Abstract: A metering apparatus, which may be single- or double-acting, includes a valve device including a closure member, an inlet port, an outlet port and one or two other ports communicating with a metering chamber of the single-acting apparatus or respective metering chambers of the double-acting apparatus.The closure member prevents communication between the inlet port and the outlet port during normal working, but, to allow flushing of the apparatus by cleaning fluid, the closure member can be displaced to an abnormal position in which the inlet port communicates with the outlet port by way of the other port(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of filling a flowable product into a succession of receptacles as they pass continuously along a predetermined path is defined by an elongated hollow containment member mounted above the predetermined path which is formed with an axially extending slot therein. A metering screw having a helical thread is mounted for rotation within the containment member and is biased into sealing engagement with the containment member on each side of the slot. A distribution chamber is formed within the containment member substantially around the screw member except that the sealing engagement and the slot whereby flowable products supplied to the distribution chamber when the screw is rotated is distributed through the slot between adjacent screw portions of the screw member and leaves the containment member in a succession of spaced moving streams.

Abstract: A nozzle and valve assembly comprises a cylinder having an open end and a piston having a conical deflecting surface on its lower end. A first supply pipe is connected to the interior of cylinder through an aperture in its wall. A second supply pipe is connected through a bore formed in the wall of the cylinder to an inwardly directed orifice positioned at the bottom of the cylinder. In use, with the piston in a raised position, a solid product is supplied through the first supply pipe and discharged through the open end of the cylinder into a container. The piston is lowered, thereby closing off the aperture in its wall and hence the first supply pipe, until its lower end is level with the inwardly directed orifice. Liquid is then supplied through the second supply pipe. The liquid washes away any solid on the conical deflecting surface and is formed by the conical deflecting surface into a smooth slow flowing column of liquid.

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 metering apparatus, which may be single or double acting, includes a valve device including a closure member, an inlet port, an outlet port and one or two other ports communicating with a metering chamber of the single-acting apparatus or respective metering chambers of the double-acting apparatus. The closure member prevents communication between the inlet port and the outlet port during normal working, but, to allow flushing of the apparatus by cleaning fluid, the closure member can be displaced to an abnormal position in which the inlet port communicates with the outlet port by way of the other port(s).

Abstract: A pump suitable for food products containing solid pieces has a rotary turret (11) incorporating four piston and cylinder pumping units (15) spaced uniformly around the rotation axis. The pistons are reciprocated by a stationary cam (8) and have associated with them rolling diaphragms (35) which separate pumping chamber (40) from chamber (41) which are connected to a vacuum source. The cylinders are closed by a rotor end member (50) journalled on a manifold member (60) and provided with fluid ports (51). A sealing ring (65) of low friction material forms a seal with the end face of member (50) and includes slots for connecting the ports (51) alternately to supply and discharge conduits (55, 56) for the product passing through the pump. The sealing interface between member (50) and ring (65) is surrounded inwardly and outwardly by a cavity for receiving barrier fluid, e.g. steam, under pressure.

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.