Abstract: A blow molding apparatus including: a mold; a blow nozzle; a pressurized fluid supply unit; and a blow nozzle moving unit configured to cause a relative movement of the blow nozzle between a connected position and a standby position, wherein a preform is molded into a container by supplying a pressurized incompressible fluid into the preform. The blow molding apparatus includes: a drawing member including a drawing port; a drawing pump configured to be connected to the drawing member; and a drawing member moving unit configured to move the drawing member so that the drawing port is positioned below the blow nozzle, after the container has been molded and the blow nozzle has been moved from the connected position to the standby position.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly for packages of containers for pharmaceutical use which include an outer bag. The assembly includes a handling line for gripping elements and a dispensing apparatus for a laminar flow of gas positioned above the top of the line and directed towards the line itself. Each gripping element includes at least one clamping jaw for at least one flap of said bag to hang it so that each of its outer surfaces is invested by the laminar flow of gas during its handling.

Abstract: A self-filling graduated cylinder system for efficiently filling a graduated cylinder with a chemical solution. The self-filling graduated cylinder system generally includes a graduated cylinder having an interior, an upper end, an upper opening in the upper end a lower end opposite of the upper end, and a check valve attached to the graduated cylinder near the lower end of the graduated cylinder. The check valve is adapted to allow a liquid chemical to flow upwardly through the check valve into the graduated cylinder and to prevent the liquid chemical within the interior of the graduated cylinder from flowing downwardly through the check valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling a container of a collapsible type with a product. The device comprising a valve housing with a filling tube, which is insertable into a filling duct of the container to supply the product to the compartment through a product path; a piston element arranged in the product path and comprising a valve body and an end element, the piston element being movable between a first position, in which the valve body blocks the product path and the end element counteract dripping, and a second position, in which the valve body opens the product path and the end element defines, together with the outlet portion, a filling passage; and a squeezing apparatus establishes a seal between the filling tube and the filling duct.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing metered amounts of powdered material, such as baby formula, from a dispenser unit, or cartridge, that can be quickly and easily interconnected with the dispenser. The dispenser can accommodate formula bottles of various sizes and includes a dispensing plunger that provides an oscillating action to prevent compaction of the formula and functions to ensure even dispensing of the formula into the formula bottle. Uniquely, actuation of the dispensing plunger creates a negative pressure internally of the dispensing chamber of the dispenser so as to assist the uniform withdrawal of formula from the cartridge.

Abstract: An improved bottle filler assembly for filling bottles from kegged carbonated or non carbonated beverages without carbonation loss or oxidation that is intuitive to use, sanitize, and keep free of bacteria. In the preferred embodiment, a long hose gradually reduces the pressure of the beverage on the way to the filler. Two tubes are placed inside each other forming an annulus where CO2 can be forced to the bottom of the bottle via a CO2 valve thereby purging the bottle of air (O2). A valve seat placed on the bottom of the tubes allows the beverage to flow into the bottle from the bottom by depressing a trigger.

Abstract: An arrangement for decanting liquids includes a tubular-shaped support (1) having a flow channel (2). The flow channel (2) is blocked by a valve plate (3) which is coupled via axial connecting elements (4, 4?) to the relative movement of an inner sleeve (5) and an outer sleeve (6) of the support (1). The outer sleeve (6) lies in overlapment and the axial connecting elements (4, 4?) extend into the interior of the support. The valve plate (3) can be lifted from its valve seat against a spring force engaging at the inner sleeve (5) and at the outer sleeve (6). A radial flange collar (13) is formed on the outer sleeve (6). To ensure an accurate metering at the highest possible volume flow of the discharged liquid at low manufacturing costs, the valve plate (3) is mounted at a free end (9) of the support (1) and the axial connecting elements are configured as tension rods (4, 4?) and are arranged next to an edge of the valve plate (3).

Abstract: A probabilistic method for optimizing the inspection of a heat exchanger that determines the maximum number of degraded tubes that can be permitted to remain in service for a contemplated interval of time without exceeding an allowable probability of a tube burst, based upon Extreme Value Probability Distribution theory. The method also determines the minimum number of tubes that need to be inspected to establish that no more than the determined maximum number of degraded tubes will be permitted to remain in service for the contemplated interval of time based upon Bayesian Acceptance Sampling Theory.

