Abstract: According to certain embodiments, an adapter assembly for a bottom outlet valve comprises an apparatus configured to be coupled to a stem of the bottom outlet valve of the railroad car. The stem of the bottom outlet valve is aligned generally with a longitudinal axis of the railroad car. The apparatus comprises a coupler configured to be coupled to the stem of the bottom outlet valve and a primary gear coupled to the coupler. The primary gear is configured to be coupled to a handle assembly extending from either side of the railroad car. The handle assembly is configured to operate the bottom outlet valve.

Abstract: For retrofitting to a backblock of an existing multi-head, multi-backblock beverage dispensing machine, Applicant provides a valve having, in one embodiment, walls adapted to fluidly engage a backblock. A primary circuit has a pair of primary circuit pathways adapted to receive pressurized syrup and pressurized water from the backblock. The valve provides a multiplicity of supplemental circuit pathways adapted to receive (typically not from a backblock) a multiplicity of different syrups from a multiplicity of different pressurized syrup sources. Flow control elements in the valve engage the circuits to control the rate of flow of fluid therethrough. Operator pushbutton controlled valved chambers open and close the circuit pathways. A post-mix valve assembly mixes a syrup from a circuit pathway with the pressurized water from the primary circuit.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for pipeline networks includes first and second safety valves, each having an inlet side and an outlet side. The first safety valve is connected to a line of the pipeline network by its outlet side. A connecting pipeline extends between the two safety valves and connects the inlet side of the second valve to the outlet side of the first. A supply line carries a working fluid to the connecting pipeline, a supply-line safety valve for the supply line, and a discharge line connected to the connecting pipeline for removing working fluid carried to the connecting pipeline by the supply line.

Abstract: A drug compounding skid for sterile transfer of a compounded drug. The skid includes vessels configured to form a sterile seal of a drug contained therein. The skid may include a sterilization system, a drug transfer system, and a cleaning system. The skid may be used to perform sterile transfer of a compounded drug from the vessels to a holding tank. A skid may include a plurality of drug compounding tanks with agitation devices mounted thereto.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid flow includes a conduit that defines a channel through which fluid flows opposing upstream and downstream directions of fluid flow. A rupture valve obliquely disposed in the channel to selectively prevent fluid flow through the channel, the rupture valve resisting rupture in response to pressure exerted on the rupture valve in the upstream direction and selectively rupturing in response to pressure exerted on the rupture valve in the downstream direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing condensate and unwanted gas from vapor/liquid systems while preventing steam loss are provided. The steam trap apparatus replaces the automatic valve type steam trap with an efficient, controllable, and programmable steam trap. In addition, the improved steam trap apparatus allows for real-time data collection during sterilization and other operations.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing condensate and unwanted gas from vapor/liquid systems while preventing steam loss are provided. The steam trap apparatus replaces the automatic valve type, non-sanitary steam trap with an efficient, controllable, and sanitary steam trap. In addition, the improved steam trap apparatus allows for real-time data collection and eliminates the need for additional piping and actuated valves for sterilization and cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A valve device for connecting two conduits in a unit for conducting a product comprises a first shut-off member and a second shut-off member and a first leakage space between the first and the second shut-off members, a first connection for one of the two conduits on a side of the first shut-off member facing away from the leakage space, and a second connection for the other of the two conduits on the side of the second shut-off member facing away from the leakage space. A third shut-off member and a fourth shut-off member and a second leakage space are present between the third and the fourth shut-off members, wherein a central third leakage space is present between the second and the third shut-off members, and wherein the second connection for the other of the two conduits is arranged on a side of the fourth shut-off member facing away from the second leakage space.

Abstract: Systems (e.g., bioprocessing systems), including methods and apparatus, for controlling the flow of a sterilizing agent (e.g., steam) and/or at least one fluid reagent by utilizing a pressure-responsive valve, such as a rupture valve and/or a swing valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve. Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve body and condensate holding tank flushing system and method for use in a delayed coker operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a product having a low content of microorganisms by using steam. A method according to the invention can be used to pasteurize or sterilize a product, while retaining the activity of one or more active substances that may be present in the product, and relates to a method wherein a product is dried with air. Furthermore, the invention relates to a product obtainable according to a method according to the invention.

