Abstract: An apparatus 1 for securing a closure 2 in an aperture 3 of a container 4 comprises a securing cap 5 adapted to engage the closure 2 and the container 4 to secure the closure 2, and fittings to provide for generation and release of a vacuum or partial vacuum between the securing cap 5 and the closure 2 to move the securing cap 5 into a securing position.

Abstract: The invention related to apparatus for transferring flowable particulate material such as dry tablets, for example pharmaceutical tablets, from one station to another. The apparatus comprises a carrier for the tablets, and means externally of the carrier for moving the carrier between stations, the arrangement being such that the carrier and the means are not connected mechanically for movement of the carrier.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus for gravity discharge of flowable particulate material through an outlet (2) of a container (3) (shown dashed) for such material which outlet (2) is normally obturated by a hollow cone valve member (4), the apparatus (1) comprising actuator means (5) having a flat surface (6) and being adapted to engage the cone valve member (2) adjacent the base (7) thereof for raising and lowering same whereby to provide that the interior volume of the cone valve member (4) remains substantially empty. In the embodiment, the apparatus (1) is a component of a materials handling system in the form of a discharge station “D”, which is fixed for example in the floor of a facility for transferring flowable material from a (transportable) IBC (3) to a process “P” such as mixing, blending, tableting the like which is below the discharge station D.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a seal device (1), for example for use with an obturating device such as a cone value (2) of an intermediate bulk container (3) (IBC) which is set down at a discharge station (4) with a sealing arrangement therebetween so that when a lifting member such as a cone (5) of the discharge station (4) is operated to raise the cone valve (2) and open a flow path for flowable material such as a powder from the IBC through the discharge station (4). In order to provide a seal, the seal device (1) of an elastomeric material, has an annular seal surface (6) and means (7) which enhances sealing by the sealing surface (6).

Abstract: A bulk particulate handling apparatus and method for transferring material between a first and second site which utilizes a stream of gas to remove material from the flow path. Contamination of the flow-path is thereby reduced by providing the stream of gas for the removal of material before and after flow of material. A method embodied by the invention is directed toward the use of a bulk particulate handling apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling flowable material, e.g., an intermediate bulk container or IBC, comprises an aperture in the form of an outlet having a closure device in the form of a discharge valve movable between a position to obturate the outlet and a position to allow flow of material through the outlet, and an integral member which is adapted to secure the valve in the obturated position. The integral member is in the form of relatively rigid annular lock or lock ring mounted between the body and a probe. This integral member is thus positioned radially inwardly of the body and has an outer peripheral surface with a step configuration complementary to that of the body.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating a closure for an aperture of a material storage container has a device to regulate the position of the closure relative to the aperture, so that an annular gap through which material is discharged is adjustable to prevent crushing of material which might be “bridged” in the gap.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (1) for handling flow of particulate material from one location such as a first station such as a filling head (2) attached to an IBC (3) and a chamber (4) which is in association with the filling head (2) by being slidably mounted round an outlet (8) thereof, the chamber (4) having an orifice (6) through which the another station such as an IBC (7) and the one station (23) are operatively connected to provide a transfer system for the material (8). The chamber (4) has a device (9) which is operable to remove a closure element (10) of the IBC (7). The chamber (4) also has means (11, 12) to extract material from the chamber (4) so that the exterior of the filling head (2) and IBC (7) remains in use free of any potentially contaminating material, such as specks of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling flowable material, particularly particulate material, which is held in a discharge container such as an IBC having an opening normally covered by a transport cap, comprises a device which is adapted to engage and remove the transport cap and a device to cover at least a rim of the cap during such removal. The problem of contamination is overcome using the apparatus which is in the form of an annular metal (in the embodiment) cowl which has two peripheral spaced apart upstanding walls, the inner wall rising from an internal base in the embodiment and from which also rises the engaging and removing device, which in the embodiment shown comprises a pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangement. The piston carries an extractor in the form of an annular disc or spider having a depending peripheral wall which carries an inflatable ring or tire. The external surface of the inner wall carries at its rim a lip seal which is mounted over an inflatable ring.