Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for filling a container with a fluid. This apparatus is particularly well suited for the filling of relatively large containers of the type that utilize removable, threaded plugs for gaining access into the containers. For such containers, the apparatus can perform the tasks usually involved in the typical filling operation (e.g., aligning, opening, fluid dispensing, closing and sealing the container). Such automated tasks are especially relevant when dealing with fluids which are toxic, inclined to foaming or likely to mix readily with the surrounding gaseous environment. The apparatus includes a container transport system to coordinate the movement of a container between and its interaction with the following task oriented assemblies: bung alignment, kicker, bung cap handling, fluid dispensing, and sealing cap installation.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 controls the orientation of a lid section 16 prior to mating the lid section 16 with a pail section 14 to form a complete container 17. The lid section 16 has bunghole 18 of a preselected diameter positioned at a preselected radial distance from the center of the lid section 16. The bunghole 18 is defined by an annular wall extending a preselected distance from a lower surface of the lid section 16. A first plate 54 receives the lid section 16 with the bunghole 18 extending into a central passage 56. The central passage 56 extends athrough 56 the plate 54 with an upper section 58 of the passage 56 having a preselected width at least twice the preselected radial distance of the bunghole 18 from the center of the lid section 16. A lower section 60 of the passage 56 has a preselected width at least as wide the bunghole diameter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling a container with a liquid. Apparatus includes a filling lance for introducing liquid into a container and a bung engaging tool assembly for removing the bung cap from the container prior to filling operations and for replacing the bung cap into the container after filling operations have been completed.

Abstract: Drum filling apparatus and method enabling liquid to be introduced into a container automatically. The apparatus includes a filling lance and a mechanism for gradually raising the filling lance to ensure that only a relatively small portion of the lance remains submerged in the liquid. The apparatus also includes a control mechanism for ensuring that the lance is properly positioned within the container as it is being withdrawn.

Abstract: An improved bung alignment mechanism for liquid filling apparatus is characterized by an infrared sensor which aligns the vertical axis of the filling lance and bung. The apparatus includes a wheeled carriage which moves along a stanchion, the carriage being operatively associated with the filling lance. A wiper ring assembly, a drip collection assembly, and a fume disposal assembly which contains or entraps substantially all sources of fume generation are also provided as part of the filler apparatus.

Abstract: An improved liquid filling apparatus for subsurface filling of a container is characterized by an arrangement permitting automatic withdrawal of the filling lance while maintaining a subsurface relationship of the discharge end of the filling lance with the liquid dispensed into the container. The apparatus includes a wheeled carriage which moves along a stanchion, the carriage being operatively associated with the filling lance. A wiper ring assembly, a drip collection assembly, and a fume disposal assembly which contains or entraps substantially all sources of fume generation are also provided as part of the filler apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid filler apparatus useful in connection with the filling of a container with a predetermined weight of liquid at a first and a second fill rate is characterized by a single control valve having either a ball-type or a butterfly-type valve element interposed in a flow control relationship between a source of liquid and a conduit insertable into the container to be filled. The control valve responds to signals functionally related to the weight (and therefore the volume) of the liquid within the container generated from a scale element to fill the container at different fill rates. An interface arrangement responsive to the signals generated by the scale is operatively associated with the control valve actuator to impose an actuating force on the valve element sufficient to open the valve element to define a first and a second flow cross-section to thereby permit liquid flow therethrough at the first and the second fill rates, respectively.

Abstract: Electrical circuitry and associated mechanical apparatus are combined to provide a non-contactng transducer for adaptation to an existing mechanical scale for adapting the mechanical scale to an electrically controllable scale. The scale movement sensing apparatus is arranged such that there is no frictional or inertial resistance to movement of any of the mechanical scale parts, while providing a continuously variable range over which a scale weight may be sensed.

Abstract: A fluid container filler-fitting alignment apparatus for detecting and aligning the filler-fitting of the container with respect to a known location of a fill valve. There is provided an automated, pivotally mounted filler-fitting alignment apparatus for contacting the top of a fluid container, accurately locating the filler-fitting of the container and positioning the container with the fitting in a predetermined position when moving the container to a fill station for inserting a fill valve and filling the container with a fluid.