Abstract: A device for filling a container through a spout extending from the container includes a sterile chamber having a wall opening therethrough for inserting the spout into the chamber. A cover inside the chamber is positioned over a base plate which encloses the wall opening to prevent the escape of sterile gas from the chamber when the spout is being inserted into and removed from the wall opening. A pair of jaws fit around the spout when the spout is in the opening to hold the spout in position for filling and to prevent contamination of the sterile chamber during the filling operation.

Abstract: A filling nozzle for liquid or viscous material includes an outlet conduit through which the material flows, a valve mechanism that fits into the conduit to close the conduit, a knife edge connected to the valve mechanism, so that as the valve mechanism moves through the conduit the knife edge scrapes the interior surface of the nozzle and makes a wiping cut of any fibers or lumps in the material being dispensed through the nozzle, and an outlet in the valve mechanism so that a blast of pressurized gas can be directed through the valve mechanism to discharge any material remaining in the conduit downstream of the valve mechanism and knife edge.

Abstract: A device for filling containers through a spout on the container includes a sterile chamber that has an opening in a wall through which the spout of the container may be inserted into the chamber, a filling head inside the chamber for connecting with the spout and filling the container through the spout, a cup-shaped cap inside the chamber that covers the opening in the wall to substantially prevent the escape of a sterile gas from the chamber when the spout is not in the opening, a fluid spray head inside the cup-shaped cap for sterilizing the spout before it is exposed to the sterile chamber, and a pair of jaws that fit around the spout when the spout is in the opening to substantially prevent the escape of the sterile gas during the filing operation when the cap is removed.