Low pressure cap lift with hydraulic return

Abstract

A crimper head for use in introducing a fluid product under pressure into the mouth of a container provided with a closure and thereafter crimping the closure to the container mouth. A container, such as for an aerosol package, with a closure resting freely in the mouth of the container is delivered to the crimper head. The head has a lower bell which forms a seal with the upper end of the container when the head is lowered. While the bell remains stationary, other parts of the head are actuated so that vacuum is applied to the bell and the container while the closure is lifted by vacuum from the mouth. Thereafter, the head is actuated to shut off the vacuum and admit a metered quantity of fluid under pressure, such as aerosol propellant, into the bell and container. When the pressurized fluid is admitted it lifts the closure from the container mouth and also acts to lift as a unit all parts of the head except the bell which remains stationary and engaged with the container. Only the combined weight of the lifted parts resists the lifting action. After the desired quantity of product has been introduced, one or more cylinders at the upper end of the head are actuated so as to restore the unit of lifted parts to their normal or lowered position. Thereupon, the collet in the head is actuated to crimp the closure to the mouth of the container.