A capping machine for screwing a threaded cap on a threaded container having a threaded finish, the capping machine receiving the threaded cap from a cap distributor. The capping machine includes a cap guiding element provided above cap screwing belts, both being provided above a conveyor. The cap guiding element is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cap guiding element is configured for abutting downwardly against the threaded cap when the threaded cap is in register therewith and maintaining the threaded cap in a predetermined attitude for at least part of the screwing process. The cap guiding element moves towards the lower position as the cap screwing belts screw the threaded cap on the threaded container.

Automated setup and operation of a container capping machine is achieved by providing motors, each under computer control, to make the necessary adjustments regarding setup and operation, and a plurality of sensors and other devices adapted to send information related to container and cap configurations and machine operation to the computer.

Automated setup and operation of a container capping machine is achieved by providing motors, each under computer control, to make the necessary adjustments regarding setup and operation, and a plurality of sensors and other devices adapted to send information related to container and cap configurations and machine operation to the computer.

A capping machine for screwing a threaded cap on a threaded container having a threaded finish, the capping machine receiving the threaded cap from a cap distributor. The capping machine includes a cap guiding element provided above cap screwing belts, both being provided above a conveyor. The cap guiding element is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cap guiding element is configured for abutting downwardly against the threaded cap when the threaded cap is in register therewith and maintaining the threaded cap in a predetermined attitude for at least part of the screwing process. The cap guiding element moves towards the lower position as the cap screwing belts screw the threaded cap on the threaded container.

A dispensing apparatus including a holding portion for holding a plurality of caps; a retaining device including a gap expandable between a retaining configuration preventing the cap from passing therethrough and a releasing configuration wherein the cap is releasable therethrough; a positioning device configured to receive the cap from the retaining device, the positioning device including an opening expandable between a narrow configuration preventing the cap from passing therethrough and a wide configuration wherein the cap is passable therethrough. The gap of the retaining device is expandable to the releasing configuration when the opening of the positioning device is retracted to the narrow configuration, and the gap of the retaining device is retractable to the retaining configuration when the opening of the positioning device is expanded to the wide configuration. A capping apparatus having such dispensing apparatus, and methods of dispensing a cap, and of capping, are disclosed.