Abstract: A dosing apparatus 1 includes a material flow control arrangement 2 including vertical ducting 4 having co-axial therewith a vertically reciprocatory rod 5 mounting at its ends inlet and outlet valve closure plugs 6a and 6b. The upper and lower end zones of the ducting 4 define respective circular-cylindrical inlet and outlet 13a and 13b bounded by respective circular-cylindrical valve seats 14a and 14b in which the plugs 6a and 6b are sliding fits. Mounted on at least one horizontal extension piece 4d of the ducting 4 is at least one dosing pump 16. When the outlet 13b is closed by the plug 6b, the cross-section of the inlet 13a is unobstructed; similarly, when the inlet 13a is closed by the plug 6a, the cross-section of the outlet 13b is unobstructed. Furthermore, in an intermediate position of the rod 5, the cross-sections of both the inlet 13a and the outlet 13b are unobstructed, so that passage of a cleaning fluid through the ducting 4 is facilitated.

Abstract: A valve device for use in filling cartons includes a tubular housing containing a valve member comprising a closure part co-operating with a valve seat at the lower extremity of the housing, and a driving part movably received with clearance in the housing. During the latter part of the opening movement of the valve member against a spring, the clearance increases smoothly and considerably, and the driving part reaches a force equilibrium position at which the clearance is considerable. Two grooves formed in the housing and the valve member immediately below the annulus of sealing bound an annular enclosed space for receiving liquid squeezed out downwardly at the valve seat.