Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods useful for lifting a drum to enable the drum and its contents to be accurately weighed includes a drum weighing platform engageable with the drum, at least two guide rods. The guide rods are movable upwardly in unison to move the drum weighing platform vertically upwardly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling containers with liquid of the type having a tubular filling lance operatively connected to a source of liquid and being vertically moveable between raised positions above said containers and lowered positions, when coaxially aligned with a filling hole in one of said containers, extending through said filling hole into said container for filling thereof. The apparatus comprises a conveyor assembly on which two or more containers with randomly disposed filling holes may be moved to a filling station generally below the filling lance. A carriage assembly is provided by which the filling lance may be moved in X, Y, Z coordinates, first to a raised position coaxially aligned with a selected one of the container filling holes and then to a lowered position into a selected container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling containers with liquid of the type having a tubular filling lance operatively connected to a source of liquid and being vertically moveable between raised positions above said containers and lowered positions, when coaxially aligned with a filling hole in one of said containers, extending through said filling hole into said container for filling thereof. The apparatus comprises a conveyor assembly on which two or more containers with randomly disposed filling holes may be moved to a filling station generally below the filling lance. A carriage assembly is provided by which the filling lance may be moved in X, Y, Z coordinates, first to a raised position coaxially aligned with a selected one of the container filling holes and then to a lowered position into a selected container.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically handling and filling drums comprising a conveyor on which drums may be sequentially moved to an orienting station, a filling station and a capping and sealing station. The orienting station includes a rotating mechanism for rotating the drum so that a bunghole in the upper end thereof is properly oriented for subsequent filling. The filling station includes a tubular filling lance connected to a source of liquid and which may be lowered into the bunghole for filling the drum with liquid and then raised allowing the drum to be moved to the capping and sealing station.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling containers with liquid including a vertically disposed filling lance operatively connected to a source of liquid and to a power device by which the lance may be vertically moved between raised and lowered positions. A tubular rod extends upwardly through the lance for operative connection to an actuator by which the tubular rod and a foot valve of the lower end of the lance may be vertically moved between closed and open positions. A pressure transducer detects fluid pressure in the tubular rod and converts the pressure to a proportional signal which is transmitted to the power device for raising the lance a predetermined amount while keeping the foot valve and lower end of the lance submerged beneath the surface of container liquids.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling containers with liquid including a vertically disposed filling lance operatively connected to a source of liquid and to a power device by which the lance may be vertically moved between raised and lowered positions. A tubular rod extends upwardly through the lance for operative connection to an actuator by which the tubular rod and a foot valve of the lower end of the lance may be vertically moved between closed and open positions. A pressure transducer detects fluid pressure in the tubular rod and converts the pressure to a proportional signal which is transmitted to the power device for raising the lance a predetermined amount while keeping the foot valve and lower end of the lance submerged beneath the surface of container liquids.

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.