Abstract: A filling device for cartons comprises a row of vertical ducts arranged along a path of the cartons. Each duct includes, progressing downwardly, an upper bellows, a ducting section incorporating an inlet valve, a lower bellows, and a fixed nozzle incorporating an outlet valve. The section is vertically reciprocated by a ram. The nozzle comprises a tubular housing containing a valve member comprising a closure part co-operating with a valve seat at the lower extremity of the housing, a stem, and a driving part of inverted cup shape fixedly received with clearance on the stem and movably received with clearance in the housing.

Abstract: An aseptic packaging machine includes a chain conveyor conveying cartons along a path in an aseptic chamber including an advance leg and a return leg each along the machine. Ultra-violet germicidal lamps extend over at least a major portion of the advance leg. Aseptic liquid is fed into the cartons by a filling device comprised of, in turn, an expansion chamber, a non-return inlet valve, a reciprocatory bellows and a non-return valve. After filling, the cartons are top-sealed. The only non-aseptic matter deliberately introduced into the chamber is the cartons. The chamber is cleaned internally by cleaning fluid from spray nozzles. The carton entry to and exit from the chamber have aseptic air curtains.