Abstract: When carrying out a method for sterile bottling of beverages, which comprises the steps of cleaning the bottles first in a cleaning station by means of lye, transporting them then to a separate filling station, filling them in said filling station with the previously sterilized beverage, and closing them finally in a closing station, the sterilization of the interior of the bottles by introducing steam and/or hot water is carried out several times successively in spatially separated stations. This fractional sterilization of the bottles achieves a very high germ destruction rate, the amount of energy consumed being low and the bottles being treated carefully. In addition, measures against a reinfection of the bottles in the area of transport between the stations can be dispensed with so that a good accessibility of the transport area is guaranteed.

Abstract: A bottle or a can as a small container intended for consumers for the aseptic cold filling with beverages in a filling and sealing machine comprises a manual seal to be operated by the consumer and is characterized by an additional mechanical seal for filling and machine sealing.

Abstract: A bottling plant is described wherein a bottle feed line and a plurality of specific function groups are each provided with selectively operable devices acting on the bottles moving along the feed line. Each special function group includes one or more motors for actuating the selectively operable devices and a walled sterile chamber through which the bottles pass. The sterile chambers are kept slightly pressurized and contain at least a portion of the selectively operable devices of the specific function group. The wall structure of each sterile chamber separates the sterile chamber from the motors and from at least some of the selectively operable devices.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment, a machine for filling containers, such flexible plastic bags, with fluid product, such a liquid food product, uses two container fill nozzles that each has a product supply system. While one of the nozzles is being used to fill containers that are being moved through the machine, the other nozzle and its product supply system is being cleaned. For the cleaning, at least one receptacle is provided to receive a nozzle being cleaned. Any product remaining in the delivery system and nozzle is flushed out through the receptacle in which the nozzle is inserted, and those portions cleaned. Fresh product is then loaded back into the delivery system and dispensed through the nozzle into the containers. This system and these operating techniques allow the product to be changed frequently without having to suffer a significant down time of the filling machine for cleaning.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward apparatus and methods for servicing equipment such as air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, engines, transmissions, and tires More particularly, invention is directed toward a system for safely transferring precisely measured quantities of a variety of liquids and gases to the serviced item using essentially a single work station apparatus cooperating with multiple reservoirs of fluids. Furthermore, one or more types of fluids can be supplied, from remote reservoirs, to one or more mobile work stations. Fluids can also be withdrawn from the apparatus being serviced, and reprocessed for future use. Stated another way, the invention eliminates the need for dedicated service equipment to provide each applicable service. This invention is suitable for many market segments such as commercial, industrial, marine, utility, and the like. Government, military, public and private sectors of the economy will benefit from the use of this invention.

Abstract: A machine for filling containers, such as flexible plastic bags, with fluid product, such as liquid food product, using two container fill nozzles that each having a product supply system. While one of the nozzles is being used to fill containers that are being moved through the machine, the other nozzle and its product supply system is being cleaned. For the cleaning, at least one receptacle is provided to receive a nozzle being cleaned. Any product remaining in the delivery system and nozzle is flushed out through the receptacle in which the nozzle is inserted, and those portions cleaned. Fresh product is then loaded back into the delivery system and dispensed through the nozzle into the containers. This system and these operating techniques allow the product to be changed frequently without having to suffer a significant down time of the filling machine for cleaning.

Abstract: A removal and refill apparatus for use in removing and/or refilling coolant in an automotive cooling system. The automotive cooling system typically includes a radiator, overflow bottle, engine, water pump, and heater core elements. A method for utilizing the coolant removal and refill apparatus utilizing vacuum and pressure is described for use with the removal and refill apparatus.

Abstract: A removal and refill apparatus for use in removing and/or refilling coolant in an automotive cooling system. The automotive cooling system typically includes a radiator, overflow bottle, engine, water pump, and heater core elements. A method for utilizing the coolant removal and refill apparatus utilizing vacuum and pressure is described for use with the removal and refill apparatus.

