Abstract: A food dough extrusion machine (10). The machine has a platform (2) and at least one extrusion unit (1) supported by the platform (2). The extrusion machine (10) has a guidance (3) by which the at least one extrusion unit (10) is supported on the platform (2) and by which the at least one extrusion unit (10) is adjustable relative to the platform (2) and/or removable from the platform (2).

Abstract: An apparatus having a nozzle, a fluid flow conduit, a fluid flow discharge opening, a fluid flow discharge opening area, a fluid flow valve, a vacuum, a vacuum conduit, a vacuum opening, a vacuum valve, and a vacuum opening area wherein the vacuum opening is spatially proximate to the fluid flow discharge opening, the vacuum opening area to the fluid flow discharge opening area has a ratio of less than or equal to 1, and the fluid flow valve and vacuum valve are coupled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a fluid over an interface. A nozzle may comprise a body having a first end and a second end, an input located at the first end of the body, an output located at the second end of the body, and a plurality of channels located within the body. The input may be configured to receive a fluid. The plurality of channels may have a configuration that causes the fluid received through the input to flow through the plurality of channels and exit the output to form a deposition having a desired shape over an interface.

Abstract: A tank recess for motor vehicles comprising a recess body having a device for fastening to a vehicle body opening from outside and having a tank feed line sealing portion, characterized in that the recess body has a fold-over sealing edge on the base portion, such that a flange on an inner metal plate of the vehicle body opening is encompassed by the fold-over sealing edge, such that in the installed position the sealing edge is able to be placed sealingly around the flange of the vehicle body opening.

Abstract: A non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a pumping apparatus having a liquid delivery pumping portion and a liquid recovery pumping portion fluidically isolated one from the other. A nozzle has a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A liquid delivery hose connects the liquid delivery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid delivery conduit. A liquid recovery hose connects the liquid recovery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion for opening and closing the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is connected to the valve for controlling the first movable valve portion, and has a liquid sensor responsive to a threshold condition of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit to thereby cause the first movable valve portion to close the liquid delivery conduit.

Abstract: Zero waste dosing method for filling containers of liquids which provides to use, at a delivery station of the liquid product, at least a volumetric pump with a rotor and stator, associated with a tank of the liquid to be introduced into said containers.

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.

Abstract: A nozzle for use in a non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a nozzle body, a liquid delivery conduit having a liquid-receiving inlet and a liquid-dispensing outlet, and a non-bifurcated liquid recovery conduit having a liquid-receiving inlet and a liquid-conveying outlet. The minimum effective internal cross-sectional area of the liquid recovery throughpassage is greater than half the minimum effective internal cross-sectional area of the liquid delivery throughpassage. A valve has a first movable valve portion and a second movable valve portion that are interconnected one to the other for co-operative movement one with the other. A manually operable trigger is connected to the first movable valve portion for corresponding positive uninterruptable movement of the first movable valve portion between a valve-closed configuration and the valve-open configuration.

Abstract: A water collection container includes a tank; a lid having with an inlet opening in its top surface, and an overflow opening and a water inflow assembly on its underside. The water inflow assembly includes a valve interconnected between the inlet opening, the overflow opening and the tank and operated via a handle. The valve, in a first configuration, diverts water from the inlet opening to the tank and overflow from the tank to the overflow opening, and in a second configuration diverts water from the inlet opening to the overflow opening while substantially preventing water from entering the tank.

Abstract: A method for open jet filling containers with a liquid filling material using a filling element having a filling material path in its interior. The filling material flows through the path formed by a liquid channel during filling. The filling element comprises a liquid valve arranged in the path for controlled dispensing of the filling material at a dispensing opening. Closing the valve forms a drip-prevention structure that stops dripping of the filling material at the dispensing opening. The method includes forming the drip-prevention structure by closing the filling element, thereby causing relative movement between first and second structures. The first structure is either a valve body or a function element that moves with the valve body when the filling element closes. The second structure comprises part of an enclosing inner contour of the path. The drip-prevention structure is formed only when the filling element is closed.

Abstract: A method for filling containers with a fill of liquid material and solids using a container-filling machine having a tank, a filling element, a processing unit, a bypass pipe and pump, and an overflow pipe. The tank holds the fill. The filling element controls delivery of fill from the tank into the container. The processing unit provides the fill to the tank. The by-pass pipe connects to the filling element. The pump returns a residual quantity from the tank to the processing unit. The residual quantity is a quantity of one of the fill and a by-pass volume flow from the filling element. The overflow pipe returns an unneeded quantity of fill to the processing unit. The method includes, using a by-pass pump embodied as a displacement pump, actively drawing the residual quantity from the filling element or tank.