Abstract: A double-disk slide valve (10), the shut-off plates (16, 17) of which are displaceable by means of an actuator rod (21) and which is provided with a bridging pipe (22) having two sealing rings (23, 24) that are in operative engagement with corresponding housing sealing seats (14, 15) of the slide valve housing (11) when the slide valve is in the open position. At least one of the two housing sealing seats (14, 15) rests, by the action of a resilient element (25), under predetermined pressure against the sealing ring(s) (23, 24) associated with the bridging pipe (22) when the slide valve is in the open position and against the peripheral edge of the shut-off plate(s) (16, 17) when the slide valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: A connector apparatus designed for use in a bioprocessing assembly, and a method for coupling a piece of bioprocessing equipment to a media source in a sterilized environment. The connector apparatus includes a coupler including an end and at least one outlet, and a connector valve connectable at a first end to a fluid source, the connector valve including a valve member, the valve member being partially disposed within the coupler. The connector apparatus further includes a flow passage being actuatable from a closed configuration to an open configuration when the coupler and the connector valve are engaged, as well as being actuatable from an open configuration to a closed configuration. A clip member attached to the coupler allows the valve member to be moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

Abstract: Method of cleaning valves or lines through which hydrolysable polymers are transported at the operating temperature, in which, after the polymer stream has been shut off and the polymer has been evacuated as far as possible, steam is passed through the valves or lines to be cleaned while the operating temperature is maintained at plus/minus 10° C., with the steam being introduced via hydrolysis valves set in the wall of the valve housing or the lines and discharged via emptying apertures.

Abstract: Valve (1) with a through-going axial bore (4), a first spindle (5) axially displaceable in the bore (4), an elastic/flexible seal (10) placed at the one end surface (6) of the first spindle (5), at least two hollow connection branches (7, 8), each of which connects the valve to an outer coupling, said first spindle (5) in a first position forming a first annular sealing surface (9) between the outer surface of the seal (10) and the inner bottom (11) of the valve body which contains the outlet opening (29), and where the first spindle (5) lies coaxially inside a second axially displaceable and hollow spindle (12) lying in the bore (4), the end surface of which or parts thereof (13) form a second annular sealing surface (14) between the outer surface of the seal (10) and the inner bottom (11) of the valve body at a second position radially from the first annular sealing surface (9).

Abstract: An aseptic product discharge valve and related methods for injecting steam into a sterile fluid delivery system used to transport a sterile fluid food product. The aseptic product discharge valve includes a tubular member having a longitudinal passageway and an outlet for discharging the flow of food product. The valve also includes a chamber disposed radially outward of the passageway. The chamber receives steam that is exhausted through an opening disposed adjacent to the valve. A valve member is disposed within the longitudinal passageway and fluid food product must flow about the valve member. The diverted flow of fluid food product may be intersected by the flow of injected steam. The tubular body further includes a valve seat which is bathed with the injected steam to promote sterility at the discharge location.

Abstract: A gas supply system connected to vent a tank of a product filling system is set forth. The gas supply system comprises a high pressure/low pressure gas supply having a common outlet. The high pressure/low pressure gas supply is operable in a first mode of operation in which high pressure gas is supplied at the common outlet and a second mode of operation in which low pressure gas is supplied at the common outlet. A sterile filter having an inlet and an outlet is also provided. A steam supply system is disposed in-line between the common outlet of the high pressure/low pressure gas supply and the sterile filter. A tank valve system is provided having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the sterile filter. The tank valve system also has first and second outlets and is operable in a first mode of operation in which the inlet is placed in fluid communication with the first outlet and a second mode of operation in which the inlet is placed in fluid communication with the second outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-seat valve, particularly for aseptic applications, having at least two line connections (3, 4, 7), between which two annular valve seats (11, 12) are disposed coaxially with one another and in series, having two closers (8, 9), which are axially closable independently of one another and which in the closed state cooperate sealingly with the valve seats (11, 12) and between them enclose a hollow chamber (34), and having at least one cleaning connection (35, 36), discharging into the hollow chamber (34), for introducing a cleaning medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated pipe connection apparatus having an automated connection apparatus main body (1) capable of performing automated change-over between a group of pipelines and another group of pipelines, a washing/sterilizing utility block (2), and a drainage block (3). In particular, the automated pipe connection apparatus is provided with caps (111,112,114,115) for preventing intrusion of sundry bacteria into couplers (A1,A2,B1,B2) on standby and for performing washing and/or sterilization operation and also with washing- and/or sterilizing-purpose couplers (AWL,BWL).The apparatus according to this invention is superior in the operability for washing and sterilization and in the prevention of intrusion of sundry bacteria.

