Abstract: A clean-in-place filling machine which includes a supply tank connected to a filling nozzle by a filling unit and additionally a flush tank connected to a pump or drain outlet by a valve. A programmable controller operates the machine to fill a container with product from the supply tank via the filling unit and the nozzle, and performs a clean-in-place with a pre-rinse, a wash and a final rinse. The initial rinse is performed by rinsing with a rinsing fluid introduced into the supply tank and exiting the drain outlet via the filling unit, the nozzle, the flush tank and the valve. This is followed by washing with cleaning fluid from the flush tank via the valve, the pump, the supply tank, the filling unit and the nozzle back to the flush tank. This is a closed loop wherein the pressure is provided by the pump and the filling unit is operated to drain the supply tank.

Abstract: A filling and capping machine including a computer controlled turret having a plurality of pockets for positioning a plurality of containers to at least a fill position and a capping position along the turret's path. The controller programmably positions the turret to these positions for variations of the locations of the pockets on the turret and accommodates for variations in the size and number of the container pockets and the type of fill product and type of containers. The controller also controls the position of the filling unit for the type of fill product as well as controlling the positioning of the filling unit and the capping unit for variations in the type of container. The controller uses a combination of servo motors and fluid motors to vertically and rotationally position the elements.

Abstract: A metering pump wherein the head is provided with internal threads terminating adjacent to internal shoulders at each of the pump cylinder, inlet valve and outlet valve ports. The cylinder, inlet valve and outlet valve each include a flange secured to the shoulder by a collar threadably received in each of the ports. O-rings are provided in a circumferential groove in the body or cylinder of the pump inlet valves and outlet valves downstream of the flange. A piston pump structure includes a bushing mounted to the piston rod between the piston head and a second breakaway stop connected to the piston rod. The piston head includes a plurality of circumferential grooves for receiving respectively a cup seal or an O-ring seal. A suck-back mechanism is provided in a bore in the head and includes a stem having an eccentric cam which interacts with the valve structure to adjust the degree of closure by rotation of the stem.

Abstract: A filling machine wherein a lost motion mechanism is provided with a counteracting element to counteract forces between the driver and the filling unit to assure that the lost motion mechanism operates with lost motion. The counteracting element is provided between the lost motion mechanism and the driver and is operable during the suction stroke and inoperable during the discharge stroke.