Abstract: An assembly for dispensing fluid products, comprising a housing (44) having a dispense opening (40) and a mount (42) for a container (12) that contains the fluid product, pumping means (45), a diverting element (53) rotatable around a rotation axis (R) provided with a first channel (A) and a second channel (B), which are in fluid communication with one another and each have an open end (66) arranged radially with respect to the rotation axis (R) on a peripheral surface (65) of the rotatable diverting element (53). The assembly further comprises a suction conduit (49) connected to an inlet of the pumping means (45) for withdrawing fluid product from said container (12) installed on the mount (42), a delivery conduit (50) fluidly connecting an outlet of the pumping means (45) and said rotatable diverting element (53), and a recirculation conduit (52) arranged downstream of the diverting element (53) for returning fluid product to the container (12).

Abstract: A tabletop drinking game apparatus includes a base, a tower, a plurality of dispensing units, a reservoir, a microcontroller, and a power source. The tower is concentrically attached to the base as the reservoir is concentrically connected to the tower, opposite of the base. Each user is able to enter their input command through a pair of control buttons of the base. The plurality of dispensing units is radially mounted around the tower and is in fluid communication with the reservoir so that the stored beverage can be dispensed according to the outcomes of the game. The power source is electrically connected to control buttons, the plurality of dispensing units, and the microcontroller to initiate the game play. The microcontroller is electronically connected to the plurality of dispensing units as the microcontroller determines the outcome of the game play.

Abstract: A tube holder for a tube-filling machine has a cup-shaped housing which comprises an upwardly opening tube receiving means into which a tube is insertable by way of one axial end region thereof. A clamping device, by which a clamping force can be applied to the tube, is arranged in the region of the tube wall of the tube receiving means. It can be provided in this case that that the clamping device comprises at least one magnet which is movable by at least one electric coil and/or at least one permanent magnet between a clamping position, in which a clamping force is applied to the tube, and a releasing position in which a clamping force is not applied to the tube. Alternatively, the clamping device can comprise a magnetorheological fluid, the viscosity of which is modifiable by at least one electric coil and/or at least one permanent magnet.

Abstract: This invention (FIG. 1) was conceived out of necessity to control hazardous conditions created while mixing materials like concrete or mortar in containers (1) such as a three gallon or five gallon bucket. The invention (2) is a vacuum attachment which produces a low pressure zone within the bucket when a vacuum is applied to the outlet port (3) of the invention that will keep dust and other airborne material from leaving the interior of the invention through the top of the opening (4). It consists of a funnel shaped opening (4) on the top and a channel around the underside of the funnel leading to the vacuum attachment opening (3), which creates high and low pressure zones, which controls the release of particulate into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A filling unit for filling containing elements (2) of single-use capsules (3) with a dose (33) of product for extraction or infusion beverages, comprising:—a line (4) for transporting the containing elements (2);—a station (SR) for filling the containing elements (2) with a dose (33) of product comprising at least a first containing seat (S1) designed to receive a dose (33) of product; a substation (ST1) for forming the dose (33) inside the first containing seat (S1) equipped with a device (6) for releasing a predetermined quantity of product defining the dose (33) inside the first containing seat (S1), the release device (6) comprising: a hopper (38) for feeding product; at least one rotary element (40a; 40b) having a plurality of blades (60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60F); and a filling chamber (61) positioned below the rotary element (40a; 40b), the rotary element (40a; 40b) being configured to create a feeding flow of product from the feed hopper (38) towards the filling chamber (61).

Abstract: An example method for plasma cleaning a container includes generating plasma flowing within the container, applying a magnet to an exterior surface of the container causing the plasma within the container to be attracted to the magnet, and moving the magnet in a motion over the exterior surface to control movement of the plasma within the container and to clean one or more areas of the container with the plasma according to the motion. An example system for plasma cleaning a container includes a power source, a gas inlet on the container for dispersing a gas within the container, and based on current flowing, the gas converts to plasma. The system also includes a robotic manipulator having an end effector coupled to a magnet to move the magnet in a motion over an exterior surface of the container causing the plasma within the container to be attracted to the magnet.

