Abstract: An aseptic filler apparatus (30) includes an actuatable fitment plug assembly (500) that may be placed against the bottom of a fitment collar, which is in communication with a flexible bag to be filled with flowable food products, thereby to prevent steam or other gasses or liquids from entering the fill bag when undesirable to do so. The plug assembly (500) includes a plug (502) mounted on a distal end portion of a pivot arm (504). The opposite end of the pivot arm is rotatably axled on a cross pin. A linear actuator (518) is connected to the distal end of a lug (512) projecting transversely from the pivot arm. The opposite end of the linear actuator (518) is pinned to a stationary location, enabling the actuator to pivot the plug (502) from an engaged position against the fitment collar and a retracted position away from the fitment collar.

Abstract: An aseptic filler apparatus (30) includes an actuatable fitment plug assembly (500) that may be placed against the bottom of a fitment collar, which is in communication with a flexible bag to be filled with flowable food products, thereby to prevent steam or other gasses or liquids from entering the fill bag when undesirable to do so. The plug assembly (500) includes a plug (502) mounted on a distal end portion of a pivot arm (504). The opposite end of the pivot arm is rotatably axled on a cross pin. A linear actuator (518) is connected to the distal end of a lug (512) projecting transversely from the pivot arm. The opposite end of the linear actuator (518) is pinned to a stationary location, enabling the actuator to pivot the plug (502) from an engaged position against the fitment collar and a retracted position away from the fitment collar.

Abstract: A system (10) for aseptically sterilizing a heterogeneous food product (15) consisting of particulates in a liquid includes a heating section (40), a holding section (44), and a cooling section (46). From the cooling section, the food product is routed to an aseptic holding tank (18) and/or an apparatus (20) to fill aseptic containers. The temperature profile of the food product is monitored during processing, especially when passing through the heating section (40) and the holding section (44), thereby to make sure that the temperature meets scheduled temperatures pre-determined by mathematical modeling. If a significant deviation occurs between the actual temperature and the modeled temperature of the food product, the affected food product is not allowed to reach the aseptic holding tank or the aseptic filler apparatus, but instead is diverted to a holding tank located upstream of the heating section (40), or to another location.