METHODS OF RELEASING AND RE-CONNECTING A CAPPING DEVICE
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A capping device fits caps onto containers by applying an axial force to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. The capping device utilizes a spindle rotatable about an operational axis for imparting rotation to a capper unit. A connector coupled to the capper unit is releasably coupled to the spindle by a quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism is normally biased in the locked position and is configured to automatically move from the unlocked position back to the locked position when the connector mates with the spindle as a user re-connects the capping unit back to the spindle. Methods of releasing and re-connecting the capping unit to the spindle are also disclosed.
47 Citations
38 Claims
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1-26. -26. (canceled)
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27. A method of releasing a capping unit from a spindle utilizing a lock member and a drive member, said method comprising the steps of;
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rotating the lock member from a locked position in which the capping unit is locked to the spindle to an unlocked position in which the capping unit is unlocked from the spindle to release the capping unit from the spindle, wherein said step of rotating the lock member from the locked position to the unlocked position is independent of the capping unit and the spindle such that the lock member is placed in the unlocked position and the capping unit is removable from the spindle without rotating the capping unit or the spindle, and engaging the lock member with the drive member to hold the lock member in the unlocked position after the lock member is rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32)
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28. A method of re-connecting a connector of a capping unit to a spindle after the capping unit has been removed from the spindle utilizing a lock member, said method comprising the steps of;
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biasing the lock member toward a locked position, axially mating the connector of the capping unit to the spindle, and automatically rotating the lock member from the unlocked position to the locked position upon axially mating the connector to the spindle. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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Specification