Abstract: An injection member penetrates an elastic septum of a device defining a sealed, empty, sterile chamber in fluid communication with the septum. During penetrating, an annular interface is formed between the septum and the injection member extending axially between a penetration point on an interior surface of the septum in fluid communication with the sterile chamber, and an exterior surface of the septum engaging the injection member. The injection member is de-contaminated by (i) friction between the septum and injection member at the annular interface, and (ii) elongation of the septum at the annular interface. A substance is introduced through the injection member and into the sterile chamber of the device, the injection member is then withdrawn from the septum, the septum reseals itself at the resulting penetration aperture, and the chamber is maintained sterile throughout the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine including a sealing station which is used for sealing a package comprising a trough and a cover film, and which has at least two sides, the sealing station including a sealing tool provided with at least one evacuation aperture for discharging the atmosphere and at least one gas flushing aperture for supplying a gas volume flow.

Abstract: A fluid manifold system includes a manifold port assembly having a housing with an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports formed thereon and a carousel having a plurality of spaced apart fluid paths that extend therethrough from a first end to an opposing second end. The carousel is rotatably coupled with the housing so that when the first end of each fluid path is aligned with the inlet port on the housing, the second end of each fluid path is aligned with a corresponding different one of the plurality of outlet ports. A container is fluid coupled to each outlet port by a fluid line. The inlet port can be selectively coupled with a fluid source while a motor can control rotation of the carousel relative to the housing.

Abstract: A flower handling system includes loading, cutting, finishing, and boxing stations. Flowers are unloaded from dry-packed boxes at the cutting stations. Each cutting station includes a positioning arm that secures flower bundles and transports them from a first location adjacent a loading table to a second location above a conveyor. A bucket separating device deposits buckets one at a time onto the conveyor, and the buckets are filled with conditioning fluid. A cutting blade is positioned to cut flower stems as the positioning arm moves from the first to the second location. A clamping arm closes around the flowers and lifts them out of the positioning arm before lowering them into a fluid-filled bucket on the conveyor. The flower filled bucket is then transported through the finishing station to a boxing station where the bucket is deposited into a box for shipping to a wholesaler or retailer.

Abstract: A battery grid pasting system includes a battery grid pasting machine, a sensing station, and a controller. The battery grid pasting machine includes a conveying apparatus confronting a hopper's dispensing end across a space, and includes a motor actuatable to cause variance of the space and hence variance of the amount of battery paste received on carried battery grids through the space. The sensing station senses a value of a property of a pasted battery grid. And the controller receives the sensed value of the property and controls actuation of the motor based in part or more on the received value.

Abstract: A method for filling a plurality of microdepressions in a major surface of a web with finely divided powder in which the web is fed continuously to and through a powder filling stage including a driven roller. At the powder filling stage, the powder, which is fed either onto the web upstream of the roller or to the roller of the powder filling stage, is filled into the microdepressions of the web using the driven roller, wherein said roller is rotating about an axis generally transverse to the direction of web, while the surface speed of the roller and the web speed are different and wherein the roller and web are positioned relative to one another, such that between the upper surface of the web and the outer surface of the roller there is a gap.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus including an adjustable intake conveyor assembly, two receiving conveyor assemblies to receive product from the intake conveyor assembly, two rake assemblies for metering the product on the receiving conveyor assemblies, two upper funnels at downstream ends of the receiving conveyor assemblies for containing and redirecting product, two funnel groups to pass product falling from the upper funnels to targets moving below the funnel groups. Each funnel group includes a plurality of dispensing funnels, and each dispensing funnel is connected to adjacent dispensing funnels and moves along a racetrack shaped rail in synchronization with the moving targets below the dispensing funnels. A guide pan lowers and raises the dispensing funnels toward and away from the targets for precise deposits.

Abstract: The invention discloses a portable sterilizer for use when filling containers for transporting goods under aseptic conditions, which provides increased transport capacity, more flexible formats and connections for the containers, while facilitating handling of the goods, and which comprises a portable boiler, systems for pre-washing using chemicals and other means necessary for sanitizing all the parts thereof. For washing, it uses chemicals, circulation waters and the hot water (or any other liquid poured into said boiler) produced from the liquid phase inside said portable boiler. The device may include a pump for pressure washing with other types of cleaners, cold water, chemicals, etc.; For sterilizing, it uses the vapour phase of water or other liquids in said portable boiler, ultraviolet rays and/or another means of sterilization, and it is connected between the outlet of the pasteurization system of a production plant and the return lines of said pasteurizer.

Abstract: A retaining bracket used in bottle processing includes a clamp having clamp arms that pivot in a horizontal plane for grasping bottle necks, a sliding sleeve for receiving a hinge pin entering therein from an upward direction, the hinge pin having a magnetizable or magnetically free end, a first permanent magnet disposed in a lower region of the sleeve for interacting with the free end of the hinge pin, a pivotable sleeve for receiving a second pin parallel to the hinge pin, the second pin having, at a free end thereof, a permanent magnet or magnetically influenced region that exerts an attractive force tending to center and restore the clamp, and a brace-like projection that engages below the clamp when the clamp is in a locked position.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.