Abstract: In the filling of a keg with a beverage via a filling head, the filling head is sterilized immediately prior to initiating the flow of the beverage into the keg via the head and a fitting on the keg. Complete sterilization is achieved by ensuring that the temperature of the normally coldest portion of the filling head will be raised to a sufficiently high level and maintained at least at this level until a predetermined number of Pasteur units has been reached.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for monitoring steam conditions in a container, such as a beer keg, during disinfection, usually in a washer/racker. Temperature and pressure are taken repeatedly within the container during the disinfection process. Resulting temperature and pressure values are inputted to a data processor. The data processor establishes automatically whether the measured temperature and pressure values correspond to desired steam conditions within the container. These conditions are at, or within a predetermined tolerance from, a phase boundary between steam and water. An output is provided which includes a direct indication of whether the desired conditions are or have been met for measuring pairs of temperature and pressure values.

Abstract: The invention relates to an engine coolant changing apparatus for changing,an engine coolant such as LLC (long-life coolant) in an engine coolant path containing a radiator, comprising coolant storing container possessing a pressure action port and a liquid inlet and outlet, detaching device to be attached or detached to or from a filler port of a radiator, communicating device for communicating between the liquid inlet and outlet and the detaching means, and pressure action device for applying a negative pressure to the pressure action port and for concurrently causing overheating and the coolant to a low temperature by driving an engine when discharging the coolant from an engine coolant system, and device for applying a positive pressure to the pressure action port when feeding a fresh liquid, so that the coolant can be changed promptly in a short time, without requiring manipulation of radiator drain cock or jack-up of the vehicle.

Abstract: A filling element for dispensing a liquid filling material into bottles or similar containers. The filling element has no filling tube or at most a short filling tube. For treating a respective container with a sterilization medium, preferably with steam, a sterilization tube is provided that can be moved out of an upper lifting or stroke position into a lower lifting or stroke position in which at least one opening formed in a lower end portion of the sterilization tube is disposed in the container in such a way that especially also the base portion of the container that is disposed opposite a mouth region thereof is adequately subjected to the sterilization medium that is discharged into the interior of the container from the tube opening or is withdrawn from the interior of the container through the tube opening and the tube.

Abstract: A process and a device for the sterile filling of beverage liquids. In the process and device a bottle is sterilized by passing steam into it through a short feed pipe. All other phases such as CO.sub.2 flushing, counter-pressurizing and return gas discharge also take place through the feed pipe. During the filling process the liquid to be filled flows into the bottle around the feed pipe.

Abstract: A process and apparatus used in manufacturing prefilled, sterile delivery devices such as syringe assemblies. The process includes sealing a syringe container portion at both ends and filling the same through a port provided in the container portion between the two ends. After filling, the port is closed and sealed and the syringe assembly is sterilized to provide a sterile delivery device with sterile contents. A suitable syringe container portion for producing prefilled, sterile delivery devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling and draining coolant from a battery cooling system (10). A coolant delivery system (94) is fluidly connected to the battery cooling system (10) for providing new coolant to the battery cooling system (10) when filling and for purging coolant from the battery cooling system (10) when draining. A pressurization system (96) is fluidly connected to the battery cooling system 10) for pressurizing the battery cooling system (10) after providing coolant when filling and for purging coolant when draining. A vacuum system (98) is fluidly connected to the coolant delivery system for creating a vacuum after draining to evacuate the battery cooling system (10) prior to filling. And, a controller (189) is electrically connected to the battery cooling system (10) to cycle a condenser fan (32) and coolant pump (26) coupled to the battery cooling system on and off according to a predetermined timing sequence.

Abstract: Device for filling a receptacle (R) by lowering it onto a needle (5) which pierces it. The portions of the installation adjacent to the bottom of the receptacle (R), which could be polluted by ill-timed projections of liquid from the needle, are washed and dried by nozzles (27, 28, 29) for washing the zones potentially reached by the projections, as well as the needle (5) itself, this washing and drying being followed by drying by suction orifices (38).

Abstract: In an automotive cooling system made up of a radiator, overflow bottle, engine and heater core members, a method of removing spent antifreeze therefrom involves applying air pressure at the highest vertical point of the cooling system members, and draining the antifreeze via the lowest vertical point thereof. A method of refill via the radiator or pressurized overflow bottle involves utilization of a refill element with vacuum and coolant prongs. Simultaneous vacuum and refill of coolant is achieved with the refill element.

