Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling of containers of the type having a sleeve with one open end and a substantially closed end having an opening therein, and having a displaceable plunger sealingly engaging the inside wall of the sleeve and being displaceable along the axis thereof between the open and closed ends. In accordance with both the method and apparatus, the plunger is assembled in the sleeve and is displaced toward the closed end thereof having the opening therethrough, and the container is then filled with a suitable filling material through the opening simultaneously as the displaceable plunger is moved away from the opening, thereby allowing the material to be injected freely into the container without having to evacuate air therefrom.

Abstract: A controllable volume dosing device for providing a measured dose of material. The volume dosing device comprises a cylinder having a piston movably mounted therein for movement between a first end position and a second end position, and drive device for moving the piston between the two end positions. A valve is provided associated with the cylinder and which is positionable in a first valve position in which material may be introduced into the cylinder and a second valve position in which material may be expelled from the cylinder. The displacement of the piston within the cylinder between the first and second end positions controls the volume of the dose of such material. An adjustable stop member associated with the piston is provided for defining the first end position of the piston.