Abstract: A transfer type of product filling machine includes a stationary deadplate positioned under a moving line of openbottom transfer receptacles. Containers moving in a separate line under the deadplate in synchronism with the line of transfer receptacles are progressively filled as the transfer receptacles pass over either a continuously tapered or a stepped termination of the deadplate to prevent bridging of loose materials or individual items across the container openings by abrupt dumping of the materials into the containers. The stepped type of deadplate termination also facilitates exact count filling of a single container from a plurality of intermediate receptacles, each holding an integral fraction of the total count fill, and speeds the filling operation by providing a plurality of filling locations.

Abstract: A transfer type of product filling machine includes means for delivering items of substantially uniform size to an intermediate receptacle for subsequent transfer to an ultimate container. The intermediate receptacle is subdivided into separate product receiving volumes, each receiving volume being sized to hold a predetermined small number of the items. The total capacity of the receptacle is exactly equal to the number of items to be delivered to the ultimate container.