Abstract: A tire inflation system comprising a tire inflation apparatus having an inflation head, a pressurized gas source, and a controller, with the inflation head being positioned at a tire and wheel assembly inflation location at which a tire and wheel assembly is received to inflate the tire and wheel assembly. The tire and wheel assembly includes a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) valve stem that detects and transmits inflation pressure data of the tire and wheel assembly. The inflation head defines a tire inflation cavity that seals with the tire of the tire and wheel assembly when engaged with the inflation head. Pressurized gas is delivered from the pressurized gas source through an outlet in the tire inflation cavity for inflation of the tire and wheel assembly. The controller receives inflation pressure data from the TPM valve stem and controls operation of the tire inflation apparatus in response thereto.

Abstract: An assembly includes a support and drive assembly, a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is in operable communication with and supported by the support and drive assembly. The first structure includes at least one filling or needle assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of filling or needle assemblies. The second structure is supported by the support and drive assembly. The second structure includes at least one seal assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of seal assemblies. A method includes determining a number of containers or vials that are to be filled concurrently and adjusting an assembly to include at least one filling or needle assembly and at least one seal assembly. A number of the filling or needle assemblies and the seal assemblies equals the number of containers or vials.

Abstract: The invention relates to the filling of a frozen dessert product in a container, by performing the steps of: arranging at least one container to be filled on a slat conveyor, moving the container on the slat conveyor towards a dispensing nozzle, vertically displacing at least one slat supporting the container, and horizontally displacing the slat supporting the container in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the slat conveyor, while dispensing the product from the dispensing nozzle into the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the volumetric metering and depositing of a food product comprising a plurality of particles or flowable particles. The plurality of food particles are transported upon a discharge conveyor having a first rate of speed, the plurality of particles arranged uniformly from passing beneath a product leveling device. When the plurality of particles reach the end of the discharge conveyor, the particles fall from the end of the conveyor under the operation of gravity and are deposited in a shuttle while the shuttle travels at a second rate of speed from a position at least partially below the conveyor to collect the falling particles in cells or receiving receptacles. The relationship between the first rate of speed of the conveyor and the second rate of speed of the shuttle define a metered amount of particles collected in each of the receiving receptacles.

Abstract: A transport holder vertically aligns a caulking cartridge, nozzle-down. The holder includes (i) a substantially solid lower plug portion, having a lead face and a bottom face and an center passageway that is at least partially inverted frustum-shaped that forms a side contact face that tapers from a wider lead face opening to a narrower bottom face opening; and or to a tubular sleeve from the side contact face to the bottom face opening; and (ii) an upper sleeve, shaped to receive the caulking cartridge in a desired vertical alignment to the lower plug portion.

Abstract: Rotary packaging machine and method for filling open-mouth bags with multiple filling units disposed over the circumference and rotating along, each of which having a filling spout with a bottom filling opening, wherein the open-mouth bags can be appended by way of a motion oriented upwardly relative to the filling spout. A transfer device for transferring the open-mouth bags intended for filling to the filling units is provided. The transfer device comprises a gripping arm including a gripping unit provided thereat. The gripping arm is rotatingly disposed at the transfer device. A longitudinal speed of the longitudinal motion of the gripping arm is temporarily adapted to a peripheral speed of the circumferential motion of the filling spouts.

Abstract: Rotary packaging machine and method for filling open-mouth bags with multiple filling units disposed over the circumference and rotating along, each of which having a filling spout with a filling opening to which the open-mouth bags can be appended by way of a motion oriented upwardly relative to the filling spout. A handling unit configured as a take-over device is provided for taking over the filled open-mouth bags from the filling units and comprises a gripping arm with a gripping unit provided thereat. The gripping arm is rotatingly disposed at the take-over device. The gripping unit is pivotally disposed at the gripping arm for performing relative to the gripping arm a pivoting motion superimposed on the gripping arm rotation.

