Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the plasma treatment of containers. The essential aspect according to the method according to the invention is that, after the plasma treatment at the plasma station and before the container is filled, at least the container interior of the container is at least partially ventilated with a sterilization medium, i.e. is loaded with a sterilization medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers includes a fixed machine element, a rotating machine element, first and second walls that delimit an interior. The first wall is part of the fixed machine element and the second wall is part of the rotating machine element. A labyrinth seal is formed between the first and second walls, the labyrinth seal has an annular slit that forms a channel. The channel has an inner end that faces the interior and an outer end that faces away from the interior. An underpressure source comprising a blade is at the outer end. Rotation of the underpressure source causes the blade to generate an underpressure in the labyrinth seal. This underpressure generates gas flow from the inner end to the outer end.

Abstract: An apparatus for grouped take-up and feeding of a container-group of containers to a cyclical processing machine having a cyclical take-up device for taking up the group of containers includes an intake, a feed, and a transfer apparatus arranged in a transfer region between the intake and the take-up device. The intake forms a closed conveyor section that comprises a linear section, a conveyor, and carrying-and-holding elements that convey containers in a continuous container stream along the conveyor section. The feed uses mechanical propulsion to convey suspended containers to individually transfer the suspended containers to the carrying-and-holding elements. The transfer apparatus has rotatable grippers for taking up a container group from the container stream and after having taken up the group of containers, feeding the group of containers to the cyclical take-up device.

Abstract: An apparatus for grouped take-up and feeding of a container-group of containers to a cyclical processing machine having a cyclical take-up device for taking up the group of containers includes an intake, a feed, and a transfer apparatus arranged in a transfer region between the intake and the take-up device. The intake forms a closed conveyor section that comprises a linear section, a conveyor, and carrying-and-holding elements that convey containers in a continuous container stream along the conveyor section. The feed uses mechanical propulsion to convey suspended containers to individually transfer the suspended containers to the carrying-and-holding elements. The transfer apparatus has rotatable grippers for taking up a container group from the container stream and after having taken up the group of containers, feeding the group of containers to the cyclical take-up device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the plasma treatment of containers. The essential aspect according to the method according to the invention is that, after the plasma treatment at the plasma station and before the container is filled, at least the container interior of the container is at least partially ventilated with a sterilization medium, i.e. is loaded with a sterilization medium.

Abstract: A filling system includes filling elements, each of which has a channel formed in its housing. During filling, filling material, under a liquid valve's control, passes through the channel and exits through an opening and into a container held on a vertically displaceable container carrier. During pressure filling, the container carrier seals the container against the filling element. During cleaning and sterilization, rinsing caps seal each opening. Each filling element is associated with an extension that seals the outlet. Each extension has a filling-material through-passage that, when the extension is sealed against said outlet, extends the filling-material channel.

Abstract: A rotary feed includes a static part that remains stationary relative to a stationary reference frame and a rotating part that rotates with a rotor. The static part and rotating part run adjacent to each other and define a sealed flow channel for a first medium. A buffer chamber surrounds the static and rotating parts, and the transition between these parts. During operation, a barrier medium charges it at a transition between the static and rotating parts. An outlet connects the buffer chamber to a treatment head to permit a medium in the buffer to be fed to the nozzle for container treatment.

Abstract: A filling system includes filling elements, each of which has a channel formed in its housing. During filling, filling material, under a liquid valve's control, passes through the channel and exits through an opening and into a container held on a vertically displaceable container carrier. During pressure filling, the container carrier seals the container against the filling element. During cleaning and sterilization, rinsing caps seal each opening. Each filling element is associated with an extension that seals the outlet. Each extension has a filling-material through-passage that, when the extension is sealed against said outlet, extends the filling-material channel.

Abstract: A rotary feed includes a static part that remains stationary relative to a stationary reference frame and a rotating part that rotates with a rotor. The static part and rotating part run adjacent to each other and define a sealed flow channel for a first medium. A buffer chamber surrounds the static and rotating parts, and the transition between these parts. During operation, a barrier medium charges it at a transition between the static and rotating parts. An outlet connects the buffer chamber to a treatment head to permit a medium in the buffer to be fed to the nozzle for container treatment.