Abstract: A sterilization device on a filling and sealing machine for cup-shaped packaging containers has an endless conveying device in a sterilization chamber. The conveying device is equipped with carrier plates for the packaging containers has two deflection segments one above the other, and two vertical straight segments between them. A preheating device and a sterilization device for applying the sterilization medium are associated with the ascending straight segment, and a drying device is associated with the descending straight segment. The treatment medium, such as warm air, sterilization means and sterile drying air, are blown through nozzles descending into the conveyed containers. During passage through the upper deflection segment, the applied sterilization medium acts for a specific period of time: while the containers point downward with their openings. The containers occupy a horizontal position in the straight segments.

Abstract: Apparatus for selecting elongate containers from a mass of randomly-disposed containers such as capsules open at one end and at least partially closed at the other and depositing them with their open ends aligned for receiving a charge of material. The apparatus including first and second rotors, the first rotor including radially-disposed bores for receiving the containers and the second rotor including radially-disposed spokes for receiving containers with open ends toward the spokes. The first and second rotors including operable elements for removing the containers from the bores or spokes for transfer of the containers to a receiving device with the containers in the same orientation.

Abstract: A machine for making fuel elements/aerosol generating cartridges useful for smoking articles, the machine providing for receiving a random supply of tubular, open-end containers, orienting the containers to position them for filling, filling the containers with a predetermined amount of aerosol generating material, and capping the open ends by inserting fuel elements therein.