Abstract: A container filling system on an indexing, forming, filling and sealing machine, wherein each successive container is progressively filled with variable volumes of a fluid, such as milk, in a manner which minimizes the foam build-up therein, thereby enhancing leak-proof top sealing characteristics during high production operations. The containers are filled in accordance with the following filling sequence formula: ##EQU1## wherein: V.sub.t =total carton volumeV.sub.i =volume delivered at i stationi=station numbern=number of stations.

Abstract: A clean air system which alternately provides a sterilant for sterilizing cartons in one chamber and a sterilant/air mixture for sterilizing machine components in three chambers. This is accomplished with the same system by simply resetting a three way valve, one control for a plurality of dampers, and the speeds of an inlet fan and a discharge fan.

Abstract: A filler sterilization system including an inlet valve, a main valve, an outlet valve, a linkage system therebetween and a cam and follower arrangement for actuating the linkage system to move the three valves into three operating positions. The three positions are the normally closed and open positions for dispensing a liquid product into a carton, and a third position for steam sterilization of the filler system. The outlet valve in the latter position is such that a predetermined back pressure is maintained during the sterilization operation.

Abstract: A container lifting arrangement wherein a pair of spaced rails and a vacuum cup assembly are concentrically mounted and relatively actuated to raise and lower a container, in part while the container is being conveyed toward a filling station by a conveyor. The vacuum cup is caused to engage the bottom surface of the container only after the container's forward movement has been stopped so as to not be subjected to any sliding action by the container, such action tending to roll the cup's edge and destroy its suction capabilities. Lifting the container before the conveyor stops provides additional time for filling the container.

Abstract: The drawings and description disclose a liquid filler arrangement including upper and main bodies and a lower sleeve nozzle, with a diaphragm assembly mounted between the main and upper bodies and an inlet formed in the side of the main body. Combined valve and orifice mechanism is operatively positioned substantially at the juncture of the main body and the sleeve nozzle, and one of a diffuser, a lip seal, or a valve is located at the bottom end of the sleeve nozzle, each of which supports a column of liquid product, the diffuser and lip seal by capillary action, and the valve by virtue of being closed. Upon a measured volume of liquid product being pumped into the side inlet by a remote timed piston device, an equivalent measured volume is discharged from the sleeve nozzle through its diffuser or opened lip seal or valve into a container which may be mounted around the sleeve nozzle and filled as it is being pulled from around the sleeve nozzle by a suitable external arrangement.

Abstract: This disclosure illustrates and describes a filler valve assembly including a fluid pressure-activated upper control valve, a spring for urging the control valve closed, a fixed lower flow control valve, a nozzle slidably mounted in the lower end of the valve body, a second spring for normally urging the nozzle into a capillary seal relationship with the lower flow control valve, and spacer means extending between the nozzle and the upper control valve. Upon receiving a measured volume of fluid under pressure from an external source, the upper control valve is opened, causing the nozzle to move relative to the fixed lower flow control valve and thereby discharge a measured volume of fluid product into a container therebelow.