Collet for gripping container caps

A collet for gripping the exterior surface of generally cylindrical threaded caps for rotation of the caps onto threaded open ends of containers, comprising:

• a plug having a first end surface, a second end surface and at least one side extending therebetween;
• a plurality of rigid segments, each segment of said plurality of segments having a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, said second side proximal said second end being sized and configured to engage a portion of the exterior side of a threaded cap, said plurality of segments being mounted in series about said at least one side of said plug such that said second side of each said segment pivotally engages said plug for movement of said second end of each said segment between an open position, defined as when said second end of each segment is spaced apart from a cap that is receivable between said plurality of segments, and a closed position, defined as when said second end of each said segment engages a cap when inserted between said plurality of segments;
• a means for biasing said segments from said closed position to said open position;
• and
• a band extending about said segments of said collet said band engaging said second side of each said segment such that each said segment is held in engagement with said plug.