High-quality cap sorters are an essential component in delivering a cap to the capper in an appropriate orientation. A majority of U.S. Bottlers’ cappers come with the Vertical Elevator (“Waterfall”) Sorter, with sizes ranging from 8” to 36” wide cleated-belts based on desired speed. However, if the application requires a feeding system that a Waterfall sorter cannot accomodate, U.S. Bottlers can either source a sorter from one of our preferred manufacturers, or integrate a sorter from a vendor of the customer’s choosing to pair with our capper. Common sorters in such instances include vibratory or centrifugal (rotary) systems to be used in conjunction with our machinery. The sorters are fully integrated, and tested alongside our capping equipment at the U.S. Bottlers facility. The USB Customer Care Team also provide technical support and service for these sorters after shipment to the customer. Taking responsibility for and providing a complete capping “system” is the best way to ensure customer satisfaction before and after the sale.
U.S. Bottlers Vertical Elevator (Waterfall) Sorter
Caps are transferred from a holding bin, or “hopper” onto a revolving belt, moving upward at a 90-degree incline. The caps rest on the belts’ cleats or “flights” that are arranged equidistant from each other. These flights on the belt are designed to keep caps that are oriented in the desired position, while the caps that are not oriented correctly are knocked off of the flights via gravity back into the hopper. Once the correctly oriented caps reach the top of the sorter, they are blown by air into the cap chute, and eventually down to the capper. A Waterfall sorter is the best-fit for symmetrical, flat, round caps.
Vibratory Sorter
Caps are fed into the Vibratory Sorter’s “Bowl,” automatically via a pre-feeder, or dropped in manually at an elevated height. Using vibration, the caps are sorted into the correct orientation before being discharged into the cap chute. From there, the caps descend in the chute towards the capper, and are delivered down to the cap gate, and slide plate assemblies.
Centrifugal (Rotary) Sorter
Caps are fed into the Centrifugal Sorter “Bowl” automatically via a pre-feeder, or dropped in manually at an elevated height. At a tilted angle, the bowl rotates in a circular motion to discharge the correctly sorted caps at the bottom of the bowl. From there, the caps descend in the chute towards the capper, and are delivered down to the cap gate, and slide plate assemblies.