Abstract: A rotary type continuous filling apparatus that continuously fills bags accommodated in retainers with a filling liquid via filing nozzles. A cylinder of each of the pump devices that correspond to the respective filling nozzles is installed horizontally with the discharge opening facing outward. The discharge opening communicates with a feed-out opening of a nozzle main body, and a tank containing the filling liquid communicates with a supply opening of the nozzle main body via a flow passage. A cam roller is connected to the piston via swing levers, vertical supporting shafts and cam levers, and these cam rollers move along an annular cam groove of a piston operating cam. Furthermore, each filling nozzle has a flow passage switching valve that switches between a communication and non-communication of the supply opening and the feed-out opening, and it also has an opening-and-closing valve that opens and closes the discharge port.

Abstract: A filling apparatus of irregular—formed vessels having an intermittent swinging table (111) disposed above a continuous rotation table (5) and having a plurality of filling nozzles (121) at a same pitch as the vessel holding pitch, filling means for pushing out the liquid from the filling nozzles (121), vertical moving means for vertically moving the filling nozzles (121), a continuously rotating outside hollow shaft (119) to which the continuous rotation table (5) is mounted, a hollow shaft (116) disposed concentrically with the outside hollow shaft (119) for reciprocally rotating the intermittent swinging table (111).

Abstract: An apparatus for metering and dispensing powder into hard gelatin capsules or the like. The apparatus has a metering disk that rotates in advancing steps, with bores disposed in its base. The bores which cooperate with tamping plungers that move up and down. The tamping plungers are disposed on a common tamping plunger support and when inserted into the bores, compress the powder into compressed pellets. In order to detect breakage of the springs and in order to be able to make a statement as to the mass of the compressed pellets, means are provided which detect the spring path of the tamping plungers immediately preceding the ejection plungers.

Abstract: A rotary type continuous filling apparatus that continuously fills bags accommodated in retainers with a filling liquid via filing nozzles. A cylinder of each of pump devices that correspond to the respective filling nozzles is installed horizontally with the discharge opening facing outward. The discharge opening communicates with a feed-out opening of a nozzle main body, and a tank containing the filling liquid communicates with a supply opening of the nozzle main body via a flow passage. A cam roller is connected to the piston via swing levers, vertical supporting shafts and cam levers, and these cam rollers move along an annular cam groove of a piston operating cam. Furthermore, each filling nozzle has a flow passage switching valve that switches between a communication and non-communication of the supply opening and the feed-out opening, and it also has an opening-and-closing valve that opens and closes the discharge port.

Abstract: An actuator mechanism is provided for a device for automatically filling cans with a carbonated beverage. The filling apparatus is of a type wherein a valve is raised and lowered for the purpose of introduction of pressurized gas into each successive container and wherein raising and lowering is accomplished by rotation of a shaft having an end with operates to raise a valve member. The opposite end of the shaft has a lever arm extending therefrom which is depressed for the purpose for rotating the shaft. The invention provides an improved actuator mechanism supported on the apparatus and which has an extendible and retractable piston member actuated by a pneumatic cylinder for depressing the lever arm. The piston member supports a lever arm-engaging block having a surface for engaging the lever arm which block is convexly, arcuately contoured and has a width substantially equal to the length of the lever arm.

Abstract: A machine and method for filling bags with liquid through spouts attached to the bags, wherein a piston within a filling head that operates to control flow of the liquid from the filling head is also extended out of the filling head and into the spout, after the bag is filled, in order to push remaining material from the spout and through is bottom opening into the bag. The spout bottom opening is then closed, after which any remaining material adhering to the walls inside the spout and surfaces of the filling head are cleaned by forming a chamber between them through which a cleaning fluid is passed. This machine and method are particularly useful when filling bags with highly viscous and/or sticky liquids, such as thick food products. They avoid a result of having either to distribute messy bags of product with material remaining adhered to the outside of the spout and/or bag, or to first remove this material by an additional cleaning step.

