Abstract: A rotary packaging machine advances carton sleeves stepwise through a series of stations at which various operations are performed in relation to the sleeves. At certain earlier ones of the stations operations are performed upon the bottoms of the sleeves at a desired common level. At certain later ones of the stations operations are performed upon the tops of the sleeves at a higher desired common level. At one station intermediate the earlier ones and later ones, the sleeves are lowered by an amount dependent upon their heights, so as to bring their tops to that higher desired common level.

Abstract: A valve device for use in filling cartons includes a tubular housing containing a valve member comprising a closure part co-operating with a valve seat at the lower extremity of the housing, and a driving part movably received with clearance in the housing. During the latter part of the opening movement of the valve member against a spring, the clearance increases smoothly and considerably, and the driving part reaches a force equilibrium position at which the clearance is considerable. Two grooves formed in the housing and the valve member immediately below the annulus of sealing bound an annular enclosed space for receiving liquid squeezed out downwardly at the valve seat.