Abstract: A container filling unit moveable from a filling position to cleaning, non-use or ready to use positions including a base and a vertically adjustable mast, which mast provides a manifold and valving system for a single or plurality of filling heads for the precise filling of containers. The unit includes a valving arrangement which provides for full or rapid flow, reduced or slow flow and positive shut-off of flow with the flows being controlled in response to weight or volume of material delivered to the container. The unit includes a turbulence reducing discharge head which includes a positive material shut-off. The unit is useable for surface and subsurface filling and a primary aspect of the invention is to initially fill containers at a rapid rate and thereafter provide a slower filling rate to insure accurate and precise filling.

Abstract: A bottle filling machine comprising a rotary spoke assembly rotating in a vertical plane on a horizontal axis carries bottles between each spoke with their open necks facing radially inward toward the central axis of the rotating spoke assembly. A valve assembly is positioned around the central axis of the rotary spoke assembly, having a rotating valve cup which rotates with the spoke assembly and bottles carried between the spokes. Filler tubes extend from discharge apertures through the rotating valve cup to the open necks of the bottles. The valve assembly includes a stationary valve plate which bears against a corresponding bearing face of the valve cup. An inlet aperture and inset distribution groove of the valve plate flows distilled water or other fill material to and through the discharge apertures of the rotating valve cup as they rotate past to thereby fill the bottles.

Abstract: A reusable, high purity liquid chemical dispensing assembly is provided for use in a production line that processes chemically treated articles such as semiconductors. This dispensing assembly contains a high purity liquid chemical, such as photoresist, which it dispenses into a production line application station. The dispensing assembly can be disconnected from the production line when it is essentially emptied of the liquid chemical, and can be then rinsed and purged of chemical residue, and refilled with fresh chemical. The rinsing, purging, and refilling operations are performed in an environmentally safe manner. By providing a reusable dispensing assembly the problem of disposing of chemically polluted containers is eliminated.

Abstract: A fitment device is disclosed to be used with a "bag-in-a-box" packaging system. The fitment connects the bag with a valve system and optionally contains a removable diaphragm. The diaphragm is opened by operating a tool which separates and pulls out the diaphragm. A method of assembling the device with the entire system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination container for holding sterilized elements and a sterilizable transfer port for transferring the sterilized elements into an isolation system having a wall. The container includes a flexible bag defining a cavity containing a plurality of the sterilized elements. The container also includes a collar which has an interior surface defining a bore extending through the collar. The bag is secured to the collar with the opening in registry with the bore. A removable seal is movable between a first position where the seal initially extends across the bore to prevent elements from being removed from the cavity and to maintain the sterility of the elements and a second position where the seal is moved from the first position to access the cavity such that the elements are removable from the cavity through the opening and the bore.

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: An apparatus for monitoring the thermal treatment or sterilization of bottles or similar containers in a container-treatment machine that has a transport element that, for treatment at treatment stations, moves containers along a transport section between a container inlet and a container outlet. Thermal treatment of the containers with a hot medium is effected in a portion of the transport section. For monitoring purposes, at least one temperature sensor is provided for measuring the temperature of containers that have been heated up by the hot medium.

Abstract: A fitment device is disclosed to be used with a "bag-in-a-box" packaging system. The fitment connects the bag with a valve system and contains a removable diaphragm. The diaphragm is opened by operating a snaring tool which pulls on a tab to tear out the diaphragm. A method of assembling the device with the entire system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A clean-in-place filling machine which includes a supply tank connected to a filling nozzle by a filling unit and additionally a flush tank connected to a pump or drain outlet by a valve. A programmable controller operates the machine to fill a container with product from the supply tank via the filling unit and the nozzle, and performs a clean-in-place with a pre-rinse, a wash and a final rinse. The initial rinse is performed by rinsing with a rinsing fluid introduced into the supply tank and exiting the drain outlet via the filling unit, the nozzle, the flush tank and the valve. This is followed by washing with cleaning fluid from the flush tank via the valve, the pump, the supply tank, the filling unit and the nozzle back to the flush tank. This is a closed loop wherein the pressure is provided by the pump and the filling unit is operated to drain the supply tank.