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off nozzle comprises a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion movable between a valve closed position whereat liquid is precluded from being dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet of the liquid delivery conduit and a valve open position whereat liquid is permitted to be dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet of the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is reconfigurable between an operating configuration whereat force can be transmitted from the valve control mechanism to the valve to thereby move the first movable valve portion to the valve open position, and a non-operating configuration whereat force cannot be transmitted from the valve control mechanism to the valve. A liquid sensor has a rest state and an actuated state whereat the liquid sensor reconfigures the manually operable valve control mechanism from the operating configuration to the non-operating configuration.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off nozzle comprises a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion movable between a valve closed position whereat liquid is precluded from being dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet of the liquid delivery conduit and a valve open position whereat liquid is permitted to be dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet of the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is reconfigurable between an operating configuration whereat force can be transmitted from the valve control mechanism to the valve to thereby move the first movable valve portion to the valve open position, and a non-operating configuration whereat force cannot be transmitted from the valve control mechanism to the valve. A liquid sensor has a rest state and an actuated state whereat the liquid sensor reconfigures the manually operable valve control mechanism from the operating configuration to the non-operating configuration.

Abstract: A non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a pumping apparatus having a liquid delivery pumping portion and a liquid recovery pumping portion fluidically isolated one from the other. A nozzle has a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A liquid delivery hose connects the liquid delivery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid delivery conduit. A liquid recovery hose connects the liquid recovery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion for opening and closing the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is connected to the valve for controlling the first movable valve portion, and has a liquid sensor responsive to a threshold condition of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit to thereby cause the first movable valve portion to close the liquid delivery conduit.

Abstract: The bottling installation for bottling a liquid in containers includes at least one filler terminal comprising a filler spout (2) comprising a spout body having a top end portion connected to a filler spout feed duct (7) and a bottom end provided with an orifice (8) fitted with a controlled valve, the filler spout being fitted with a feed-back duct (10) opening out into the spout body (6) above the controlled valve (9) and suitable for being connected by a connection member (11) to a general feed duct (12) between a stop valve (14) and an isolating valve (15), a purge valve (17) being connected to the general feed duct (12) between the isolating valve (15) and the connection member (11).

Abstract: A method for open jet filling containers with a liquid filling material using a filling element having a filling material path in its interior. The filling material flows through the path formed by a liquid channel during filling. The filling element comprises a liquid valve arranged in the path for controlled dispensing of the filling material at a dispensing opening. Closing the valve forms a drip-prevention structure that stops dripping of the filling material at the dispensing opening. The method includes forming the drip-prevention structure by closing the filling element, thereby causing relative movement between first and second structures. The first structure is either a valve body or a function element that moves with the valve body when the filling element closes. The second structure comprises part of an enclosing inner contour of the path. The drip-prevention structure is formed only when the filling element is closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling element for a filling system or for a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material. The filling element has at least one liquid channel designed in a filling element housing, which channel forms at least one discharge opening for the liquid filling material and can be connected to a source for providing the liquid filling material or a component of said filling material, at least one liquid valve in the at least one liquid channel for the controlled discharge of the filling material or the component at the discharge opening, and a gas barrier, which, when the liquid valve is closed, prevents the filling material from continuing to flow or drip, and for that purpose forms at least one flow channel having a reduced cross-section.

Abstract: Containers (2) to be filled with liquid or powder products are processed by equipment (1) comprising at least one carousel (5) mounted on a floor-standing base frame (10) and set in rotation about a vertical axis (X) by drive components (9) housed internally of the frame (10); the carousel (5) is equipped with a number of peripheral stations (6), each accommodating a single container (2), and is positioned directly above a tank (20) with an open top (27) proportioned and contoured in such a way that washing liquids sprayed onto the carousel (5) in the course of during cleaning operations can be collected and carried away from the equipment.

