Method and apparatus for removing bottle caps from bottles

Abstract

A bottle cap removing system which is easily adapted to a conveyor system of either 5-gallon or 3-gallon bottle movement within a bottling or recycling facility. Such system automatically determines which, if any, bottles have attached bottle caps and automatically removes such bottle caps in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Multiple lengths of steel comprise a main support structure which supports an overhead decapping assembly. As bottles from a conveyor line pass underneath this decapping assembly, a sensor determines whether or not the first bottle in the line has an attached bottle cap. If such bottle has an attached bottle cap, pneumatic actuators located at both the lower and upper front end of the support structure are energized to extend a set of bottle pads into the path of the bottle. This bottle's movement is thus stopped and its bottle cap situated immediately underneath the decapping assembly. At the same time, a separate, rearwardly positioned actuator extends another bottle pad into the line of bottles which succeed this first bottle to inhibit their movement as well. The decapping assembly is then lowered over the bottle cap and jaw members inserted underneath the cap's lowest edge. As the assembly is then lifted, the bottle cap is removed from the bottle and discharged out through a side chute. After the cap is removed, the bottle pads are retracted and the conveyor line of bottles allowed to move forward once again.