Abstract: A can (1) has a primary chamber and a secondary chamber in communication through a restricted orifice and its exterior maintained at atmospheric pressure. The can (1) is filled with beer through a filling block (24) from a bowl (8). Prior to filling the can (1) is pressurized through the block (24) with nitrogen gas to greater than atmospheric pressure and subsequently evacuated to atmospheric pressure. Such pressurization and evacuation is repeated sequentially to dilute the atmospheric oxygen content within the primary and secondary chambers. A gas exchange conduit (40) extends between the bowl headspace (12) and the can (1). Conduit (40) has a gas control valve (55) closeable by movement of lever (60). A beer flow valve (37/46) controls flow of beer (9) from the bowl. During nitrogen pressurization of the can (1) the lever (60) is adjusted to maintain valves (55) and (37/46) closed and insure that high pressure gas in the can (1) cannot flow through conduit (40) into the bowl (8).

Abstract: Ready-mix joint compound packaged in a container, the inner surface of which has a thin coating of humectant, such as a glycol, maintaining an improved uniformity of the moisture content of all portions of the ready-mix joint compound contained therein.

Abstract: A container (8) which includes a disposable cup (10) is shown, together with a coating (12) of food-grade antifoaming agent at the inner surface of the cup. A method of speeding filling of the container is disclosed which includes pouring a beverage that foams and forms a foam head when poured into the cup. Collapse of the foam head is accelerated by the antifoaming agent (12) to permit an increase in the filling rate of the cup without overflow.

Abstract: A device for preventing condensation of water vapor on a filling nozzle in the form of a vertical tube, included in a filling apparatus and positioned above a path of transport of containers comprises a downwardly open dry air chamber having the filling nozzle accommodated therein and permitting the container to be moved into and out of the chamber when the container is lifted by a lifter, an injection nozzle disposed as oriented downward above the path upstream from the dry air chamber for injecting dry air into the container to replace air therein, and a cover extending from a position downstream from the injection nozzle at least to the dry air chamber and covering the path from thereabove for preventing the dry air in the container from flowing out.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus for purging empty bottles with nitrogen gas includes a rotor from which arms of flexible material radiate. Each arm carries a gas supply lead. The arrangement is that advancing bottles engages the heads and thereby drive the rotor. Valve means is provided whereby each head in turn is placed in communication with a purging gas supply when it reaches a first position and the communication is ended when the head reaches the second position. During its course of travel from the first position to the second position, the head communicates with a respective bottle and the bottle is thereby purged.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a package container blank with a fluid is disclosed and includes a rotary portion provided with a plurality of chambers for receiving the blanks and a fixed portion having a stator surface that faces the rotary portion. The fixed portion is provided with an arrangement that opens to the stator surface for supplying fluid so that upon successive rotations of the rotary member, the chambers will successively align with the arrangement for supplying fluid so that fluid is thereby supplied to the chambers.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage delivery system having at least two syrup storage tanks. Each storage tank is provided with a valve that allows air to vent from the tank during delivery, acts as a nozzle to deliver cleaning solution during clean-up operations and, most significantly, meters the amount of fluid delivered to the tank and prevents inadvertent overfill. The tanks are also provided with a syrup feed pipe and drain pipe for filling and discharging the tank, respectively. The drain pipe can be connected to a mixing valve that also receives carbon dioxide and water from separate sources. These components are mixed at the mixing valve to create the desired carbonated beverage which is then delivered to a beverage dispenser. The feed pipe can be connected to a delivery truck supply tank such that its supply of syrup can be replenished. The volume of syrup carried by the truck supply tank is less than the total volume of all the storage tanks to be filled from the supply tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers, especially bottles, with liquid material is provided. The apparatus has at least one filling element for dispensing the liquid material into a respective container in a controlled manner. A bell-shaped portion is provided for each filling element and has a chamber for completely accommodating a container during a filling process. The underside of the bell-shaped portion has an opening for the introduction and withdrawal of a container. The apparatus also has a support mechanism that forms a support surface for the container and is disposed below the filling element in the direction of a filling element axis. Via relative movement between the bell-shaped portion and the support mechanism in the filling element axis, the chamber at the opening of the bell-shaped portion can be closed and opened by the support mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to aseptically dispense liquid under counterpressure into a container. In a sterilization phase that precedes the filling, the inner surfaces of a container, the container mouth, as well as an outer surface of the container adjacent to the mouth thereof, are acted upon by a hot, pressurized, gaseous or vaporous sterilization medium. During both the sterilization and filling phases, the respective container is thereby completely disposed in a chamber in such a way that the interior of the container communicates via the mouth thereof with the interior of this chamber. The sterilization medium is introduced into the container at a distance from the mouth thereof via a filling tube that later serves for filling.