Abstract: A device for filling powder into hard gelatine capsules or the like has an incrementally rotated metering disk. A spacer disk is disposed underneath the metering disk and is coupled to the metering disk. In order to change the volumes of the compressed charges comprised of powder, sleeves are inserted in the bottom of the metering disk, which dip into second bores of the spacer disk, and to embody the distance a between the underside of the metering disk and the spacer disk so that the distance a can be changed by means of an adjusting screw. The device according to the disclosure is relatively simple in design and prevents non-homogeneities in the powder.

Abstract: A circular filling machine 10 rotates a plurality of filling units 20 through a plurality of actuator stations 30 and 32. The filling machine 10 is characterized by an adjustment valve, including a seal 38 and a positioning member 40, for determining the quantity of the material 14 to be filled into the chamber 34. The seal 38 is biased downwardly against the positioning member 40 by a spring 50 to hold the seal 38against the inside of the chamber 34 in the closed position. The seal 38 may be moved vertically out of engagement with the positioning member 40 to an open position by a cam 62 and cam follower 64 to allow cleaning material 37 to flush the entire chamber 34. In addition, the vertical operating level of the seal 38 and positioning member 40 may be adjusted vertically in unison to adjust the level to which the chamber 34 may be filled to accommodate containers 11 of various different volumes.

Abstract: A flange 52 extends upwardly about a filling passage 50 and a flexible tubular valve member 54 having a bead 56 in tension about and in sealing engagement with the flange and extending through an inlet cavity 48 to an annular ring 58 presenting an upwardly facing conical seat 60 for sealing engagement with a poppet valve 62. A helical spring 64 is disposed about the tubular valve member 54 and engages the annular ring 58 to urge the annular ring 58 into engagement with the periphery 46 of the valve seat in the filling position. A mast 66 is connected to the poppet valve 62 and extends upwardly through the chamber 34 for moving the mast 66 vertically between the chamber 34 charging position, as shown in FIG. 4, and the container 11 filling position, as shown in FIG. 5.

Abstract: A filling system for filling a container through an open end thereof is set forth. The filling system comprises a fill-pipe having an inlet for receiving a liquid product and an outlet through which the liquid product can be dispensed into the open end of the container when the container is disposed below the outlet. A valve sealing member is disposed within the fill-pipe. The valve sealing member comprises a body portion and a closure portion. The closure portion is dimensioned to seal the outlet of the fill-pipe. An actuator is employed for moving the valve sealing member between a first position in which the closure portion seals the outlet of the fill-pipe and a second position in which the valve sealing member is extended from the outlet of the fill-pipe and into the interior of the container to cause the closure portion to disengage from the outlet.

Abstract: Biased plungers and vent bars are used with an apparatus for introducing filler material into containers. The biased plungers and vent bars cooperate to vent gas that builds up below filler material as it is being introduced from a measuring chamber into an underlying container. In a preferred embodiment, the biased plungers and vent bars share a common elliptical path, which serves to define the relative vertical displacement of the individual elements. The vent bar precedes the filler material into the underlying container and provides a passageway for gas to escape the container as the filler material is introduced thereto.

Abstract: A filling head for a pouch packaging machine or the like has a plurality of rotating chambers for receiving measured amounts of an aerateable powder. Pistons aligned with the chambers can be inserted into the chambers to compress the powder and remove entrained air. The pistons are made of porous metal and communicate with a vacuum source for removing air from the chambers. The chambers can be opened after the compression stage to dispense the compacted pellet of product to an open pouch below.