Abstract: An inverted, displacer type piston pump for metering and dispensing liquids in which the cylinder is located beneath the piston and reciprocated via an actuator below the cylinder, and where the piston is held fixed. The liquid ingress and egress to and from the cylinder of the pump is via a cylindrical port through the piston along its cylindrical axis. The pump is designed so that liquid product loss through the pump is prevented without the use of elastomeric or compliant seals in the liquid contact product areas of the pump. In addition, the pump cylinder is capable of being positioned via its reciprocating actuator such that all of the liquid product contact parts are open and accessible to cleaning and sterilizing fluids which may be introduced into the pump through the liquid product supply port of the pump, thereby enabling cleaning and sterilization of the pump without its disassembly.

Abstract: A valve system includes a valve and apparatus for supplying fluids to the valve. The valve includes a valve enclosure and a valve stem movable through the valve enclosure. The valve enclosure includes a valve body and a valve bonnet. The valve system includes a first fluid supply to supply fluid to the region of the valve stem that moves through the valve enclosure, and second and third fluid supplies to supply fluid to a region of contact between the valve body and valve bonnet.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for monitoring steam conditions in a container, such as a beer keg, during disinfection, usually in a washer/racker. Temperature and pressure are taken repeatedly within the container during the disinfection process. Resulting temperature and pressure values are inputted to a data processor. The data processor establishes automatically whether the measured temperature and pressure values correspond to desired steam conditions within the container. These conditions are at, or within a predetermined tolerance from, a phase boundary between steam and water. An output is provided which includes a direct indication of whether the desired conditions are or have been met for measuring pairs of temperature and pressure values.

Abstract: A sanitary valve comprising a valve body, a diaphragm and an actuator is provided. The valve body includes a cavity or bowl which defines a fluid chamber. A hole for passage of fluid into or out of the chamber is located in the bottom of the cavity. A second hole is located in the side of the cavity. Passages connect the holes to connection ports on the outside of the valve body. The ports, passages, holes and fluid chamber provide a fluid path through the valve. The diaphragm is mounted over the cavity and includes in its center a boss or raised area which extends into the cavity. The boss controls the flow of fluid through the valve. The size of the boss is slightly larger than the hole in the center of the cavity. The boss has a thickness selected so that the boss closes the center hole when the diaphragm is flexed towards the cavity.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for installation in a pipe line for controlling the movement of a flowable material therein which comprises a central body section with end sections connected thereto and forming therewith a valve stopper chamber, the end sections each having an associated annular projection extending into the valve stopper chamber with fluid-flow passages extending outwardly therefrom; a valve stopper in the chamber having a flow passage extending therethrough and sealing surfaces bounding the flow passage; a structure for moving the stopper to a valve open position substantially aligning the stopper flow passage with the end section flow passages, and to a valve closed position blocking the end section flow passages; and a gasket encircling each end section projection and thrust structure operable to press the gaskets against the stopper sealing surfaces when the stopper is in valve open and valve closed positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing a transfer conduit having(a) a source of steam connected to the transfer conduit,(b) a condensate conduit for draining steam condensate from the transfer conduit,(c) a valve in the condensate conduit having a valve body with an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the portions are separated by a rapidly opening flow control means, such as a diaphragm,(d) a temperature sensor in the upstream portion of the valve body, and(e) a temperature controller connected to the temperature sensor adapted to read the temperature in the upstream portion of the valve body and to open the valve when the temperature drops below a fixed set point and to close the valve when the temperature is above the fixed set point.A steam condensate drain control system and a steam condensate valve are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An aseptic valve assembly (10) is provided for filling and discharging containers. A valve fitting (11) is fixably attached in a bottom wall (19) of a container (20). A plug (12) may be secured within the container fitting (11). A sterilization/fill unit (14) is removably attached to the container fitting (11) so that the container (20), the plug (12) and the container fitting (11) may be sterilized and the container (20) filled and sealed under aseptic conditions.