Abstract: A medicine filling device for filling empty vials of different shapes and sizes with medicine without having to replace any members or having to perform any special operations is disclosed. More specifically, the medicine filling device is provided with a first transfer means to transfer an empty vial B stored within a stocker while the vial B is positioned on a side, a vial lifter (second transfer means) to hold the transferred vial B in an upright position and to move said vial B towards a medicine filling unit, and a vial orientation detection means to detect the orientation of the vial B which was removed from the stocker by the first transfer means. The first transfer means is provided with a reversal mechanism and the vial B is supplied to the vial lifter from the first transfer means while the bottom of the vial B faces a vial guiding means.

Abstract: When a controller determines that the maximum simultaneous feed number is exceeded by a total target number which is the total number of inactive gas feeding section determined to be controlled to the first feed state at one time, of the inactive gas feeding sections determined to be controlled to the first feed state at one time, the controller controls some of them not more than the maximum simultaneous feed number to the first feed state and executes a start delaying process for the others in which process starting of the first control state is delayed by a set delay period.

Abstract: A potting apparatus has a first conveyor suitable for receiving a pot thereon, a second conveyor has a surface suitable for receiving soil thereon and having an end positioned so as to deliver soil to the pot on the first conveyor, a drill positioned above the first conveyor so as to be movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the pot on the first conveyor so as to form a hole in the pot, and a driving means cooperative with the first conveyor for moving the first conveyor in an indexing manner such that the first conveyor temporarily stops at a location directly below the drill. The drill is slidably supported on a frame so as to be driven by a belt connected to the drill. A servomotor is drivingly connected to the belt so as to move the drill in an upward direction or a downward direction.

Abstract: A device and a method for filling with a gas other than air an insulating glazing unit composed of at least two glass panes and at least one spacer frame, comprising a movable and a fixed bed. The fixed bed is provided with retractable suckers suitable to capture a lower flap of a glass pane and move therewith with a motion of retraction with respect to the movable bed, such as to provide straightening of the lower flap of the glass pane.

Abstract: A device for transferring articles between a first machine implementing intermittent movement of the articles at a first predetermined pitch, and a second machine implementing continuous movement of the articles at a second predetermined pitch, the device comprising a flexible conveyor extending around at least two pulleys so as to have at least one rectilinear segment facing a conveyor of the first machine and a rounded segment facing a conveyor of the second machine, the flexible conveyor of the device carrying laterally-projecting article-handling members arranged at regular intervals in such a manner that the handling members are at a pitch corresponding to the first pitch in said rectilinear segment, and said rounded segment has a radius such that the handling members are at a pitch corresponding to the second pitch in the rounded segment. A container-packaging installation including such a device.

Abstract: An enclosure is filled with a filling gas according to the disclosed method. An enclosure is provided having an interior, a width, a height, a thickness, and fluid filling and exit holes fluidly communicating with the interior. Filling of the enclosure is commenced by directing a flow of the filling gas at a filling flow rate into the fluid filling hole. An oxygen concentration of gas exiting the fluid exit hole is sensed. The filling of the enclosure is stopped when the sensed oxygen concentration reaches a threshold concentration, wherein the threshold oxygen concentration and/or the filling flow rate are selected by a Decision Support Tool based upon the width, height, and/or the thickness.

Abstract: Provided is a medicine filling device for filling empty vials of different shapes and sizes with medicine without having to replace any members or to perform any special operations. More Specifically, the medicine filling device is provided with: a first transfer means to transfer an empty vial B stored within a stocker while the vial B is positioned on a side; a vial lifter (second transfer means) to hold the transferred vial B in an upright position and to move said vial B towards a medicine filling unit; and a vial orientation detection means to detect the orientation of the vial B which was removed from the stocker by the first transfer means. The first transfer means is provided with a reversal mechanism and the vial B is supplied to the vial lifter from the first transfer means while the bottom of the vial B faces a vial guiding means.

Abstract: A rotary container handling machine which has a stationary frame and a turntable supported thereby, which turntable has container handling devices for handling containers. The turntable is rotated by a drive. The drive comprises an encircling collar with a plurality of magnets, and at least one stator which overlaps one subsector of the collar to permit rotation of the turntable by an electromagnetic field generated by the at least one stator. The collar is disposed on either the stationary frame or the turntable, while the at least one stator is disposed on the other.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus including an adjustable intake conveyor assembly, two receiving conveyor assemblies to receive product from the intake conveyor assembly, two rake assemblies for metering the product on the receiving conveyor assemblies, two upper funnels at downstream ends of the receiving conveyor assemblies for containing and redirecting product, two funnel groups to pass product falling from the upper funnels to targets moving below the funnel groups. Each funnel group includes a plurality of dispensing funnels, and each dispensing funnel is connected to adjacent dispensing funnels and moves along a racetrack shaped rail in synchronization with the moving targets below the dispensing funnels. A guide pan lowers and raises the dispensing funnels toward and away from the targets for precise deposits.

