Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing tagged two-ply infusion packages. The string (14) forming the tags is supplied to a rotating drum (12) which has a plurality of pins (17) protruding from its periphery. The drum (12) is rotatably mounted so as to cooperate with a web (1) used to form at least one layer of the two-ply infusion package. As the drum (12) rotates the string (14) is guided around the pins (17). The web (1) is introduced to the drum (12) by a roller (29) and urged against it by a curved guide (30) to transfer the string from the periphery of the drum to the surface of the web (1). The guide (30) is heated so as to melt the thermoplastics coating on the web (1), whereby the string is attached lightly to the web by the combination of heat and pressure from the guide (30).

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: A two-ply tagged infusion package comprises a tag formed of a length of string (3) and a tab (5). The tag is located as one of a continuous string on a first web (1) in a convoluted form, the first web then being joined to a second web by heat sealing rollers (8) to form a travelling two-ply web having infusion containing pockets (11), each having a tag located thereon within the periphery of the final package. A loop of string (4) of each tag is anchored in the heat seal formed around the pockets (11). The individual packages are then cut from the travelling two-ply web by, for example, co-rotating cutting rollers defining the shape of the package. The act of cutting the packages from the web also serves to cut the continuous string of tags into individual tags (3).

Abstract: A traveling web (11) having adjacent rows of infusion containing pockets (7) has a strip of web material (20) removed from between these rows to produce strips (19) of pockets (7) which are then attached to a cover member. The strip removal is achieved by co-rotating cutting wheels (26, 36) having co-operating shearing edges (32, 33, 34, 37). Removed strips (20) are guided into vacuum ducts (40) by fingers (41).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing infusion packages such as tea or coffee bags of predetermined shape, comprises means for dosing discrete piles (7) of infusion on a first moving web (4), means (8) for sealing a second web (5) over the first to form a consolidated web with discrete infusion containing pockets (3), a co-rotating roller cutting device having cutting means and recess means to cut packages of predetermined shape e.g. circular from the web, a suction device (15) for collecting waste web and maintaining downstream web tension to transport the cut packages to a removal device (50, 51) operable to stamp the packages downwardly into stacking chambers (49).

Abstract: A travelling two-ply web of infusion packages (11) is cut transversely by rotary cutting device (50) to form individual packages (1) which are attached to a styrene cover web (70). The packages 91) and web (70) are fed at the same speed rotary attachment device (100) comprising heated welding tips (102) cooperating with an anvil roller (90). The web (70) is fed to the attachment device at constant speed, but the packages (1) are accelerated up to the speed of the web (70) by accelerating rollers (62, 63) which grip the sealed edges of the packages. This introduces the necessary gap between successive packages. A hinge line (5) is produced in the web (70) by hinging device which facilitates folding of the cover and the package when the web carrying attached packages is cut into individual lengths.

Abstract: A container for use in a microwave oven formed from a microwave transparent material and having coated on at least part of at least one inner surface thereof a browning agent for transfer of a brown coloration to a surface of a food item.

Abstract: An improved method and related apparatus for filling a plurality of containers more accurately with a predetermined net weight or volume of fluid by filling means located at a filling station on a line. The weights are determined upstream of the filling station. The containers are filled according to a set point, then the containers are moved to a gross weighing station where they are weighted full and tare weight is deducted therefrom. Corrections based on net values of tare weight and gross weight are applied to the set point of the filling means. The specific gravity of the fluid is input to processing means to allow the net volume of the contents of the containers to be calculated.

Abstract: An improvement in a method and related apparatus for filling a carton with successive stacks of articles, for example teabags. The carton is moved forward in a stepwise manner between filling steps. At least one side wall of the carton is distorted inwardly immediately behind a last deposited stack of the articles to restrain the stack from tipping over as a result of the movement.

Abstract: A method for concentrating alcoholic beverages which comprises subjecting the beverage to reverse osmosis to form a beverage concentrate, said reverse osmosis using a membrane which allows passage of water therethrough and is at least partially permeable to alcohol and volatile flavor components of the beverage but is impermeable to dissolved solids, subjecting the permeate from said reverse osmosis to distillation to separate therefrom alcohol and volatile flavor components of the beverage which have passed through the membrane, and combining the separate alcohol and volatile components with beverage concentrate from reverse osmosis. Apparatus for effecting this method is also described.

Abstract: A method for continuous fermentation in which carbohydrate solution is fed continuously into a fermentation zone containing substantially homogeneously distributed yeast and carbohydrate solution whereby the carbohydrate is fermented to ethanol, a proportion of the fermenting liquid continuously passing to a pressurised settling tank, yeast depleted liquid being withdrawn from the upper part of the settling tank and yeast enriched liquid being withdrawn from the lower part of said tank and returned to the fermentation zone, a proportion of yeast being withdrawn without being returned to the fermentation zone, said proportion being such that the concentration of yeast in the fermentation zone is substantially constant, and the pressure within the settling tank is sufficient to prevent the formation of gaseous carbon dioxide. The method enables rapid continuous fermentation to take place using high concentrations of yeast. Apparatus for operating the method is described.

Abstract: A meter for a liquid dispenser of the type having an axially movable plunger. The meter includes a housing detachably mountable on the dispenser. The housing has a bore in which is engaged a sleeve on the dispenser. An annular space is provided, coaxially of the bore. In this space is provided a cylindrical actuating member, the base of which is formed as a striker. Upward sliding movement of member actuates hollow plunger so that liquid is dispensed through an aperture. Upward movement of the member also causes an operating member secured to a counter to turn, thereby advancing the counter by one digit. A spring loaded interlocking member is adapted to prevent upward movement of the actuating member if the meter is removed from the dispenser.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for maturing sherry wine in which the multiplicity of casks conventionally used in the respective maturation stages are replaced by respective single containers, preferably sub-divisions of a single large vessel.