Abstract: A sterilization system for use in association with a filler device configured for filling at least one of rigid and flexible containers comprising a sterilization chamber and a sterilant supply assembly. The sterilization chamber includes a housing, an inlet into the housing, an outlet from the housing and a product retainer assembly. These components define a cavity within which to position a portion of a fitment. The sterilant supply assembly comprises a steam generating system having a steam supply conduit extending therefrom and a joint mixing conduit coupled with the inlet into the housing of the sterilization chamber, a hydrogen peroxide storing system and a member for metering liquid phase hydrogen peroxide from the hydrogen peroxide storing system into the steam supply conduit for mixing therewith, and, in turn, introduction thereof into the cavity of the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: A filler device for filling flexible bags including a table, a container gripper assembly, a fill valve and a evacuation facilitating assembly. The table has a top surface configured for receipt of a flexible bag. The container gripper assembly is configured for receipt of a spout of a flexible bag positioned on the table. The fill valve is positionable in fluid communication with the flexible bag. The evacuation facilitating assembly comprises a frame, a leg member and displacing assembly. The frame is spaced apart from the table. The leg member is associated with the frame. The displacing assembly displaces the leg member relative to the frame to, in turn, direct the leg member between a first position wherein the leg member is spaced apart from the table to a second position wherein the flexible bag is sandwiched between the leg member and the table.

Abstract: A sterilization system for use in association with a filler device configured for filling at least one of rigid and flexible containers comprising a sterilization chamber and a sterilant supply assembly. The sterilization chamber includes a housing, an inlet into the housing, an outlet from the housing and a product retainer assembly. These components define a cavity within which to position a portion of a fitment. The sterilant supply assembly comprises a steam generating system having a steam supply conduit extending therefrom and a joint mixing conduit coupled with the inlet into the housing of the sterilization chamber, a hydrogen peroxide storing system and a member for metering liquid phase hydrogen peroxide from the hydrogen peroxide storing system into the steam supply conduit for mixing therewith, and, in turn, introduction thereof into the cavity of the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: A two-part coupling structure includes a male coupling part and a female coupling part which are mutually engageable to open fluid communication between a fluid-storage vessel and a conduit, for example. The coupling parts are disengageable from one another to discontinue fluid communication between the vessel and the conduit, and also to close communication between ambient and each of the vessel and conduit. The retention volume of fluid which is trapped between the connected male and female coupling parts and which is exposed to or lost to ambient when the coupling parts are disconnected is very small. The male coupling part is carried in a guide structure which is removably engageable with the female coupling part to guide the male coupling part into engagement. Also, the male coupling part and its guide structure define cooperating structural features which effect opening of the male coupling part in response to advancement relative to the guide structure.

Abstract: A two-part coupling structure includes a male coupling part and a female coupling part which are mutually engageable to open fluid communication between a fluid-storage vessel and a conduit. The coupling parts are disengageable from one another to discontinue fluid communication between the vessel and the conduit, and also to close communication between ambient and each of the vessel and conduit. The retention volume of fluid which is trapped between the connected male and female coupling parts and which is exposed to or lost to ambient when the coupling parts are disconnected is very small. Because of particular structural features, the coupling parts will function reliably even with fluid having chunks or particulates of non-fluid material therein.

Abstract: A two-part coupling structure includes a male coupling part and a female coupling part which are mutually engageable to open fluid communication between a fluid-storage vessel and a conduit. The coupling parts are disengageable from one another to discontinue fluid communication between the vessel and the conduit, and also to close communication between ambient and each of the vessel and conduit. The retention volume of fluid which is trapped between the connected male and female coupling parts and which is exposed to or lost to ambient when the coupling parts are disconnected is very small. Because of particular structural features, the coupling parts will function reliably even with fluid having chunks or particulates of non-fluid material therein.

Abstract: The invention is a highly maneuverable prime mover adapted for normal or orthogonal steering modes. In the normal mode true Ackermann steering is achieved. Either two or four wheel steering may be chosen. When in the orthogonal mode the vehicle is hybrid skid steered. In hybrid steering only one wheel of a side-by-side pair is steered. This greatly simplifies the necessary shifting mechanisms. Each wheel is driven by an individual hydraulic motor supplied from a main system. In the preferred version the prime mover has a turret capable of 360.degree. rotation. This turret preferably has a universal mounting capable of holding various types of lifting tools. The prime mover is especially well adapted for use with a tool head comprising an array of parallel screws or chains which can rapidly pick up, transport, and deposit objects such as container grown nursery plants.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for accumulating or dispensing planar tray-like objects which are being received from or supplied to a conveyor system. It consists of a supporting frame on which there is an elevator. The elevator has a table on which there are transport rails or rolls compatible with the rest of the system in which the accumulating and dispensing apparatus is operating. The apparatus also contains a plurality of tray-retainers which are mounted on the frame and are normally located some distance above the plane in which the elevator table is in line with the external transport system. As trays or similar objects are received into the apparatus they are lifted one at a time by the elevator onto the bottom of an accumulating stack. The lowest tray of the stack is held by the tray-retainers while the higher members of the stack rest by gravity on the lowest tray. When a stack of the desired size is accumulated it may be released as a unit from the apparatus.