Abstract: A filling system includes a filling valve including an outlet opening and a sealing member movable relative between an outlet closing position, an outlet fully open position and at least one outlet partially open position. A linear actuator operatively connected to move the sealing member, the linear actuator including a first member movable between an extend position and a retract position, and a second member movable between an extend position, a first retract position and a second retract position. The first retract position of the second member is defined by contact with a distal portion of the first movable member when the first movable member is in its extend position and the second retract position of the second member is defined by contact with the distal portion of the first member when the first member is in its retract position.

Abstract: A bottle neck gripper includes first and second jaw components, each pivotally mounted for rotation about a respective pivot axis, the first jaw component including a first permanent magnet mounted thereon, the second jaw component including a second permanent magnet mounted thereon. The first permanent magnet and second permanent magnet are positioned to be attracted to each other. An attractive force of the magnets urges grip ends of the first and second jaw components toward each other. The pivot axis of the first jaw component is located between the first permanent magnet and the grip end, and the pivot axis of the second jaw component is located between the second permanent magnet and the grip end.

Abstract: A valve for use in filling containers includes a valve flange, nozzle assembly and valve sleeve. The valve flange defines a first through passage. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle head having a liquid fill outlet and air vent outlet below the valve flange and leading to a vent tube. The valve sleeve defines a second through passage and is movable between a lowered valve closed position and a raised valve open position. The valve sleeve including a first portion positioned for sliding movement within the first through passage and a second portion positioned below the valve flange and configured for sealingly closing both the liquid fill outlet and the air vent outlet when the valve sleeve is in the lowered valve closed position. The nozzle head is formed of a non-metal material. A valve may also be mated to the vent tube by a captive retaining clip.

Abstract: A bottle neck gripper includes first and second jaw components, each pivotally mounted for rotation about a respective pivot axis, the first jaw component including a first permanent magnet mounted thereon, the second jaw component including a second permanent magnet mounted thereon. The first permanent magnet and second permanent magnet are positioned to be attracted to each other. An attractive force of the magnets urges grip ends of the first and second jaw components toward each other. The pivot axis of the first jaw component is located between the first permanent magnet and the grip end, and the pivot axis of the second jaw component is located between the second permanent magnet and the grip end.

Abstract: A filling system includes a filling valve including an outlet opening and a sealing member movable relative between an outlet closing position, an outlet fully open position and at least one outlet partially open position. A linear actuator operatively connected to move the sealing member, the linear actuator including a first member movable between an extend position and a retract position, and a second member movable between an extend position, a first retract position and a second retract position. The first retract position of the second member is defined by contact with a distal portion of the first movable member when the first movable member is in its extend position and the second retract position of the second member is defined by contact with the distal portion of the first member when the first member is in its retract position.

Abstract: A capping machine for screwing a threaded cap on a threaded container having a threaded finish, the capping machine receiving the threaded cap from a cap distributor. The capping machine includes a cap guiding element provided above cap screwing belts, both being provided above a conveyor. The cap guiding element is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cap guiding element is configured for abutting downwardly against the threaded cap when the threaded cap is in register therewith and maintaining the threaded cap in a predetermined attitude for at least part of the screwing process. The cap guiding element moves towards the lower position as the cap screwing belts screw the threaded cap on the threaded container.

Abstract: A capping machine for screwing a threaded cap on a threaded container having a threaded finish, the capping machine receiving the threaded cap from a cap distributor. The capping machine includes a cap guiding element provided above cap screwing belts, both being provided above a conveyor. The cap guiding element is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cap guiding element is configured for abutting downwardly against the threaded cap when the threaded cap is in register therewith and maintaining the threaded cap in a predetermined attitude for at least part of the screwing process. The cap guiding element moves towards the lower position as the cap screwing belts screw the threaded cap on the threaded container.