Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for filling a container such as a plastic bag with product. The apparatus comprises a fill valve and a chamber formed as an integral unit, in which during a filling operation a container with a cap is in place is offered up to and placed in the bag by gripping devices or jaws, the cap is removed by a capper mechanism the bag is filled with product, and the cap is replaced, all the flow paths and surfaces being sterilised by steam during the filling operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for filling a container with product under sterile conditions during filling thereof in a filling cycle, comprising means having a part for dispensing product in a sterile manner during the filling cycle, by a part adapted for sterilizing at least a part of the container during the filling cycle, and by means adapted to provide flushing of the second-mentioned part during the filling cycle. The means comprises a closure of the second-mentioned part, the arrangement being such that there is a relative reciprocable motion between the means and the remainder of the second-mentioned part, whereby to effect a pulsating flushing action in the second-mentioned part.

Abstract: There is shown respectively the other and the one part of a set of parts which when assembled provides a transfer apparatus for transferring flowable material such as food or drink powder, or a liquid such as a drinks concentrate, from a source thereof (not shown) in the form of a plastic bag of a gauge which is pierceable. That bag is usually held in a container such as a cardboard box. The bag and its contents are sterilised and delivered sterile to a point of use, where the bag is pierced to effect transfer. To effect such transfer, the one part, which is an adapter plug is secured to a gland which is part of the bag, though in an alternative the one part may itself be a gland integral with the bag. The other part is tubular and hollow, and has an internal thread in a lower (as viewed) part separated by a shoulder from an upper (as viewed) unthreaded tubular part which has a gland for attachment to another filament, such as a tube (not shown).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterile dispensing of product from an aseptic source is described. There is provided a valve device adapted for mounting at the outlet of the source, mounting the valve device on the outlet, providing sterilizing medium and sterilizing the outlet and valve with the medium prior to dispensing the product. There is provided a sterilizing chamber between a valve member and the valve device for continuously sterilizing part of the valve member in the chamber while product delivery occurs to create an aseptic barrier between the product and the environment.