Abstract: A gate valve assembly is provided which includes a valve body having a fluid passage extending laterally therethrough which has an inlet end and an outlet end, with means at the inlet end and at the outlet end to connect the valve body to a fluid conveying conduit. The passage has a bottom surface coplanar with the bottom of the conduit and is free of recesses capable of preventing the drainage of liquids. An axially extending valve chamber intersects the passage and is disposed perpendicularly to the axis of the passage, the chamber having an elliptical cross-section with its widest dimension perpendicular to the passage. An axially and non-rotationally movable valve member is fitted closely within the chamber and has an internal, downwardly tapered hard, core member formed of metal, glass ceramic or hard plastic material. The core is surrounded by an elastomeric elliptically cross-sectioned outer member.

Abstract: A sterilization container for an arrangement for sterilizing medical instruments, implants and the like with steam is disclosed. The arrangement has a steam generator fed by a dispensing pump and has a control device for the sterilizing process. The sterilization container is arranged in such a way that it can be pushed into a holding device in a working connection with the steam generator. The walls of the sterilization container, which is closed on all sides during the sterilizing process so as to be tight against pressure, are formed at least in part by portions of the holding device.

Abstract: An apparatus can withdraw a sample from a vessel or conduit or provide a sample to this vessel or conduit. This apparatus includes a main body with an inlet passage and drain passage. The main body has a longitudinal axis with the axes of the drain passage and inlet passage being inclined relative thereto. A flexible bellows is positioned within an internal cavity of the main body. A sealing tip of the bellows is movable by a valve operating rod to close an orifice to a sample cavity within the body. A sample can be taken from the vessel or conduit, through this sample cavity and out the drain passage to a sampling device when the apparatus is used as a sampler. On the other hand, a sample can be fed through the inlet passage, sample cavity and orifice to the vessel or conduit when the apparatus is used as a feeder/inoculator. Steam, pure dry air and/or a wash medium can be provided through the inlet passage to cleanse the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of filling machines under sterile conditions. More precisely, the invention relates to a valve means for interrupting the feeding of the product to headers and product feeder valves, while preserving the sterile conditions of the product feeder conduit. The valve limits the parts of the machine that are subject to resterilization after maintenance to the headers, which can cause a loss of sterile conditions internally to the headers or the filler valves.

Abstract: A liquid packaging machine includes a filler containing a non-return valve spring-biased closed. The valve includes a closure member to a stem of which is fixed a centering spider, the spokes of which contain iron members. Distributed around the valve housing are horseshoe, permanent magnets. During production of filled cartons, the magnet device is positioned so as not to interfere with the movement of the closure member. However, when air is to be bled from the filler and/or the filler is to be steam-sterilized, the magnet device is positioned to attract the iron members to open the valve against the spring bias.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve (2) comprising valve seats (11, 12) describing a sector of a sphere providing a complete closure of the inlet (13) and the outlet (14), when the diaphragm (16) assumes the shape of a spherical segment. The valve permits easy and complete cleaning and sterilization and is especially suited for sampling.

Abstract: A connector assembly for coupling a fluid transfer line to a resterilizable port. The connector assembly includes a two-position connector coupled at one end to one side of an on-off valve. At the other end, the connector has a means, e.g. threaded nut, for coupling the connector to the resterilizable port which is shown as a resterilizable spool valve. The output of the spool valve is a nipple that can be coupled to a fluid passage in the connector when the connector is placed in a first position. When so coupled, a fluid transfer passage will extend from the on-off valve through the connector and through a passage in the spool valve. The connector may be placed in a second position wherein the nipple is decoupled from the fluid passage in the connector. In this position, the assembly, i.e. spool valve and connector, can be sterilized by passing a sterilization medium, e.g. pressurized steam, through the assembly.

