Filler device sub-assembly and associated method

A filler device sub-assembly, comprising:

• a first cap gripping arm and a second cap gripping arm, wherein each of the first and second cap gripping arms include a second end, and wherein the second ends of the first and second cap gripping arms cooperatively define a cap retaining region;
• a pivot opening associated with each of the first and second cap gripping arms, wherein the first and second cap gripping arms are pivotable about the pivot opening;
• and
• means for guiding a cap into the cap retaining region, wherein the cap guiding means facilitates outward pivoting of at least one of the first and second cap gripping arms by a cap which results in directing a cap into the retaining region toward retention thereof;
• and
• a first rim gripping arm and a second rim gripping arm, wherein each of the first and second rim gripping arms include a second end, and wherein the second ends of the first and second rim gripping arms cooperatively define a rim retaining region, and further wherein the first and second rim gripping arms are pivotable about the pivot opening and;
• means for guiding a rim of a container into the rim retaining region, wherein the rim guiding means facilitates outward pivoting of at least one of the first and second rim gripping arms by a rim which results in directing a rim of a container into the rim retaining region toward retention thereof,
• wherein the pivot opening of the first and second cap gripping arms and the pivot opening of the rim gripping arms are substantially coaxial and wherein the cap retaining region and the rim retaining region are substantially coaxial.