Abstract: A dosing system for filling containers with a particulate/liquid mixture includes three piston-and-cylinder devices, of which a first device delivers the mixture downwards to containers advanced beneath it, a second device feeds a thick particulate/liquid mixture via a conduit to the first device, and the third device feeds a thin liquid via a conduit to the first device. A liquid supply port is disposed peripherally in the cylinder of the first device and swept by the piston thereof, and a conduit in continuous communication with the port extends through the piston to a lower axial end of the piston.

Abstract: A packaging container is closed by using a double seam 152 to secure over the container body 70 a cover 74 of smaller diameter than is usual, creating a radial space 104 around the cover chuck wall 122 into which the body sidewall 72 is deformed to form a neck 76. The cover is initially placed on the body to form a sealable interface 142 therebetween, this interface being preserved throughout the seaming process. The body and/or the cover may be of plastics or metal or a laminated material. In an aseptic packaging process, a primary seal is created at the interface 142 under sterile conditions, seaming subsequently being carried out under non-sterile conditions.

Abstract: A dosing system for filling containers with a particulate/liquid mixture includes three piston-and-cylinder devices, of which a first device delivers the mixture downwards to containers advanced beneath it, a second device feeds a thick particulate/liquid mixture via a conduit to the first device, and the third device feeds a thin liquid via a conduit to the first device. A liquid supply port is disposed peripherally in the cylinder of the first device and is swept by the piston thereof, and a conduit in continuous communication with the port extends through the piston to a lower axial end of the piston.

Abstract: A separable coupling for filling or emptying a bulk container of a liquid or semi-liquid food product comprises a closure on the container, and a coupling member attached to a supply or discharge conduit and which is releasably connectable with the closure. Valves on the closure and coupling member are connected in series in the product flow path when the coupling is made. They are connected mechanically together and actuated in series so that the valve of the coupling member is actuated through the agency of the valve on the closure in a fail-safe manner. Provision is made for feeding superheated steam to the part of the product flow path lying between the valves, so that the exposed surfaces of the closure and coupling member can be sterilized or purged before and after a filling or discharging operation.

Abstract: A method of producing a package of a product, which product does not include a significant amount of gas, comprising taking a shape-retaining container having a charging opening, charging the container with the product to a level which leaves a substantial headspace and, in any suitable order,(a) completely sealing the opening with a closure of stretchable material, and(b) deforming the closure inwardly onto the product to reduce the headspace and continuing the deformation, to move product adjacent the closure into the remaining headspace, until the headspace is eliminated by the continued movement of product and closure,the method being such as to form a package which is substantially gas free and substantially hydraulically solid.