Abstract: A filling system for filling beverage bottles in a beverage bottling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A beverage bottle filling machine for filling bottles with fruit juices, beverage filling element in a beverage bottle filling machine with such beverage filling elements for filling bottles or similar containers with fruit juices, and a beverage bottle filling element for filling bottles or similar containers with fruit juices. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a spindle motor manufacturing method for forming an oil repellent film which prevents a lubricating oil from flowing out, on a predetermined area adjacent to a hydrodynamic bearing, the predetermined area being located on at least one of a stationary member and a rotating member. The spindle motor manufacturing method mentioned above comprises a step of supplying an oil repellent solution by a supplying portion onto a part of the predetermined area for forming the oil repellent film, a step of applying an air current to the part of the predetermined area on which the oil repellent solution is supplied so as to peel off an excess part of the oil repellent solution supplied onto the part of the predetermined area, and a step of making a relative movement of the predetermined area in which the oil repellent film is formed, the relative movement being made with respect to the supplying portion by which the oil repellent solution is supplied.

Abstract: A system for filling a vented tank without spilling is disclosed. A fuel or similar liquid tank typically includes a filling tube and a vent tube secured thereto. A vent hole and the vent tube of the tank are in fluid communication with each other. A tube is in fluid communication with the vent hole for transporting any liquid located within the vent tube to a remote location. A vacuum source is connected to the tube. The vacuum source is adapted to draw the liquid through the tube and into a receptacle attached to the vacuum source.

Abstract: In the fluid filling device A of the present invention, when installed in the fluid filler port B1 of the drum B, the hollow internal space of the tubular body 10 provided with the communication part 10a communicating with the internal space of the drum B is divided into the fluid inlet part 10b for leading waste oil into the drum B from outside and the fluid outlet part 10c for leading the waste oil filled into the drum B to the outside of the drum B. The fluid filling device A is further provided with the fluid inlet 11 for leading the fluid from the fluid filler port outside the container in communication with the fluid inlet part 10b and the fluid outlet 12 for leading the fluid filled into the container to the outside of the container in communication with the fluid outlet part 10c.

Abstract: Rainwater collection apparatus having a tank with a catchment cone above it. Between an outlet at the bottom of the cone and an inlet at the top of the tank is a sediment trap which has an annular chamber. An inlet pipe with openings near its upper end extends into the chamber, so that when the chamber overflows in use, the container is filled. Drain valves permit flushing of the sediment trap. The apparatus may form part of a system includes storage, purification and bottling equipment.

Abstract: A can filler valve wiper mechanism for use with a can filler machine is disclosed. The can filler machine includes mechanism for moving a can along a predetermined can travel path, and a movable filler valve which moves along a predetermined filler valve travel path above at least a portion of the can travel path. A can wiper mechanism comprises a rotating wiper, which can be a common paint roller. The rotating wiper is disposed at a location between a moving can and a moving can filler valve located above the can so that the wiper engages and collects material located between the valve and can. Preferably, the wiper engages the bottom of the filler valve itself as the valve passes the wiper.

Abstract: In a device for recovering exceeding articles from a blister band on a blistering machine, the blister band is moved in a forward movement direction through a station for feeding the articles to the blisters. A displacing device is situated very close to the blister band for removing exceeding articles while a conveying device recovers the exceeding articles removed from the blister band by the use of a rotating drum. The rotating drum is hollow and has a plurality of radial separating plates defining a number of niches. The niches receive the exceeding articles removed from the blister band and a transport conveyor receives the exceeding articles present in the niches and brings the articles to the feeding station.

Abstract: A system for returning residual liquid remaining in a loading line to a liquid cargo container after loading or unloading of the cargo container. This system includes a liquid return line extending between the loading line and the cargo container. A pump is positioned to move liquid from the loading line, through the liquid return line, and into the cargo container. A vapor line communicates between a vapor space in the cargo container and the loading line. The system may include an optical liquid level sensor. The level sensor includes a light tube having two substantially straight sections joined by a substantially continuous curvature bend. The bend has a rounded cross-section and the light pipe is formed of a light conducting material. An optical emitter is positioned at the end of one of the straight sections of the pipe and an optical detector is positioned at the other straight section of the pipe. A micro-controller activates the optical emitter and monitors the optical sensor.