Abstract: An enclosure is filled with a filling gas according to the disclosed method. An enclosure is provided having an interior, a width, a height, a thickness, and fluid filling and exit holes fluidly communicating with the interior. Filling of the enclosure is commenced by directing a flow of the filling gas at a filling flow rate into the fluid filling hole. An oxygen concentration of gas exiting the fluid exit hole is sensed. The filling of the enclosure is stopped when the sensed oxygen concentration reaches a threshold concentration, wherein the threshold oxygen concentration and/or the filling flow rate are selected by a Decision Support Tool based upon the width, height, and/or the thickness.

Abstract: Filling assembly for filling holes formed in a plate, such as a printed circuit board, with a filing material, comprising a support device for supporting the plate, a filling device having a filling material source and a feeding channel connected to the filling material source for feeding filling material from the filling material source to the plate supported by the support device, wherein the feeding channel leads to an output opening held adjoining the plate for filling the filling material into the respective hole of the supported plate, and a vibration device connected to a side wall of the feeding channel, by which the side wall can be vibrated at a particular frequency transverse to the feeding channel, such that the feeding channel is correspondingly diminished at least adjacent to its output opening periodically.

Abstract: An automated micro-well plate handling device for removing a micro-well plate from within a vertically stacked plurality of micro-well plates and transferring the removable micro-well plate to a receiving area. A vertical storage device for storing the vertically stacked plurality of micro-well plates creates a vertical clearance space between the vertically stacked micro-well plates. A shovel slides into the vertical clearance space underneath the micro-well plate that is being removed. The shovel then removes the micro-well plate from the vertical storage device and places the micro-well plate at a transfer station. A gripper then grabs the micro-well plate from the transfer station and transfers the micro-well plate to a receiving area. In a preferred embodiment, the automated micro-well plate handling device is controlled via a computer network.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a produce tray with agricultural produce includes a tray loading station with a fill hopper for receiving the agricultural produce, a produce compression station including at least one tuck finger platen, and a conveyer including a plurality of tray carriers for moving the produce tray from the tray loading station to the produce compression station. Some embodiments of the invention also include a split chute for transferring the agricultural produce from the fill hopper to the produce tray and a trolley for selectively positioning the split chute under the fill hopper or tuck finger platen. Another embodiment of the invention includes a tuck finger platen for compressing agricultural produce near the center of the tray less than agricultural produce near the interior walls of the produce tray. Yet another embodiment of the invention includes steps in a method for loading agricultural produce into a produce tray.

Abstract: In an intermittent rotating machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products, each capsule is opened in a respective pocket of a conveying wheel, is filled with a pharmaceutical product, is closed and is finally released from the pocket itself; a supporting block fitted above the conveying wheel defining an upper stopping device for stopping the capsules during the closing thereof, and further defining an upper diverting device for moving the capsules outside the conveying wheel, and supporting a sucking pneumatic device for cleaning the pockets.

Abstract: An intermittent rotating machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products is provided with a conveying wheel having a plurality of pockets adapted to each receive and keep a respective capsule, and a hopper delimited by a bottom wall provided with a plurality of holes, each of which is obtained through the bottom wall to feed a powdery pharmaceutical product contained in the hopper within a respective capsule, and is closed at the bottom by a respective closing member vertically mobile between an opening position and a closing position of the hole.

Abstract: A container filling device is provided for filling a container with desired headspace. The container filling device includes a siphon and a funnel having a bottom region configured to engage a container. The siphon extends through an opening in the bottom region and a sidewall such that a first end of the siphon has a first elevation and a second end of the siphon has a lower elevation than the first elevation. The bottom region is provided with an opening for the outflow of liquid from the receiving area into the container. Excess liquid flowing into the container beyond a desired headspace escapes from the container through the siphon. A liquid filler system can be provided with a frame, a plumbing system, and an alignment system for engaging and disengaging the container filling device with the container.

Abstract: A method of initially filling a new and previously unused fuel tank with a fuel including Volatile Organic Compounds includes providing a dispensing unit with an elongated flexible dispensing tube, inserting the dispensing tube through a fuel inlet of the fuel tank until the dispensing tube is disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the fuel tank, and introducing the fuel onto the bottom surface of the fuel tank in a smooth flow without spraying the fuel. Introduction of the fuel onto the bottom surface of the fuel tank in a smooth flow disposes any fuel vapors formed therein adjacent the bottom surface of the fuel tank to limit displacement of the fuel vapor into the atmosphere outside the fuel tank as the air in the fuel tank is exhausted in response to filling the fuel tank.

