Head for apparatus for filling a container and placing a stopper therein

U.S. Patent Number: 5339595

Abstract: An improved head is provided for an apparatus which places a stopper in the opening of a filled container. The head has a sleeve which includes an inflatable bladder for receiving the end of the filled container and for temporarily sealing the periphery of the container around the opening. A housing is disposed over the sleeve. The housing has a top surface and defines an access passage which communicates between the top surface and the inside of the sleeve. The stopper is subsequently inserted into the container through the access passage. The housing defines a chamber around the access passage, and the chamber communicates with the access passage. A conduit projects from the housing top surface in communication with the chamber, and vacuum can be drawn through the conduit.

Inventors: Rouse; Daniel H. (Greenville, NC), McClure; Thomas D. (Rocky Mount, NC), Reese; Ralph E. (Patterson, NC)

Assignee: Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, IL)

Application Number: 07/999,037

Issued: 1994-08-23

Expired: 2006-08-23

Classes: 53/88 ; 53/320; 53/489; 53/510

Field of search: 53/287,432,510,405,403,320,319,489,88,86,79

Click the image above to view patent images at uspto.gov within a frame.

Click here for the fulltext page on uspto.gov within a frame.