Apparatus and method for a capping machine

An apparatus for installing a cap having a threaded portion on a container having a threaded portion, the threaded portion of the cap corresponding to the threaded portion of the container, the apparatus comprising:

• a rotatable cap chuck, wherein the cap is positionable by the cap chuck in supported relation with the container;
• a driver adapted to rotate the cap chuck, wherein the rotational velocity of the cap chuck is adjustable by the driver and a torque is imparted to the cap, wherein the torque is sufficient to rotate the threaded portion of the cap in screw tightening relation with the threaded portion of the container;
• a first monitor, wherein the torque imparted to the cap is monitored;
• a second monitor, wherein the amount of rotation of the cap is monitored;
• a processor, wherein the processor is adapted to compare the monitored amount of cap rotation to a stored range of preferred amounts of cap rotation, and wherein the processor is adapted to compare the monitored torque to a stored range of preferred values of torque;
• a controller, wherein the controller is adapted to control the driver, and wherein the rotational velocity of the cap is adjustable in response to the compared monitored torque and monitored amount of rotation;
• a release adapted to disengage the cap from the cap chuck after a selected amount of rotation has been made.