Abstract: A device (1) for filling containers (10) with liquid, comprising first transport means (2) which transport a plurality of containers (10) through a filling chamber (4), said filling chamber (4) being a sterile space (4), including a plurality of treatment members (8, 16, 18) arranged in the filling chamber (4) for treating the containers (10), with at least one of these treatment members (8, 16, 18) being a filling member (8) which fills the containers with the liquid. According to the invention, the first transport means (2) are designed in such a way that they transport the containers (10) through the filling chamber (4) in a cyclic manner.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a continuously-operating machine for filling containers with at least one granular product, each container is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device, which withdraws the product from a tank, feeds the withdrawn product into the container, and has a metering cylinder defined at the bottom by a piston which moves, along the metering cylinder, to and from a feed position in which to feed the product in the metering cylinder to a drop chute for unloading the product into the relative container; the piston having a cam follower which is maintained contacting a cam by a pneumatic push assembly.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal packaging machine includes a tank (20) for storing fluid product to be dosed, nozzles (26) for receiving the product from the tank (20) and for dosing it, and a conveyor (22) for moving along a conveying path (30) that includes a position under each nozzle (26). An adjustable tubular connection (43) is located in the fluid flow path between the tank (20) and each nozzle (26) and conveys product from the tank (20) to the nozzle (26). The connection (43) has an inlet end portion with a vertical axis and has an outlet end portion with a vertical axis parallel to the axis of the inlet end portion that is movable such that the axis of the outlet end portion of the connection (43) remains parallel with the axis of the inlet end portion throughout its range of movement.

Abstract: A machine and process function to fill cavities with metered amounts of particulate material. An applicator wheel includes a series of equally spaced apart peripheral pockets each having a perforated bottom wall, and a vacuum manifold inside the wheel includes a vacuum chamber for supplying vacuum to the perforated bottom walls of the pockets as the wheel rotates. Particulate material from a filling chamber of such material outside the wheel is withdrawn into the pockets by the vacuum chamber. A downstream vacuum relief on the vacuum manifold functions to discharge particulate material from the pockets into the cavities at a predetermined discharge location on the wheel. Adjustment structure is connected to rotatably adjust the position of the vacuum manifold within the applicator wheel to thereby advance or retard the discharge location depending upon the speed of the machine.

Abstract: An automatic, portable water bottle filling apparatus includes an elongated frame that defines a continuous conveying path with opposite first and second ends; a conveyor system that moves bottles along the conveying path; a water filling station adjacent to the conveying path second end that is configured to fill an empty bottle with liquid from the user's water source; a capping station positioned downstream from the water filling station that is configured to close a filled bottle with a cap; a sensor system configured to detect the presence of an empty, uncapped bottle at the water filling station; and a controller that automatically controls operations of the water filling station, capping station and conveyor system in response to signals received from the sensor system.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having a device for the feeding and removal of containers, in particular for the feeding of upright kegs, barrels, cans, bottles and similar containers from a conveyor belt to a linear conveyor or revolving carousel turntable or also for the return of said containers to a removal conveyor belt with a star wheel, the star pockets of which or the arms of which can be brought at least partly in contact with the container and which are realized so that they can be adjusted to accommodate different containers 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.

Abstract: A liquid medicine dispensing device includes a rotary unit 12 which rotates while holding a plurality of original drug vials 100, and a conveyance mechanism that conveys a prescription bottle 110 in the horizontal direction on the underside of the rotary unit 12. Each of the original drug vials 100 is connected with a discharge nozzle 17 to which a discharge valve 26 is attached, and an air nozzle 29 connected with a pump and an atmospheric relief valve. When discharging liquid medicine, the prescription bottle 110 is conveyed in advance to a position that is directly below an original drug vial 100 required for dispensing. In that state, the original drug vial 100 is inverted by rotating the rotary unit 12 by 180 degrees, and the discharge valve 26 is opened.

Abstract: A process for filling a tube with granular material, which material is guided downwardly in a vertically oriented tube along a line provided with flexible elements in the shape of wires which are arranged substantially to the line, and having a radial dimension which is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube, the line being removed from the tube as the latter is filled with the granules, the line being moved during the removal movement with a non uniform speed which is related to the filling speed of the device.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.