Apparatus for use in and method of attachiing cap-form fitments to containers

Abstract

An applicator () affixes fitments () to paperboard cartons (), each fitment () comprising a screw cap on a pour spout. An ultrasonic horn () reciprocates between a retracted position for receiving a fitment () and an advanced position for depositing the fitment () on an outer surface of a carton (). A duct () extends and provides fluid communication between an air handler and a fitment-holding recess () formed in the horn (). The air handler is actuable to evacuate the duct () to retain a fitment () in the recess () by suction while transporting the fitment () to be affixed to the container wall. The air handler also supplies pressurized gas to the duct () to blow the fitment () from the horn () before the horn returns to the retracted position. A receiver reciprocates between a pick-up position for receiving a fitment () and a delivery position for passing the fitment () to the horn (), the receiver comprising a head () with a suction opening () formed in the end portion thereof for communication with the interior of the fitment.