Abstract: A flush cap for a vehicle cooling system wherein the flush cap has an inlet through which fresh water enters and an outlet through which dirty coolant leaves. The method employs the flush cap to flush the cooling system of the vehicle. The radiator cap can be adapted to drain a radiator using a hose attached to the outlet of the cap.

Abstract: A radiator flush/fill apparatus and process employing a flushing apparatus having a modified radiator cap, a pumping device and an automobile radiator containing a liquid, wherein the flushing apparatus comprises a modified radiator cap having an elongated hollow tubular member forming an elongated open fluid passageway through the modified radiator cap and extending into the automobile radiator for accessing the liquid present in the automotive cooling system; with one end of the elongated tubular member adapted to engage in a fluid tight relationship a connecting device connected to a pumping device for removing a major amount of the liquid from the automobile radiator through the elongated tubular member and for replacing the removed liquid by introducing a new liquid through the elongated tubular member.

Abstract: A rinsing apparatus for containers has concentric inner and outer pipes which are loosely nested in one another. A passageway for a rinsing fluid is formed between the two pipes. An inlet which is formed in the outer pipe enables a rinsing fluid to be introduced into the passageway from the outside of the outer pipe. One end of the outer pipe is equipped with a seal member which prevents rinsing fluid from flowing out of the passageway through the one end. The other end of the outer pipe can be equipped with a deflector which surrounds the inner pipe and deflects rinsing fluid flowing through the passageway outwards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to aseptically dispense liquid under counterpressure for filling thereof into a container. In a sterilization phase that precedes the filling, the inner surfaces of a container, the container mouth, as well as an outer surface of the container adjacent to the mouth thereof, are acted upon by a hot, pressurized, gaseous or vaporous sterilization medium. During both the sterilization and filling phases, the respective container is thereby completely disposed in a chamber in such a way that the interior of the container communicates via the mouth thereof with the interior of this chamber. The sterilization medium is introduced into the container at a distance from the mouth thereof via a filling tube that later serves for filling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a leak in a vehicle heater core without requiring its removal from its vehicle mounted position. The apparatus comprises an airtight container having an immersible pump and heater element secured within the container and including inlet and outlet fluid lines for coupling with hose extensions from the heater core of a vehicle. Access to such hose lines may be accomplished by an intermediate cut on each of the inlet and outlet hoses to the heater core, joining the respective flowlines of the container into a closed fluid circuit. In this configuration, flushing solution, cleaning solution and sealing compound can be pumped through the heater core to repair any existing leaks. An inlet valve is provided for introducing air pressure to assist in delivery of the sealer compound through the closed circuit and confirming repair of any existing leaks.

