Abstract: A machine including a single power source for asynchronously operating dual indexing conveyors. The single power source is a reversible servo unit operatively connected to gear sets and one-way clutches to drive the conveyors. Alternately, the power source is a uni-directional rotating driver with linkage means to reciprocally move a rack operatively connected to gear sets with one-way clutches or ratchets and pawls.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a fluid flow apparatus including a discharge nozzle arrangement comprising a single continuous, meandering stainless steel strand to create a planar screen operatively connected at its outer periphery to a diffuser chamber. The screen is adapted to retain a volume of fluid thereabove until the fluid is forced under pressure through the openings between adjacent segments of the strand. Portions of the screen are adapted to flex resiliently downwardly, out of the plane of the outer periphery, to provide additional clearances between adjacent segments of the screen, in the event particulates should tend to build-up, to thereby resist clogging by flushing same. The round cross-section of the strand facilitates continual cleanliness, and serves to produce better-behaved flow out of the nozzle, thereby reducing foaming of the product being discharged during the filling operation.

Abstract: A pressure sealing mechanism having a yoke into which a mandrel is positioned while having a carton tube mounted thereon with overlapped end closure panels, the yoke including side walls, a closed outer end wall, oppositely disposed, inwardly extending flanges formed on the inner ends of the side walls, with cooperating slots formed in the mandrel, and an expansible bladder and a pressure pad mounted in the yoke for sealing the panels upon expansion of the bladder by forcing the yoke radially outwardly such that the flanges engage the slots providing a compressive force on the panels.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a fluid flow apparatus including a discharge nozzle arrangement comprising a single continuous, meandering stainless steel strand to create a planar screen operatively connected at its outer periphery to a diffuser chamber. The screen is adapted to retain a volume of fluid thereabove until the fluid is forced under pressure through the openings between adjacent segments of the strand. Portions of the screen are adapted to flex resiliently downwardly, out of the plane of the outer periphery, to provide additional clearances between adjacent segments of the screen, in the event particulates should tend to build-up, to thereby resist clogging by flushing same. The round cross-section of the strand facilitates continual cleanliness, and serves to produce better-behaved flow out of the nozzle, thereby reducing foaming of the product being discharged during the filling operation.

Abstract: A container filling system on an indexing, forming, filling and sealing machine, wherein each successive container is progressively filled with variable volumes of a fluid, such as milk, in a manner which minimizes the foam build-up therein, thereby enhancing leak-proof top sealing characteristics during high production operations. The containers are filled in accordance with the following filling sequence formula: ##EQU1## wherein: V.sub.t =total carton volumeV.sub.i =volume delivered at i stationi=station numbern=number of stations.

Abstract: A filler sterilization system including an inlet valve, a main valve, an outlet valve, a linkage system therebetween and a cam and follower arrangement for actuating the linkage system to move the three valves into three operating positions. The three positions are the normally closed and open positions for dispensing a liquid product into a carton, and a third position for steam sterilization of the filler system. The outlet valve in the latter position is such that a predetermined back pressure is maintained during the sterilization operation.

Abstract: A container lifting arrangement wherein a pair of spaced rails and a vacuum cup assembly are concentrically mounted and relatively actuated to raise and lower a container, in part while the container is being conveyed toward a filling station by a conveyor. The vacuum cup is caused to engage the bottom surface of the container only after the container's forward movement has been stopped so as to not be subjected to any sliding action by the container, such action tending to roll the cup's edge and destroy its suction capabilities. Lifting the container before the conveyor stops provides additional time for filling the container.