Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring the filling elements of a filling machine that, for filling containers with a liquid filling material, has a plurality of such filling elements disposed on a rotating rotor. Each filling element has a closeable bell-shaped portion for accommodating a container that is to be filled. The bell-shaped portion is designed to operate at a processing pressure of a gaseous or vaporous medium, with the processing pressure being other than ambient pressure. To monitor a satisfactory operation, a respective pressure gauge is provided on each filling element and is responsive to the pressure in the pertaining bell-shaped portion of that filling element. At least one sensor is provided via which the pressure gauge produces an electrical signal if the processing pressure in the bell-shaped portion deviates from the ambient pressure.

Abstract: A filling element for filling machines is provided and includes a liquid flow valve, which comprises a valve body that can be moved back and forth in a filling element axis between a position that closes the liquid flow valve off and a position that opens this valve. Also provided is an electrical probe for determining filling heights of liquid material in containers. The probe includes a first probe element that projects beyond the underside of the filling element and has an electrode, and a second probe element that at least partially surrounds at least part of the first probe element. The lower end of the second probe element is spaced further from the underside of the filling element than is the first probe element.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers, especially bottles, with liquid material is provided. The apparatus has at least one filling element for dispensing the liquid material into a respective container in a controlled manner. A bell-shaped portion is provided for each filling element and has a chamber for completely accommodating a container during a filling process. The underside of the bell-shaped portion has an opening for the introduction and withdrawal of a container. The apparatus also has a support mechanism that forms a support surface for the container and is disposed below the filling element in the direction of a filling element axis. Via relative movement between the bell-shaped portion and the support mechanism in the filling element axis, the chamber at the opening of the bell-shaped portion can be closed and opened by the support mechanism.