Abstract: A spill-resistant pharmaceutical formulation for oral administration from a squeezable container comprises a pharmaceutical agent in a suitable vehicle comprising a liquid base and a thickening agent, the formulation consisting of mutually compatible components and having the following properties: a viscosity within the range of about 7500 to about 12,500 cps using a Brookfield Viscometer with a ‘C’ spindle with Helipath movement at a spindle speed of 10 rpm and 20-25° C., a viscometric yield value of a semi-solid, a spill-resistant consistency permitting the composition to be squeezed by light manual pressure through a channel, to spread in a spoon bowl sufficiently quickly for accurate measurement, and to remain in the spoon bowl without spilling on spoon inversion, tilting at 90 degrees, and vibration, homogeneity such that the components do not separate under conditions of use, and a storage stability such that the foregoing properties are retained for at least two years shelf life.

Abstract: A liquid container comprises a container body, a hollow fill/drain conduit and a retaining member. The container body includes a base and at least one side wall extending generally upwardly from the base to define a liquid reservoir. The side wall includes a first port adjacent to the base. The fill/drain conduit has a first end and a second end. The first end of the conduit includes a first connector adapted for connecting the first end of the conduit with the first port in a manner to permit fluid communication between the conduit and the liquid reservoir via the first port. The second end of the conduit is moveable relative to the first end of the conduit between a stored position and a drain position. In the stored position, the second end of the conduit is positioned above a maximum recommended liquid level of the liquid reservoir.

Abstract: A filling device (100) for filling a container (1) with a liquid has a filling duct (15) which is connected to a storage tank. On a carrying means (10) there are arranged a deformable tube (20) which forms a throttle portion (22) in the duct (15), and a squeezing means (30) which is arranged along the tube and which is adapted to act on the sides of the tube (20) and which, when operated to close the duct, is adapted to move countercurrently to generate a subatmospheric pressure in the duct (15) downstream of the squeezing means (30). The filling device also has a meter for measuring a discharged amount of liquid.

Abstract: A spill-resistant pharmaceutical formulation for oral administration from a squeezable container comprises a pharmaceutical agent in a suitable vehicle comprising a liquid base and a thickening agent, the formulation consisting of mutually compatible components and having the following properties: a viscosity within the range of about 7500 to about 12,500 cps using a Brookfield Viscometer with a `C` spindle with Helipath movement at a spindle speed of 20 rpm and 20-25.degree. C., a viscometric yield value of a semi-solid, a spill-resistant consistency permitting the composition to be squeezed by light manual pressure through a channel, to spread in a spoon bowl sufficiently quickly for accurate measurement, and to remain in the spoon bowl without spilling on spoon inversion, tilting at 90 degrees, and vibration, homogeneity such that the components do not separate under conditions of use, and a storage stability such that the foregoing properties are retained for at least two years shelf life.

Abstract: A valve for filling liquids into packages has a housing (1) with a supply connection piece (24), a forward mouth piece and an outlet device (16) in which a large number of outlet holes (4) is arranged. A closing member (3) is movably arranged in the housing (1), and can be engaged with a valve seat (23). Rear sealing devices (5, 7, 22) are also provided. In order to make possible a high volume flow of the liquid contents at low outlet speed without relative movement occurring between the package and outlet device (16) it is provided that the outlet holes (4) distributed over the whole cross-section of the mouth piece (2) are arranged in an outlet plate (16) which is configured integrally with the mouthpiece, and penetrate it in the direction (26) of the longitudinal axis (28) of the mouth piece, that the diameter and the width of the outlet holes (4) is larger than 1 mm and smaller than 5 mm, and that the length of the outlet holes (4) is greater than double their diameter and their width.

Abstract: A filling system is set fort that assists in maintaining the hygienic nature of the filling process. The filling system includes a fill pipe having an inlet for receiving a liquid product and an outlet overlying a container path along which the containers are successively transported for filling beneath the fill pipe. A drip-prevention structure is disposed about the outlet end of the fill pipe and includes a downwardly directed honed edge. The filling system further includes an umbrella valve assembly. The umbrella valve assembly comprises a linear actuator, an umbrella valve cone disposed proximate the outlet end of the fill pipe, and a valve rod disposed in the fill pipe between the linear actuator and the valve cone. The linear actuator is connected to move the valve rod and umbrella valve cone between a first position in which product is prevented from exiting the fill pipe and a second position that allows product to flow from the outlet of the fill pipe.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a fluid flow apparatus including a discharge nozzle arrangement comprising a single continuous, meandering stainless steel strand to create a planar screen operatively connected at its outer periphery to a diffuser chamber. The screen is adapted to retain a volume of fluid thereabove until the fluid is forced under pressure through the openings between adjacent segments of the strand. Portions of the screen are adapted to flex resiliently downwardly, out of the plane of the outer periphery, to provide additional clearances between adjacent segments of the screen, in the event particulates should tend to build-up, to thereby resist clogging by flushing same. The round cross-section of the strand facilitates continual cleanliness, and serves to produce better-behaved flow out of the nozzle, thereby reducing foaming of the product being discharged during the filling operation.

