Abstract: An apparatus is proposed for volumetric metering and filling of liquids which includes a vertically extending dispensing chamber provided with a lower inflow and outflow opening and an upper vent opening. A float having an indicator ring is freely reciprocable in the dispensing chamber and scanning elements for controlling the inflow or outflow of liquid are disposed outside the dispensing chamber. Further control elements control a retarded inflow or outflow of the liquid via a throttle device, so that the upper and lower height, the criterion for accurate metering out of quantities of liquid, of the surface of the liquid in the dispensing chamber can be regulated.

Abstract: A method is proposed for sterilizing packaging material of plastic, cardboard or combinations of the two, in particular for sterilizing preshaped packaging containers intended for receiving acidic products. In this method, damage to the packaging material or the packaging apparatus is to be avoided because of the mild thermal treatment involved. By subjecting the surface to be treated to a flow of a moist mixture of water vapor and air at a temperature of from 80.degree. to 140.degree. C. and having a moisture content of from 5 to 50%, sufficiently high degrees of sterility for the sterile packaging of acidic food products are attainable within relatively short treatment periods.