Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring groups of plastic containers from a continuously moving transport conveyor to a tray includes container sensors and a mechanism for providing correct in-fee timing of the containers. The tray is advanced after each group of containers is deposited therein and when the tray is full, it is removed.

Abstract: A filler and sealer with an endless two directional flexing chain having carriers thereon are capable of being driven about vertical axes of a rotary filler and also about horizontal axes of end discs. Each carrier movably supports a tray supporting head which is accurately maintained in filling positions relative to rotary and reciprocating tray fillers, and is thereafter accurately maintained in position to have a lid sealed on the container. Arcuate guide shoes on each carrier ride in linear and arcuate tracks to guide the carriers. A push bar conveyor includes spacer rollers which engage each carrier and push the carriers around their paths of movement at uniform speed.

Abstract: A horizontal force balance shaker includes a horizontal shaking head supported for horizontal movement by parallelogram linkages. Counterweights are secured to concentric shafts for rotation at the same speed in opposite directions about an axis thereby causing the shaker head to oscillate horizontally. The axis may be oriented horizontally or vertically, and the shaking head may be advantageously used in row crop harvesters such as grape harvesters.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for testing the integrity and acceptability of the seal of a package before or after it has been sterilized by any chosen conventional process which may include heat sterilization of a sealed package, aseptic packaging or irradiation. Testing is accomplished by subjecting the package or container to a controlled external pressure, preferably a linear actuator, sufficient to create a selected level of internal pressure. Any suitable means may be used to determine the rate of pressure change within a selected time interval. Upper and lower limits of pressure change determine whether the seal is acceptable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sterilizing apparatus adapted to practice methods of sterile cooling of packaged food products or fluids. Following sterilization a variety of procedures to effect sterile cooling are presented. Sterile cooling is accomplished by sterile fluids, such as water, a solution of selected chemicals and water or sterile air which also may be combined with sterilizing gases.

Abstract: The disclosed sterilizing apparatus makes use of mobile cars containing a quantity of packages. The cars are continuously intermittently advanced to a package loading position, to an inlet lock where pressurizing and preheating of the car and its contents occur, to a sterilizing chamber for a sufficient period of time to effect sterilization, to a discharge lock that depressurizes and partially cools the car and its contents, to an atmospheric cooling station, to a water discharge station and then to a package unloading station.

Abstract: A filling machine for filling open top containers with pressurized liquid, especially carbonated liquid, or liquid which readily foams, having rotary turret mounting filling valve assemblies, each of which includes a cylinder with its foot valve and a piston with its plug valve, as generally known in the art. Before filling starts, a measured charge is trapped in a measuring chamber. Each foot valve is provided with a perforate wall exposed to atmosphere on its underside, and a flexible diaphragm overlies the perforated all and is exposed to the filling charge. At the start of the container filling operation, the foot valve is moved downward, while in sealed relation with the cylinder, to first deblock the plug valve and then decompress the measured charge.