Abstract: A filling element, preferably a filling element that has no filling tube or only a short filling tube, for filling machines for dispensing a liquid filling material into bottles or similar containers. The filling element has an operational element that can be moved between an upper and a lower lifting or stroke position. The movement is effected by the pressure of at least one operating medium that is also supplied to the container during the filling phase and/or at least one treatment phase that precedes or follows this filling phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering-out device for taking successive timed doses of liquid from a tank, the device comprising a body for mounting in fixed manner relative to the tank and including a liquid-taking plunger with motion transmission means for driving the plunger with reciprocating motion in the liquid so that in one direction the liquid is metered out and in the opposite direction it is pumped. The invention also provides a metering-out valve including such a metering-out device, and metering-out apparatus including such a metering-out valve.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing 6 is secured to the bottom surface of an elevatable filling liquid tank 2, and a liquid injection pipe 16 is mounted on the bottom of the housing 6. An exhaust pipe 18 axially passes through the housing 6 and the liquid injection pipe 16, and is disposed for elevating movement. The exhaust pipe 18 is driven by an elevating mechanism 21. A holder 54 carrying a bottle mouth stuffing 52 is fitted in the housing 6, and is urged down by a spring 61. The bottle mouth stuffing 52 tightly engages the mouth of a vessel which is being raised as carried on a vessel receptacle, and accordingly its position is determined by the height of the vessel. The position of the liquid injection pipe 16 and the exhaust pipe 18 is modified in accordance with the elevation of the tank 2, independently from the bottle mouth stuffing 52. Accordingly, a void which remains in the top of the vessel after the vessel is filled with the liquid is adjusted only in accordance with the elevation of the tank 2.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing filler material in a fluid carrier into a measuring chamber in rapid succession is described. The apparatus includes a delivery subsystem for introducing the filler material into the fluid carrier. The delivery subsystem provides the fluid carrier and filler material to a diverter subsystem which separates the stream into two separate streams. The two separate streams are directed into a rotating concentrator subsystem that separates the fluid carrier from the filler material and compresses the filler material. The filler material is further compressed and dewatered in a taper subsystem and drain subsystem. The filler material is then dispensed from the drain subsystem into a measuring chamber where it is cut by a knife plate that includes two blades with overlapping cuts. The apparatus is capable of introducing controlled weights or volumes of filler material into a measuring chamber at high speeds.

Abstract: A piston filler apparatus as disclosed in which the filler pistons and associated reciprocal valves are disposed below the product containing bowl so that they can be withdrawn into the bowl to effect easy in-place cleaning. A method of in-place cleaning is also disclosed, as well an an alternate method of operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling successive containers with a liquid, such as a carbonated beverage, has a rotary vessel with a bottom wall which carries an annulus of tubular extensions each of which is surrounded by a metering chamber. Each extension and the associated metering chamber supports a filling unit with a twin-seat valve having a single valving element which is movable between an upper position to seal an outlet at the lower end of the extension from an adjacent inlet of the metering chamber while permitting the outlet of the metering chamber to discharge a metered quantity of liquid into a container below the filling unit, and a lower position in which the single valving element seals the outlet of the metering chamber but permits the extension to admit liquid into the metering chamber.

Abstract: Filling valves for counterpressure filling of containers with carbonated liquids. The filling valves comprise valve bodies for conducting the carbonated liquids to the container from an external reservoir, the valve body having an end from which the carbonated liquid is dispensed to the container. The valves further comprise counterpressure valves movably mounted in the valve body for controlling the flow of counterpressure gas to the containers. Vent tubes mounted in the valve bodies through the dispensing end of the valve bodies, the vent tubes being slidable with respect to the valve bodies from a retracted position to an extended position in the containers in response to the counterpressure gas are provided. Pressure relief passages interfaced through the valve bodies for venting gas from the valves after the liquid has filled the containers whereby movement of the vent tubes from the extended position to the retracted position is substantially unimpeded are further provided.

Abstract: A two-stage apparatus for measuring quantities of constituents of a product for canning includes a quantity measuring chamber which is substantially vertical and mounted on a support which rotates about an axis. The chamber comprises a tubular enclosure inside which slides a first piston. A lower part of the chamber is connected by supply conduits to a respective one of a pair of tanks, each of which is for holding a different one of the constituent products. The chamber is also connected by a delivery conduit to a filling nozzle, in which slides a secondary piston. A control valve selectively opens and closes the passages through the supply conduits to the measuring chamber in a predetermined order, and for a predetermined period of time to thereby control the relative quantities of the constituents supplied to the chamber. The control valve is adjustable to vary the ratios of constituents introduced into the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for canning food products wherein segmented food product contained in a basin of the apparatus is compressed by a plunger down through a cylindrical bore and into a shuttle pocket. The shuttle pocket contains a pre-determined quantity and mass of the food product which is then transferred to a container. The apparatus can be converted to fill different container sizes with different quantities of the food product due to the provision of interchangeable inserts for passages, e.g. for the cylindrical bore. The shuttle product itself is interchangeable as are the plunger heads. The design for interchangeability of these components is adapted for rapid changeover to different container sizes utilizing quick connect fasteners for the interchangeable components.

