produces relative movement between said torque-applying assembly and said frame such that said torque-applying assembly is moved away from said platform to effect sequential engagement and disengagement of said torque-applying assembly and said medicant container.