Abstract: A pump mechanism for a fill system of a packaging machine is set forth. The pump mechanism is utilized to pump a product that is dispensed by the fill system and includes a pump chamber for conducting the product therethrough. A further chamber is disposed proximate the pump chamber and a piston is disposed in the further chamber. The piston has at least one first opening in fluid communication with the further chamber and at least one second opening disposed at a head portion of the piston. The piston further includes at least one channel for providing fluid communication between the first and second openings. A first diaphragm is secured on the head portion of the piston and against the at least one second opening. As such, the first diaphragm is secured to the head portion using suction forces resulting from an underpressure communicated through the first opening to the at least one second opening via the at least one channel.

Abstract: A carton filling machine comprising a compartmentalized clean air system for providing a downward unidirectional flow of clean air into a chamber that substantially encloses one of the machine stations is provided. Preferably, the machine station is a filling station. Even more preferably the clean air system encloses both the fill pipe of the filling station and a top folding portion of a top sealing station of the machine. The top folding portion of the top sealing station ensures that the carton exits the chamber in a closed state whereby the carton is maintained in a very hygienic state after it has been filled in a very hygienic atmosphere. The air flow is advantageously divided into plural streams, one of which is directed about the fill pipe to further ensure sterile filling conditions.

Abstract: A system for disconnecting the pump mechanism of the fill system that allows for the removal of the pump mechanism or access to the internal components thereof without removing the supply and dispensing components from the fill system. The disconnect mechanism allows for a valve assembly to be separated from an inlet or outlet to the pump mechanism while the pump mechanism is supported by the mechanism. One disconnect mechanism includes a base, a lifting plate, a cam to move the lifting plate with respect to the base in order to separate the valve assembly from the pump mechanism. Another disconnect mechanism employs a pivot arm having a first end connected to the pump mechanism and a second end in fixed engagement with the valve assembly thereby allowing for the separation of the valve assembly from the pump mechanism.

Abstract: A sterilization system for sterilizing surface areas of a packaging material in a packaging machine is set forth. The sterilization system comprises an ultraviolet lamp including a housing and an ultraviolet light transmission portion. A support assembly is connected to support the ultraviolet lamp. The ultraviolet lamp is connected to the support assembly so that it is pivotable with respect to the support assembly from a first operating position in which the ultraviolet transmission portion of the ultraviolet lamp is disposed to irradiate the surface areas of the packaging material and a second position in which the ultraviolet transmission portion of the ultraviolet lamp is disposed at an angle for cleaning or service. A latching mechanism may be used to secure the ultraviolet lamp in the second cleaning position. Alternatively, the ultraviolet lamp assembly may be automatically moved between the first and second positions using an automatic drive.