Abstract: Two electrovalves (7A, 7B) are grouped in a same block (7) and disposed in parallel between a supply conduit (5) and a distribution conduit (6). Each electrovalve is provided with a micrometric adjustment screw (9A, 9B) which can be actuated from outside the block. When one of the electrovalves is in operation to deliver successive identical quantities of liquid, the other electrovalve is adjusted as a function of a new value and, during changeover, it suffices to switch the electrovalves. The same block (7) can contain a third electrovalve (7C) for blowing gas under pressure to expel the remaining drops within the distribution conduit. The liquid and the gas are two phases of the same fluid.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a fluid flow apparatus including a discharge nozzle arrangement comprising a single continuous, meandering stainless steel strand to create a planar screen operatively connected at its outer periphery to a diffuser chamber. The screen is adapted to retain a volume of fluid thereabove until the fluid is forced under pressure through the openings between adjacent segments of the strand. Portions of the screen are adapted to flex resiliently downwardly, out of the plane of the outer periphery, to provide additional clearances between adjacent segments of the screen, in the event particulates should tend to build-up, to thereby resist clogging by flushing same. The round cross-section of the strand facilitates continual cleanliness, and serves to produce better-behaved flow out of the nozzle, thereby reducing foaming of the product being discharged during the filling operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dripless filling of liquid material within containers wherein a filling nozzle is moved downwardly or the container is moved upwardly until its shroud engages the upper end of the container and positions its nozzle into the container. After transferring a measured volume of liquid into the container, the filling head is moved upwardly out of contact with the liquid and vacuum is applied immediately at the lower tapered tip of the dispensing nozzle to recover any drippage descending downwardly to the point of the tip. Simultaneously with its withdrawal from the container, residual liquid is wiped from the external tubular member into the container, leaving only a small quantity of residual liquid on the tapered tip which is easily recovered by the vacuum system. The recovered drippage is transferred by the vacuum system to a vacuum chamber and is then selectively transferred from the vacuum chamber to a supply chamber for subsequent filling operation.

Abstract: A liquid filling assembly includes a discharge nozzle arrangement which includes a closely wound spring operatively connected at its outer periphery to a diffuser chamber and including a plurality of coils adapted to retain a volume of fluid thereabove until the fluid is forced under pressure against the spring or an associated valve to urge the coils apart to provide clearances therebetween for the flow therethrough of the fluid.

Abstract: Nozzles for filler pipes employed in packaging machines of the type which meter a certain quantity of contents, e.g. milk, into individual packages which are advanced stepwise and placed beneath the nozzle of the filler pipe. In order to avoid frothing of the contents, of the nozzle is manufactured from flexible material and includes one or more transverse rigidifying ribs which are of substantially triangular cross sectional configuration and which define two or more separate outlets. The outlets are covered by flaps which are opened by the contents when the contents are caused, with the aid of a metering pump, to flow out through the filler pipe so that the flow of contents is divided and directed towards the vertical walls of the package via which the contents flow down to the bottom of the package with a considerably reduced risk of frothing and spatter as a result.

Abstract: Package or container product filling apparatus that can easily be disassembled for cleaning and reassembled comprises a hopper and manifold to supply a plurality of package dosing filling tubes in turn insertable in multiple packages simultaneously. The manifold supplies a plurality of flexible tubes leading to a plurality of bellows type reciprocable dosing pumps. The dosing pumps in turn supply product through flexible tubes to the filling tubes. Any parts through which product passes or contacts are simply connected requiring no tools for disassembly or assembly. The bellows chambers and check valves of the dosing pumps are constructed of inexpensive plastic and discarded when the apparatus is disassembled for cleaning because they are relatively difficult to clean with absolute assurance that no product remains to contaminate a subsequent different product. The remaining mechanical portions of the dosing pumps do not contact the product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dripless filling of liquid material within containers wherein a filling nozzle is moved downwardly or the container is moved upwardly until its shroud engages the upper end of the container and positions its nozzle into the container. After transferring a measured volume of liquid into the container, the filling head is moved upwardly out of contact with the liquid and vacuum is applied immediately at the lower tapered tip of the dispensing nozzle to recover any drippage descending downwardly to the point of the tip. Simultaneously with its withdrawal from the container, residual liquid is wiped from the external tubular member into the container, leaving only a small quantity of residual liquid on the tapered tip which is easily recovered by the vacuum system. The recovered drippage is transferred by the vacuum system to a vacuum chamber and is then selectively transferred from the vacuum chamber to a supply chamber for subsequent filling operation.