Abstract: A filler valve assembly that includes a first housing member with an elongated hollow filler tube secured thereto, the filler tube having an outlet through which liquid exits when filling containers. A second housing member having secured thereto an elongated piston with an enlarged end portion is provided so that the elongated piston is disposed interior of the filler tube. The piston is axially moveable with respect to the filler tube to move the enlarged portion of the piston from a first, closed position to a second, open position. When in the closed position, a substantially liquid-tight seal is formed between the outlet of the filler tube and the enlarged portion of the piston, both the outlet and the enlarged portion being formed of a metal so that the seal is formed solely by metal-to-metal contact.

Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling the flow of a particulate material through a conduit and comprises a bladder mounted within the conduit that is inflatable between a first, deflated state and a second, inflated state. In its first, deflated state the bladder allows the particulate material to flow freely through the conduit, and in its second, inflated state the conduit is substantially blocked by the inflated bladder and no particulate material may pass. An alternate embodiment of an exteriorly mounted control mechanism comprises a stopper that is moved between a first, open position away from an open end of the conduit and a second, closed position in which the stopper is in sealing contact with end of the conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling containers with liquid including a vertically disposed filling lance operatively connected to a source of liquid and to a power device by which the lance may be vertically moved between raised and lowered positions. A tubular rod extends upwardly through the lance for operative connection to an actuator by which the tubular rod and a foot valve of the lower end of the lance may be vertically moved between closed and open positions. A pressure transducer detects fluid pressure in the tubular rod and converts the pressure to a proportional signal which is transmitted to the power device for raising the lance a predetermined amount while keeping the foot valve and lower end of the lance submerged beneath the surface of container liquids.

Abstract: A pouring spout is described that has sections cut away from the sleeve of the spout contiguous to an exit, as well as a means for setting the maximum distance the inner sleeve can be pushed past the outer sleeve of the spout.

Abstract: The invention is a control mechanism for controlling the flow of a particulate material through a conduit and comprises a bladder mounted within the conduit that is inflatable between a first, deflated state and a second, inflated state. In its first, deflated state the bladder allows the particulate material to flow freely through the conduit, and in its second, inflated state the conduit is substantially blocked by the inflated bladder and no particulate material may pass. An alternate embodiment of an exteriorly mounted control mechanism comprises a stopper that is moved between a first, open position away from an open end of the conduit and a second, closed position in which the stopper is in sealing contact with end of the conduit.

Abstract: An automated open container holder automatically raises and lowers an open container in a carbonated beverage dispensing system. The holder is preferably a cantilevered horizontal platform which is driven vertically relative to an outlet port of a dispensing nozzle via an electronically controlled actuator during the dispensing cycle. The dispensing nozzle is designed to bottom fill the open container, and it is desirable that the outlet port of the nozzle be located proximate to a bottom of the open container at least until the outlet port is submerged. The container holder as well as the open container are selectively positioned in accordance with a preselected pouring profile such that for a given dispensing temperature, pressure and flow profile, the container holder selectively positions the open container. This allows the vendor or supplier to program a preferred or several preferred presentations for the beverage depending on the timing of preselected turbulence during the pour.

Abstract: A system for dispensing carbonated beverage and ice into an open container uses a bottom filling technique in which the outlet port of the nozzle is proximate to a bottom of the open container in order to dispense the carbonated beverage. Preferably, the carbonated beverage is maintained in a pressurized state within the nozzle until immediately prior to opening the valve in order to maintain appropriate carbonation of the beverage. It is preferred that ice be added after the nozzle is located proximate the bottom of the open container. The ice dispenser includes a funnel located concentrically around the nozzle in order to supply ice around the nozzle into the open container. In order to avoid excessive foaming, it is important that the temperature of the carbonated beverage be chilled to approximately the surface temperature of the ice being added into the open container.

Abstract: A system for dispensing carbonated beverages into an open container uses a bottom filling technique in which the outlet port of the nozzle is proximate to a bottom of the open container when dispensing is initiated. Specialized valve configurations and operation techniques are implemented in order to achieve enhanced flow characteristics of the carbonated beverage dispensing into the open container. Preferably, the valve head has a distribution surface in which a portion of the distribution surface near a proximal end of the valve head slopes more steeply downward than the portion of the distribution surface that is located towards the distal end of the valve head. With this configuration, the valve head gently redirects the flow trajectory of the carbonated beverage existing the nozzle from a substantially downward trajectory to a more horizontal umbrella like trajectory. It has been found that such a trajectory provides particularly favorable results.