Abstract: A receptacle handling machine for the handling of receptacles which are passed through the machine and having a machine frame and at least one receptacle guiding body releasably mounted on the machine frame, the guiding body on its end adjacent the frame is formed with first insertion and stop elements to respectively engage in pairs, in the assembled state, associated second insertion and stop elements of the machine frame. The guiding body is positively held transversely to the direction of insertion and a clamping member is attached to the guiding body or to the machine frame. The guiding body is held either non-positively or positively in the direction of insertion together with the stop elements.

Abstract: A receptacle handling machine for the handling of receptacles which are passed through the machine and having a machine frame and at least one receptacle guiding body releasably mounted on the machine frame, the guiding body on its end adjacent the frame is formed with first insertion and stop elements to respectively engage in pairs, in the assembled state, associated second insertion and stop elements of the machine frame. The guiding body is positively held transversely to the direction of insertion and a clamping member is attached to the guiding body or to the machine frame. The guiding body is held either non-positively or positively in the direction of insertion together with the stop elements.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a fixed volume, rotary filling apparatus. A rocking cam mechanism drives metering cylinder units. During cleaning, the rocking cam mechanism brings the individual pistons of several metering cylinder units to a common elevation, and a rotatable member lowers the corresponding cylinders so as to relatively slidably displace the pistons and the cylinders to a greater degree than during a normal filling operation, to enable seals (which normally seal the cylinder during the filling operation) to be separated from each other to define a cleaning passage therebetween. A valve mechanism selectively swtiches communication of the metering cylinder unit between a tank to be filled and the filling nozzle, during the normal filling operation, by changing paths formed in the sliding surfaces of a valve housing and a valve element by relative displacement therebetween. The valve housing and the valve element are relatively movable between a filling position, and a cleaning position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for dosingly filling of fluent or pasty filling material into a container. The arrangement has a housing in which a control element is rotatably mounted. A feed and outlet passage for the filling material is alternately unblocked and a reciprocating dosing piston is provided in the housing. For purposes of achieving a compact and simple construction and a simple assembly, as well as for achieving a good cleaning, the housing is hermetically sealed on all of its sides and the control element is in the form of a rotational cylinder operatively mounted in the region of the feed and outlet passages for the filling material. The dosing cylinder is coaxially mounted with respect to the rotational cylinder and is provided with a piston rod so that the dosing piston is slidably movable within the housing.

Abstract: A rotary carrousel of a filling installation includes a plurality of filling stations each equipped with a volumetric dispenser (37) whose volume may be varied by varying its dispensing time or the stroke of a piston in a cylinder. At least one of the filling stations includes a balance (36). As a receptacle (39) passes through the filling installation in a filling station equipped with a balance, it is first weighed empty while the corresponding dispenser (37) is filled, and it is then weighed continuously as the material is transferred from the dispenser to the receptacle. The actual weight of material dispensed is determined by comparing the full and empty weights of the receptacle. This weight is compared with a set weight. Any drift which is detected from the set weight can be corrected for subsequent receptacles passing through the filling installation by varying the volume of the material dispensed.

Abstract: Each filling station comprises a balance (36) and a piston and cylinder volumetric dispenser (37). The piston rod (33) is actuated by a cam (34) which optionally includes a portion (341) which is adjustable. Resilient means (40) are interposed between the cam and the piston. While a receptacle (39) is engaged in a filling station the following operations take place in succession: the empty receptacle is weighed and at the same time the volumetric dispenser is filled with slightly more material than is to be dispensed; the material in the volumetric dispenser (37) is then transferred to the receptacle (39) and the receptacle is continuously weighed until it has received the set weight of material. The outlet from the dispenser is then closed, thus jamming its piston before it reaches the end of its stroke. The resulting forces are absorbed by the resilient means.