Abstract: A drum is filled with two liquids of different densities which are immiscible when combined, such as white phosphorus and water. The drum is positioned on a scale beneath a fill pipe. An actuator lowers the fill pipe into the drum. A quantity of water is injected, followed by a quantity of white phosphorus, followed by a quantity of water to rinse the fill pipe. The fill pipe is raised just out of the liquids and allowed to drip, and then is fully raised to enable the filled drum to be replaced by an empty drum. The white phosphorus is injected at varying flow rates.

Abstract: A probe assembly and method is disclosed which includes a plurality of sensors for respectively mreasuring predetermined attributes of a fluid. The probe assembly comprises a first sensor for measuring the quantity of the fluid. The first sensor includes a capacitive reference cell and a capacitive product measurement cell, each of the cells being characterized by respective associated capacitances. In particular, the capacitance associated with the capacitive product measurement cell varies in accordance with the quantity of the fluid so that the quantity of the fluid is indicated by the quantitative relationship between the magnitude of the capacitance associated with the capacitive reference cell and the magnitude of the capacitance associated with the capacitive product measurement cell.

Abstract: A device for vacuum-assisted transfer of fluid from one container to another via a conduit and having an occluder positioned between the containers includes apparatus and method for clearing fluid from the conduit downstream of the occluder by forcing the fluid upstream of the occluder.

Abstract: In a liquid filling machine wherein a liquid is fed in a specified quantity at a time from a metering cylinder to a filling nozzle by the operation of a piston housed in the cylinder, a device for preventing the liquid from dripping from the filling nozzle comprises a check valve disposed in the nozzle and movable upward or downward by a change in the internal pressure of the metering cylinder produced by the operation of the piston. The upward movement of the valve produces a negative pressure within the nozzle to prevent the liquid from dripping from the nozzle. The negative pressure is variable in accordance with the properties of the liquid by adjusting the stroke length of upward or downward movement of the check valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tapping tube intended for the filling of container-like receptacles, such as bottles, with a liquid, said tapping tube preferably communicating with a metering pump, whereby the liquid in question is intended to flow through the tapping tube and to be interrupted during removal and replacement of the receptacles in question. An arrangement for a tapping tube of this kind is made available in which above all dribbling and dripping can be prevented, especially in conjunction with the removal and replacement of the receptacles. There is connected to the tapping tube (1) a suction channel (14) which discharges in the vicinity of its lower end and which is so arranged as to be actuated in such a way as to provide a suction effect at least for the duration of the aforementioned interruption in the flow of liquid through the tapping tube.

Abstract: A beverage reservoir from which beverage is dispensed in a coin-operated beverage making machine. The reservoir has a handle which incorporates an overflow passageway preventing beverage from otherwise overflowing the reservoir. The overflow passageway discharges into a drain tube which in turn discharges in the area in which beverage is normally dispensed into consumers' cups.

Abstract: A method for the filling of a container with a potable liquid, such as fruit juice, and a filler nozzle for practicing the method. Prior methods for filling containers with potable liquids have often employed a series of nozzles, each discharging a single stream of liquid, falling under the action of gravity, vertically downward through an opening in a nozzle, each nozzle acting in cooperation and being attached to its valve. As the container is filled, both splashing and foaming of the liquid in the container, has often caused problems. According to the method and apparatus of this invention, the potable liquid to be dispensed into a container is directed to the interior surface of the container at a point above its intended fill level. By virtue of this method, foaming and splashing are minimized at each filler nozzle station.

Abstract: A receptacle for accumulating spilled liquids about the inlet pipe of a storage tank is slidably fitted within a stationary housing. The receptacle includes an outlet spout connected to the inlet pipe. A center pipe fits within the spout for connection to a supply line. Liquid flows from the supply line through the center pipe into the tank inlet pipe. Spillage is collected in the receptacle and, if desired, permitted to flow into the tank via valved passages in the receptacle bottom.