Abstract: Bulk material is fed by a conveyor (10) into a hopper at the upper end of an upright extendible conduit (12). A fractionally opening gate (14) at the lower end of the conduit controls the rate at which the material in the conduit is discharged onto a discharge conveyor (15). Level sensors (13) detect the level of material in the hopper (18). A programmable logic controller (17) has its inputs connected to the sensors (13) and a belt weigher (11) associated with the conveyor (10), and controls the opening of the gate (14) to maintain a substantially full column of material in the conduit (12). The material discharged into the hopper (18) therefore moves slowly down the conduit in a controlled fashion, with minimal dust generation and product degradation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid flow nozzle for dispensing fluids from a container filling machine, the nozzle being capable of transforming substantially turbulent fluid flow to substantially laminar fluid flow. The nozzle includes a hollow housing which attaches to the filling machine, and a fluid exit port for dispensing fluid into containers. A torpedo-like member is positioned within the housing so as to restrict fluid flow through the nozzle in such a way as to dampen turbulence out of the fluid in the nozzle. An actuator located within the torpedo-like member functions so as to open and close the fluid exit port.

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: A filling device for the proportioned delivery of very viscous materials comprises a filling pipe with a material outlet end in the vicinity of a front. At the outlet end, provision is made for a cutting head, which is rotatable relative to the filling pipe about a common central longitudinal axis. A cutting knife, which preferably consists of a spring steel wire, is disposed detachably and replaceably on the cutting head.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging bulk material from a silo into a container, includes a tube having an inlet for receiving bulk material from the silo, and a bottom portion formed with two lateral outlets for directing bulk material into the container and exhibiting an open bottom zone. Secured to the bottom portion of the tube is a gate mechanism which is movable between a first position in which the bottom zone is closed and a second position in which the bottom zone is open to allow discharge of bulk material into a central area of the container, thereby effectively loading the container with bulk material and effectively emptying the tube.

Abstract: A container filling apparatus comprising a filling chute in the form of an extendable and retractable telescopic tube for extending downwardly into a container. The tube has a closure device for closing the otherwise open lower end of the tube and a cable device to lower the tube as it extends downwardly into the container. A filling device is provided to supply material into the upper end of the tube as it is lowered, as well as device for sensing contact with the floor of the container. There is an operating device to open the closure device in response to a signal from the device for sensing the floor of the container. There is also a probe mounted at the bottom of the tube to sense the proximity of the bottom of a container and/or the level of material in the container. A second probe is mounted at the top of the tube to sense when the tube has been filled to the level of the probe and to temporarily interrupt the feed of material to the tube.

Abstract: A filling head comprising inner and outer concentric cylindrical ducts, hingedly connected doors movable between an open depending position and a horizontal position closing the lower ends of the ducts in response to movement of the outer duct between a raised position and a lowered position respectively.

Abstract: There is provided apparatus for transferring material from one container to another, comprising an extensible conduit, a mechanism to extend the conduit, and respective mechanism to open and close an inlet and outlet of the conduit, the arrangement being such that in use the conduit is extended for transfer of material, and the inlet and outlet are opened sequentially to pass material to the conduit from the owe container and then from the conduit to another container.

Abstract: A powder filling apparatus for filling a container with powder is provided. In the powder filling apparatus, a bottle is carried into a plurality of work units moving around successively. While the work units move to work stations disposed in a circumferential direction successively, the bottle is filled with powder by equally evacuating the inside and the outside of the container and dropping powder into the container simultaneously with raising the pressure outside the container. The bottle filled with powder is then taken out from the work units successively while the work units move around.

Abstract: A wine breather is disclosed which comprises a cylindrical and horn shaped container (10) which tapers downwardly from an inlet (12) to an outlet (14). A valve (16) is arranged at the outlet which has an annular outlet passage (42) angled at a transverse angle to the longitudinal axis of the container (10). Wine is poured into the open end (12) and passes through the container (10) to exit the passage (42) in a thin sheet forming a generally hemispherical flow of wine which presents a substantially large surface area of wine for contact with the air to cause the wine to breathe.