Abstract: In the roller bottle filling and harvesting system of the present invention, a decapper, a medium harvesting and cleaning apparatus, a medium filling apparatus and a capper are all located in an aseptic chamber, in this order along a supply conveyor. Roller bottles at the medium harvesting and cleaning apparatus have their pitch aligned and a plural number of roller bottles are tilted from the upright position, through a predetermined angle and the used medium in the roller bottles is withdrawn, the bottles returned to the upright position and then filled with cleaning liquid by a roller bottle inner surface cleaning apparatus. Then, the roller bottles are sent to a roller bottle roll and tilt apparatus which tilts the roller bottles to a predetermined angle and rotates and cleans the roller bottles and then sends them to an adjacent supply conveyor.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and method for removal and replacement of the liquid in an automotive cooling system by use of a pumping device and by access to liquid in the automotive cooling system through the neck opening of the radiator of the automotive cooling system. The prior art requirement of introduction of one or more tees into heating hoses of the automotive cooling system is beneficially eliminated.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing soft drinks comprises a cabinet placed on the end of a conventional grocery store aisle. The cabinet has three sections; an upper section, a central section, and a lower section. Containers of soft drink syrup are removably located within the lower section of the cabinet and connected to the remainder of the apparatus by tubing. The upper section includes a conventional carbonation factory connected to a source of water remote from the apparatus. Water entering the apparatus passes through a cooler and the carbonation factory to produce carbonated water. Also disposed within the interior of the upper section are a plurality of pumps. The pumps are placed in communication with each source of syrup to force the syrup upwardly through the device by way of a syrup line, which is in turn placed in communication with the source of carbonated water to form a soft drink.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing the antifreeze in a vehicle requires only a garden hose and opening of the radiator cap. Water from the hose is utilized to prime a conduit for siphoning used coolant from a side tank radiator and for refilling the radiator. By operating the vehicle with fresh water in the radiator, coolant remaining in the system is mixed with the water, and repeated drainings decrease the remaining used antifreeze by about one-half each time. After removal of the desired amount of antifreeze, new antifreeze may be placed in the radiator.

Abstract: A method and tool (12) for use in an automatic machining center for removing drilling coolant from a blind hole (14) and for injecting tapping fluid into the hole (14), the tool having a nozzle (24) for removing the coolant from the hole and for injecting tapping fluid into the hole.

Abstract: A container washing and filling machine for washing and filling blow moulded containers 1 having an open-ended neck 2 includes only a single head 5 through which both washing and filling liquid is introduced into the container 1 through its open-ended neck 2. The container 1 is held in fluid-tight sealing engagement with the single head 5 by a clamping device 32 and the clamping device and single head 5 are movable together with a container 1 being treated between a washing position in which the container 1 is inverted and a filling position in which the container 1 is erect. Preferably the machine also inlcudes a closure unit 21 to apply a closure to the open-ended neck 2 of a filled container 1.

Abstract: A device for filling a container through a spout extending from the container includes a sterile chamber having a wall opening therethrough for inserting the spout into the chamber. A cover inside the chamber is positioned over a base plate which encloses the wall opening to prevent the escape of sterile gas from the chamber when the spout is being inserted into and removed from the wall opening. A pair of jaws fit around the spout when the spout is in the opening to hold the spout in position for filling and to prevent contamination of the sterile chamber during the filling operation.

Abstract: A novel process for the removal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and other adsorbed material from electrical apparatus to limit residual contamination to be less than a predetermined level; the process includes the steps for removal of the bulk fluid, subsequent solvent wash, repeated contact with penetrating solvent vapor, and cooling solvent soaks, with continuous solvent recovery.

Abstract: A device for filling containers through a spout on the container includes a sterile chamber that has an opening in a wall through which the spout of the container may be inserted into the chamber, a filling head inside the chamber for connecting with the spout and filling the container through the spout, a cup-shaped cap inside the chamber that covers the opening in the wall to substantially prevent the escape of a sterile gas from the chamber when the spout is not in the opening, a fluid spray head inside the cup-shaped cap for sterilizing the spout before it is exposed to the sterile chamber, and a pair of jaws that fit around the spout when the spout is in the opening to substantially prevent the escape of the sterile gas during the filing operation when the cap is removed.

Abstract: The removal of undesirable substances such as water, PCB's and air from the internal components of electrical devices such as transformers and power capacitors is efficiently and effectively achieved by contacting, in the absence of air, the internal components of these various electrical devices with a heat-stable fluid material. The heat-stable fluid materials are preferably halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons and most preferably perchloroethylene or FREON 113.