Abstract: An improved filling machine with tandem-operated diaphragm filling units is disclosed. The filling machine comprises a plurality of individual filling units operated in common from a common drive bar.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an apparatus for moving dispensing pistons (5) and filling tubes (18) in the charging of containers, it being necessary on the one hand during the dispensing and depending on the filling product, to vary the rate and on the other hand to suit the travel rate of the filling tube to the rising filling level. This is achieved substantially by the fact that the dispensing piston (5) and the filling tube (18) are operated in each case with the assistance of screwed spindles (7 and 11), the drive being provided through infinitely variable electric motors (10, 12). Programmes can very readily be set for the individual movements, the drive being controlled for this purpose and the spindles (7, 11) being particularly suitable for the transmission of the movement.

Abstract: A continuous-cycle filling-machine for aseptic batching comprises a revolving basin whose floor exhibits a plurality of open-topped cylinders communicating therewith and accommodating respective sliding plungers designed to expel contents of the cylinder toward a filler-jig. A fixed obturator is in direct contact with the basin-floor under which the cylinders are brought to bear by rotation of the basin during the delivery-stroke. An annular chamber located externally and beneath the basin communicates with a source of sterilizer fluid by way of a feed-conduit within the shaft around which the basin rotates. An outer-casing has a bottom-face at least part-created by the basin-floor and an interior which receives slightly-pressurized fluid. Sterile conditions are thus maintained within the machine. Lifting gear is provided for raising the obturator from the basin-floor at will.

Abstract: Flexible pouches are advanced continuously around an arcuate path and are filled with food chunks during the advance. A filling apparatus initially deposits the food chunks into metal containers which are circulated to a continuously rotating turret adapted to move the containers around the path in vertical registry with the pouches. As the containers are advanced by the turret, plungers force the food product out of the containers, through funnels and into the pouches. The empty containers then are removed from the turret and are returned to the filling apparatus.

Abstract: A rotary piston filler with a plurality of cylinders and pistons around the periphery of the turret to fill containers rotating with the turret, a circumferential cam bar surrounding the turret, a cam follower following the cam bars and producing reciprocation of the piston, a lost motion connection between the cam follower and the piston in the connection for varying the magnitude of throw in the reciprocating movement of the piston.

Abstract: A system for packaging articles within containers, each including a lower article receiving portion, wherein a plurality of container receivers are continuously rotated in an endless path and displaced radially of their axis of rotation to various work zones. Each of the receivers is provided with a loading tube and a ram for positioning an article within a container lower receiving portion, and dispensing means are provided for rotating and accurately positioning the container lower portion within the receiver, and for positioning an upper lid or cap portion with respect to the lower container portion.

Abstract: A container filling machine comprises a plurality of filling stations each including a container platform which is raised and lowered by a cam controlled elevating mechanism, for providing bottom-up filling; a cam-controlled pumping mechanism operating a piston pump for drawing fluid into the pump during a charge cycle, and pushing the fluid out of the pump during a discharge cycle; and an adjustable crank lever mechanism is included in the cam controlled pumping mechanism for providing adjustment of the volume of fluid being pumped. Operating in common with the filling stations are a pair of cams for operating the valves of each station, and in combination with each cam-controlled pumping mechanism provide greater than 180.degree. of machine time for continuously filling a container during the discharge cycle for each station.

Abstract: A filling machine for filling containers includes a receptacle for holding the substance to be filled and cylinders disposed in a circle around the exterior of the receptacle and connectible to the receptacle and to discharge openings. Each cylinder contains a piston supporting a stub shaft projecting radially outwards from the axis of the cylinder. A sleeve axially movable on each stub shaft, and lockable on the stub shaft supports, slipper means in sliding contact with upper and lower tracks of an endless track member surrounding the central receptacle. Means is provided for altering the angles the planes of the upper and lower tracks make with the axes of the cylinders and for rotating the central receptacle and the cylinders about the vertical axis of the central receptacle relatively to the track.