Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing aseptically processed low acid products in a container having a small opening, such as a glass or plastic bottle or jar, at a high output processing speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing container interior sterilization in an aseptic processing apparatus. An atomized sterilant is applied to an interior surface of a container such as a bottle. A supply of hot sterile drying air is applied to the interior surface to activate and dry the sterilant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing aseptically processed low acid products in a container having a small opening, such as a glass or plastic bottle or jar, at a high output processing speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling aseptic containers with an aseptic product in an aseptic processing apparatus. An apparatus including a valve mechanism for controlling the opening or closing of a valve. The aseptic product is delivered through the valve to the aseptic container. The valve mechanism remains in a sterile tunnel, preventing contaminants from being carried into the aseptic product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed providing a plurality of sterile zones within a sterilization tunnel in an aseptic packaging apparatus. The sterile zones provide a plurality of sterilant concentration levels within the sterilization tunnel. Additionally, the sterile zones provide a plurality of gas flow rates within the sterilization tunnel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing aseptically processed low acid products in a container having a small opening, such as a glass or plastic bottle or jar, at a high output processing speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed providing a container lidding and sealing apparatus in an aseptic processing apparatus. A lid sterilization apparatus supplies sterilized lids in a daisy chain to each bottle top. A heat sealing apparatus seals each lid to each bottle top.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing container product filling in an aseptic processing apparatus. An apparatus including a valve mechanism for controlling the opening or closing of a valve including extending a portion of the valve from a second sterile region into a first sterile region, thereby, preventing contaminants from being carried into the first sterile region.

Abstract: A solenoid valve for controlling the flow of hot melt material such as hot melt adhesive. The valve includes an aluminum body in which is disposed a heater cartridge for supplying heat energy to the body. The body is bored to receive an insert constructed of brass of like material having good heat conductivity and the insert defines a cylindric passage. Extending through the cylindric passage is a valve stem that has an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the cylindrical passage so that an annular flow path is formed. Hot melt material supplied to one end of the annular flow path flows to a valve seat at the other end of the flow path. The diameters of the cylindric passage and the valve stem are established so that the annular path has a sufficiently small radial dimension (e.g. 0.004 inch) that the hot melt material in the path is rapidly and efficiently heated so that when discharged through the valve seat it will be at a suitable operating temperature.