The invention relates to a system for automatic closure of sample vessels (PG), in particular of sample vessels (PG) with medical laboratory samples, with iii. a plurality of identically shaped, stackable closure caps (10) which have a convex outer face and a concave inner face and which are stacked in at least one closure cap stack in such a way that an upper closure cap (10) in the closure cap stack bears with its convex outer face on the concave inner face of a lower closure cap (10) lying immediately below in the closure cap stack, iv. a closure gripper (20) for gripping an uppermost closure cap (10) from the at least one closure cap stack, for transferring the gripped closure cap (10) to the sample vessel (PG) to be closed, and for introducing the gripped closure cap (10) into an opening of the sample vessel in order to tightly close the opening, wherein the closure gripper (20) has a centering piece which can be inserted into a closure cap (10) in such a way that it bears on the concave inner face of the closure cap (10). With such a system, automated closure of sample vessels is possible in a space-saving and efficient way. Furthermore, a method for automatic closure of sample vessels is also disclosed.

The invention relates to a system for automatic closure of sample vessels (PG), in particular of sample vessels (PG) with medical laboratory samples, with iii. a plurality of identically shaped, stackable closure caps (10) which have a convex outer face and a concave inner face and which are stacked in at least one closure cap stack in such a way that an upper closure cap (10) in the closure cap stack bears with its convex outer face on the concave inner face of a lower closure cap (10) lying immediately below in the closure cap stack, iv. a closure gripper (20) for gripping an uppermost closure cap (10) from the at least one closure cap stack, for transferring the gripped closure cap (10) to the sample vessel (PG) to be closed, and for introducing the gripped closure cap (10) into an opening of the sample vessel in order to tightly close the opening, wherein the closure gripper (20) has a centering piece which can be inserted into a closure cap (10) in such a way that it bears on the concave inner face of the closure cap (10). With such a system, automated closure of sample vessels is possible in a space-saving and efficient way. Furthermore, a method for automatic closure of sample vessels is also disclosed.

A closure constructed for being inserted and securely retained in a portal-forming neck of a container, the closure having a substantially cylindrical shape and comprising substantially flat terminating surfaces forming the opposed ends of the closure, wherein the closure further comprises: (a) a closure precursor having a substantially cylindrical shape and comprising a lateral surface and substantially flat terminating surfaces forming the opposed ends of the closure precursor, wherein the lateral surface and the flat terminating surfaces of the closure precursor have a substantially uniform color; and (b) a decorative layer that at least partially covers at least the lateral surface of the closure precursor.

A closure constructed for being inserted and securely retained in a portal-forming neck of a container, the closure having a substantially cylindrical shape and comprising substantially flat terminating surfaces forming the opposed ends of the closure, wherein the closure further comprises: (a) a closure precursor having a substantially cylindrical shape and comprising a lateral surface and substantially flat terminating surfaces forming the opposed ends of the closure precursor, wherein the lateral surface and the flat terminating surfaces of the closure precursor have a substantially uniform color; and (b) a decorative layer that at least partially covers at least the lateral surface of the closure precursor.

An apparatus is provided for inserting container inserts into the throats of liquid containers. The apparatus includes an elongated and inclined container insert support tray having an outer end and an inner end with the insert support tray being mounted on a support frame. The insert support tray is vibrated to cause the container inserts therein to move towards the inner end thereof. An insert positioner is mounted at the inner end of the container insert tray. The apparatus also includes a vertically disposed inserter which is mounted on a sub-frame which is horizontally movably mounted on the support frame. The inserter is vertically movable to insert a container insert positioned therebelow into the throat of the container.

A system and method for easily operated self-releasing stopper/cork for bottles of compressed liquids. The corks have a gas bladder that is designed to be inserted in a bottle and inflated, the bladder having a ribbed or smooth exterior to complete the sealing of the bottle whereby a gas release mechanism can be activated by depressing a button on a cap or via an on-board micro controller and/or electro-mechanical release solution in the cap. Once the gas is released from the top of the bladder the pressure inside the vessel will collapse the bladder's bottom and eject the cork assembly from the bottle.

A system and method for easily operated self-releasing stopper/cork for bottles of compressed liquids. The corks have a gas bladder that is designed to be inserted in a bottle and inflated, the bladder having a ribbed or smooth exterior to complete the sealing of the bottle whereby a gas release mechanism can be activated by depressing a button on a cap or via an on-board micro controller and/or electro-mechanical release solution in the cap. Once the gas is released from the top of the bladder the pressure inside the vessel will collapse the bladder's bottom and eject the cork assembly from the bottle.

A capping machine for caps made of compressible material includes a compression box and compression units, each being housed in a cavity in the compression box and defining a cap compression seat. A bottle centering device is associated with each compression unit and is mechanically associated with the compression box at a housing seat on a lower face. The capping machine includes a fastener for removably retaining each bottle centering device in its respective housing seat. The fastener includes for each bottle centering device a movable engagement element movably associated with the lower face moveable between: a locking position, wherein the movable engagement element interferes with the respective bottle centering device creating an undercut to retain the bottle centering device inside the housing seat; and an unlocking position, wherein the movable engagement element does not interfere, allowing the bottle centering device to freely engage or disengage the housing seat.

A capping machine for caps made of compressible material includes a compression box and compression units, each being housed in a cavity in the compression box and defining a cap compression seat. A bottle centering device is associated with each compression unit and is mechanically associated with the compression box at a housing seat on a lower face. The capping machine includes a fastener for removably retaining each bottle centering device in its respective housing seat. The fastener includes for each bottle centering device a movable engagement element movably associated with the lower face moveable between: a locking position, wherein the movable engagement element interferes with the respective bottle centering device creating an undercut to retain the bottle centering device inside the housing seat; and an unlocking position, wherein the movable engagement element does not interfere, allowing the bottle centering device to freely engage or disengage the housing seat.

A system and method for easily operated self-releasing stopper/cork for bottles of compressed liquids. The corks have a gas bladder that is designed to be inserted in a bottle and inflated, the bladder having a ribbed or smooth exterior to complete the sealing of the bottle whereby a gas release mechanism can be activated by depressing a button on a cap or via an on-board micro controller and/or electro-mechanical release solution in the cap. Once the gas is released from the top of the bladder the pressure inside the vessel will collapse the bladder's bottom and eject the cork assembly from the bottle.