A capping and de-capping apparatus (100) for capping and de-capping tubes (112) disposed in a tube holding rack (111) having a two-dimensional array of apertures (114) for holding the tubes (112). The apparatus (100) comprises a rack support (110) for supporting the tube holding rack (111), a head unit (120) adapted for carrying a cartridge (152) comprising at least one capping and de-capping gripper (122), a drive system (130) for moving the rack support (110) and the head unit (120) relatively towards and away from one another, in order to cause engagement or disengagement of the capping and de-capping gripper (122) with or from a cap (113) of at least one tube (112), and a drive system (140) for rotating the capping and de-capping gripper (122), wherein rotation in one direction causes attachment of the cap (113) to the tube (112) and rotation in the opposite direction causes detachment of the cap (113) from said tube (112).

A capping and de-capping apparatus (100) for capping and de-capping tubes (112) disposed in a tube holding rack (111) having a two-dimensional array of apertures (114) for holding the tubes (112). The apparatus (100) comprises a rack support (110) for supporting the tube holding rack (111), a head unit (120) adapted for carrying a cartridge (152) comprising at least one capping and de-capping gripper (122), a drive system (130) for moving the rack support (110) and the head unit (120) relatively towards and away from one another, in order to cause engagement or disengagement of the capping and de-capping gripper (122) with or from a cap (113) of at least one tube (112), and a drive system (140) for rotating the capping and de-capping gripper (122), wherein rotation in one direction causes attachment of the cap (113) to the tube (112) and rotation in the opposite direction causes detachment of the cap (113) from said tube (112).

A product package and method that allows a consumer to sample a fragrance of a product at the point of sale. The product package (100) includes a vessel (102) defining an orifice (114), a product (104) disposed within the vessel that may be dispensed from the vessel through the orifice, a cap (108) attached to the vessel, and a scented material (144) having a fragrance (146). When the cap, and thus the product package, is in an open position, the fragrance of the scented material is released to an exterior of the product package and may be sampled or smelled by a consumer. When the cap, and thus the product package, is in a closed position, the fragrance of the scented material is substantially prevented from being released to the exterior of the product package.

A device for activating a screw cap of a container comprises a first holding device for holding the screw cap, and a drive for activating the first holding device, wherein the first holding device is movable in a plane. The first holding device comprises a coupling device for the coupling of an external drive, and therefore the first holding device is movable in the plane.

A device for activating a screw cap of a container comprises a first holding device for holding the screw cap, and a drive for activating the first holding device, wherein the first holding device is movable in a plane. The first holding device comprises a coupling device for the coupling of an external drive, and therefore the first holding device is movable in the plane.

A filling/closing device comprises a conditioned zone 2 for performing operations to containers. A drive actuator 11 of an operating system is movable with into and out of the zone. The drive actuator extends through a decontamination box 14 with an outer suction chamber 15 and an inner sterilization chamber 16 is provided. A sterilization medium supply 17 connects to the sterilization chamber, and a discharge 22 connects to the suction chamber. One or more outflow gaps 20, 21 are provided which connect the sterilization to the suction chamber. According to the invention an inner inflow gap 24 is provided in between the suction chamber and the drive actuator which connects the zone to the suction chamber.

A filling/closing device comprises a conditioned zone 2 for performing operations to containers. A drive actuator 11 of an operating system is movable with into and out of the zone. The drive actuator extends through a decontamination box 14 with an outer suction chamber 15 and an inner sterilization chamber 16 is provided. A sterilization medium supply 17 connects to the sterilization chamber, and a discharge 22 connects to the suction chamber. One or more outflow gaps 20, 21 are provided which connect the sterilization to the suction chamber. According to the invention an inner inflow gap 24 is provided in between the suction chamber and the drive actuator which connects the zone to the suction chamber.

An apparatus (100) for automated capping and de-capping of test tubes (112) having an ejector pin (230) system for individualized cap (113) ejection.

An apparatus (100) for automated capping and de-capping of test tubes (112) having an ejector pin (230) system for individualized cap (113) ejection.

Exemplary hot-fillable plastic containers are disclosed. In some embodiments, the containers may include a threaded neck portion, a body portion, and a base portion including a standing surface and a movable element. In some embodiments, the moveable element may be arranged to be recessed either substantially above, or substantially below, the standing surface in an initial pre-filling position.