Abstract: Apparatus for filling containers from individual volumetric dispensers as both move rapidly along a straight-line path. The dispensers are moved in a closed loop and filled while travelling along another straight-line path opposite the dispensing straight-line path, by forcing flowable product upwardly into the open lower ends of the dispensers as they slide over a filler slot. To prevent flow of the product upward between the dispensers, a mechanism is provided which automatically locks the ends of the adjacent dispensers against each other to provide a seal against inter-dispenser product flow, and which automatically decouples the containers after their filling so they can turn with respect to each other, as is necessary as they negotiate curves in the closed-loop path along which they travel.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing squirts of liquid into the top openings of a moving train of regularly spaced-apart containers, including a rotating circular band having a plurality of nozzle openings spaced about it and aligned directly over the container top openings, and a fixed manifold device slidingly sealed to the band and supplied with liquid under pressure so that each time a nozzle opening passes the manifold it supplies a squirt of liquid into a corresponding container moving along beneath it. Automatic shut-off of the dispenser is provided in the absence of a container by sensing the absence of the container at an upstream position and automatically moving the manifold device axially out of alignment with the path of the nozzle openings to prevent squirting of liquid into a gap in the train. Another manifold slidingly sealed to the band is supplied with pressurized air so that each nozzle is blown clean of liquid immediately after it completes its dispensing action.