Abstract: To fill receptacles (2) uniformly, without air inclusions and without soiling, the filling material is pressed into the continuously enlarging space between the receptacle bottom and a counter-bottom attached to the end of the filling head (1) facing the receptacle bottom and eccentrically traversed by the outlet opening (17) and at the same time the counter-bottom is rotated relative to the receptacle by the central axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a liquid into equipment having an inlet port includes a container for holding the liquid, a tube in the container through which the liquid can exit the container, a connection member for fluidly connecting the tube to the inlet port of the equipment and for venting the container, and a cam member for moving the connection member into a first position for sealingly engaging the connection member to the container and the tube for transferring liquid from the container to the inlet port, into a second position wherein the tube is rendered ineffective for permitting fluid to pass out of the container, and into a third position wherein the container can be removed and replaced with another container having an effective tube and a fresh supply of liquid.

Abstract: The filling apparatus for filling a measured amount of liquid, pasty or lumpy product into a container has at least one mouthpiece, which can be opened or closed by a closure member for its filling duct formed as a cutoff band so that an exactly defined amount of product is delivered and simultaneously a satisfactory shut off of the product flow is obtained, whereby filament or drop formation is effectively prevented.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly (44) for a filling machine, the nozzle assembly controlling foaming and dripping of the product during and after the filling operation. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body (46), a fixed filling tube (48), a movable tube assembly (50), and movable cam structure (52). The movable tube assembly is provided with a sealing foot (80) through which a bore extends, the body being interconnectable with a vacuum line (66) after the completion of the filling of a container (16) to prevent dripping on the container. The movement of the movable tube assembly (50) is controlled by gear structure (100) associated with a valve (38) which controls the discharge of material through the nozzle assembly, in such a manner that the nozzle assembly will be closed when the valve is closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filler for metering liquid products, into containers. The filler includes a vessel which is provided with a number of filling pipes communicating with the inside of the vessel and projecting from the bottom of the vessel, and which is provided with a feed pipe both ends of which open inside the vessel. In the feed pipe a pump is arranged which pumps product from the vessel to the outlet opening of the feed pipe which can be joined successively with the filling pipes as a function of the rotation of the vessel.

Abstract: A portioning machine and a method for filling containers with food material is disclosed. The machine is particularly useful for meat products which are packed in plastic containers having a lip or edge, and prevents the food particles remaining on this lip and hence interfering with the sealing of the package. The machine has at least two filling stations and a pumping means to supply food material, each filling station is adapted to hold a container.

Abstract: An improved liquid filling apparatus for subsurface filling of a container is characterized by an arrangement permitting automatic withdrawal of the filling lance while maintaining a subsurface relationship of the discharge end of the filling lance with the liquid dispensed into the container. The apparatus includes a wheeled carriage which moves along a stanchion, the carriage being operatively associated with the filling lance. A wiper ring assembly, a drip collection assembly, and a fume disposal assembly which contains or entraps substantially all sources of fume generation are also provided as part of the filler apparatus.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for filling containers within a sterile chamber under aseptic conditions includes a vertically disposed nozzle (48) which forms an extension of the sterile chamber and which is arranged to have its lower outlet end inserted into an open container to be filled and which is provided with valve closure element (51) which is opened when the nozzle is at its lowermost position and which remains open during filling of the container which is accompanied by upward movement of the nozzle and of the closure element while maintained in open position so as to prevent splashing together with a drip proof seal (49, 52, and 53) for preventing dripping following closure of the valve means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bottom filling a measured quantity of a particulate product in a pouch by first moving a closed pouch into an air-free atmosphere; opening the pouch and spreading its mouth with a pivoted filling tube guide; lowering a filling tube into the pouch until lower gates of the tube are positioned near the bottom of the pouch; loading the filling tube with a measured quantity of particulate product when the gates are closed; thereafter opening the gates, releasing a jet of air-free gas into the bottom of the pouch, and continuing to introduce the high pressure air-free gas into the pouch as the filling tube is raised out of the pouch and the product is being transferred from the filling tube to the pouch with the air-free gas purging air from the pouch and the product; and sealing the air-free filled pouch while in the air-free atmosphere.