Abstract: Biased plungers and vent bars are used with an apparatus for introducing filler material into containers. The biased plungers and vent bars cooperate to vent gas that builds up below filler material as it is being introduced from a measuring chamber into an underlying container. In a preferred embodiment, the biased plungers and vent bars share a common elliptical path, which serves to define the relative vertical displacement of the individual elements. The vent bar precedes the filler material into the underlying container and provides a passageway for gas to escape the container as the filler material is introduced thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing filler material in a fluid carrier into a measuring chamber in rapid succession is described. The apparatus includes a delivery subsystem for introducing the filler material into the fluid carrier. The delivery subsystem provides the fluid carrier and filler material to a diverter subsystem which separates the stream into two separate streams. The two separate streams are directed into a rotating concentrator subsystem that separates the fluid carrier from the filler material and compresses the filler material. The filler material is further compressed and dewatered in a taper subsystem and drain subsystem. The filler material is then dispensed from the drain subsystem into a measuring chamber where it is cut by a knife plate that includes two blades with overlapping cuts. The apparatus is capable of introducing controlled weights or volumes of filler material into a measuring chamber at high speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing filler material in a fluid carrier into a measuring chamber in rapid succession is described. The apparatus includes a delivery subsystem for introducing the filler material into the fluid carrier. The delivery subsystem provides the fluid carrier and filler material to a diverter subsystem which separates the stream into two separate streams. The two separate streams are directed into a rotating concentrator subsystem that separates the fluid carrier from the filler material and compresses the filler material. The filler material is further compressed and dewatered in a taper subsystem and drain subsystem. The filler material is then dispensed from the drain subsystem into a measuring chamber where it is cut by a knife plate that includes two blades with overlapping cuts. The apparatus is capable of introducing controlled weights or volumes of filler material into a measuring chamber at high speeds.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for accurately and repeatedly dispensing predetermined quantities of a flowable material in a continuous rapid succession. The dispenser apparatus includes a durable valve for controlling the flow of the flowable material, particularly granular flowable material. A ventilation system is also provided for preventing ambient moisture from causing the granular flowable material to absorb moisture and clog the passageways of the dispenser apparatus. The dispenser apparatus can be incorporated into conventional container filling systems that are otherwise limited by the speed with which granular flowable materials can be dispensed.

Abstract: A container filling system is disclosed that produces controlled volumes and weights of filler material for discharge into containers. The system includes a material feed subsystem that provides a source of longitudinally aligned filler material of uniform density or a plug flow of substantially homogenous, amorphous filler material. A rotating measuring subsystem includes measuring chambers that receive predetermined amounts of the material for transfer to a discharge subsystem. The material is transferred into the measuring chambers in an axial direction and is transferred for discharge into the containers in the same direction. More particularly, the rotating discharge subsystem includes a plurality of discharge stations that receive both the measuring chambers and containers immediately below the chambers. Plungers are supported above the measuring chambers and are vertically controlled by a cam to move downward with rotation of the discharge subsystem.

Abstract: A container filling system that produces controlled volumes and weight of filler material for discharge into containers. The system includes a material feed subsystem that provides a source of longitudinally aligned filler material of uniform density. A rotating measuring subsystem includes measuring chambers that receive predetermined amounts of the material for transfer to a discharge subsystem. The material is transferred into the measuring chamber in an axial direction and is transferred for discharge into the containers in the same direction. More particularly, the rotating discharge subsystem includes a plurality of discharge stations that receive both the measuring chambers and containers immediately below the chambers. Plungers are supported above the measuring chambers and are vertically controlled by a cam to move downward with rotation of the discharge subsystem. As a result, the material is forced from the measuring chamber into the container.

Abstract: An apparatus including dispensers connected to a hopper enable discrete portions of filler material to be introduced into individual containers as they pass through a food canning operation. The dispensers are connected to a hopper and are operable to dispense discrete amounts of filler material that are stored in the hopper. The amount of filler material to be introduced into the containers brings a container weight to within desired tolerances of a selected target weight. The containers are provided to the dispensers by a timing screw that extends adjacent to a conveyor that conveys the containers. The timing screw is synchronized with a transfer gear that directs each container onto a platform below the dispensers.