Abstract: A sterilizing method is provided for use with a container filling machine having components defining passages through which a fluid product flows. In one method aspect, sterilizing steam is passed through the components unitl the components have been sterilized. As the system cools and the steam condenses, the system is pressurized with gas to prevent the internal pressure in the system from decreasing below the ambient atmospheric pressure. In a further method aspect, the sterilizing process is controlled in response to sensing the temperature of one or more of the components. In yet another aspect, a common source of sterilizing steam is provided for being directed into the product filling system and simultaneously into an associated process gas supply system to sterilize both systems generally concurrently in a single pass.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a diaphragm valve configured for efficient cleaning and sterilization, and a method for operating the valve assembly in a manner controlling the fluid material flow therethrough and for effecting cleaning thereof. The valve assembly includes a valve body defining inlet and outlet ports. The diaphragm valve is operably arranged between the ports. An actuator mechanism selectively positions the diaphragm valve relative to a valve seat defined by the valve body. A selectively operated clamping mechanism arranged on one side of the diaphragm valve develops a clamping force which is used to seal the diaphragm valve against an annular sealing surface area defined by the valve body. A cleaning system arranged on an opposite side of the diaphragm valve facilitates internal cleaning of the valve assembly, including the diaphragm valve and the annular sealing surface area upon release of the clamping force acting against the diaphragm valve.

Abstract: A valve device for use in a transfer line for sterile fluid production material that communicates fluid from a supply pipe for the sterile fluid production material by opening and closing the flow path for the operating line including a first valve operatively connected to the supply pipe and a second valve operatively connected to a delivery pipe for at least communicating fluid to processing stages for the above-mentioned sterile fluid production material. A first valve plug is operatively mounted within the first valve. A second valve plug is operatively mounted within the second valve. A steam inlet pipe and a steam outlet pipe is positioned substantially perpendicular to a common axis of the first and second valves and on a line dividing substantially in half the gap between facing first and second valve plugs of the first and second valves and opening on opposite sides of the gap so as to form a chamber between the first and second valve plugs.

Abstract: A device is provided for regulating the pressure of a liquid flow. The device includes two housing portions having open ends in mating engagement between which a flexible membrane, which hermetically seals the open ends, is maintained. Thus, one of the housing portions defines a first chamber into and through which the liquid to be regulated flows and the other defines a second chamber into which regulating fluid is provided. A two-portion guided elongated pin, movable in a reciprocal manner along its longitudinal axis, extends from an outlet orifice of the first chamber to a linearly aligned second chamber bore. The two portions of the pin converge at the membrane and are coupled by a male-female coupling and grip the membrane. In operation of the device, the pin, which has a hollowed portion abutting the outlet orifice, is moved by reason of pressure effected on active surfaces of the membrane and opens and closes the outlet orifice.

Abstract: An immersion tube dipping into a fluid is connected via a valve and via a 3/2-valve to a condensate line and to a working line. In the sterilization position, vapor flows through the valve and through the 3/2-way valve and the valve is in a position which is open to the head space of the vessel and to the tube. As a result, all of the inner space of the vessel is exposed to the same pressure. In the operating position, the valve connects the duct only to the interior of the immersion tube, while the connection to the head space is blocked. All components connected to the line are sterilized by vapor.

Abstract: A fluid control valve with a rotatable shaft and a ball valve mounted within a flow bore. The ball has one or more V-shaped grooves for controlling fluid flow. In the closed position the ball and walls of the flow bore are in a continuous line sealing contact. The valve may be mounted and opened to enable complete drainage of fluid in the connecting pipeline which is an advantage in sanitary applications. The ball and shaft are part of a removable bonnet assembly with the ball inserted into the flow bore through an aperture in the valve body. A one-piece seal in the aperture provides a static seal between the valve body and bonnet and a dynamic shaft seal.

Abstract: A valve particularly adapted for use as a sterilizable drain valve to be mounted flush in the bottom of a tank, has a housing body running flush with the bottom of the tank and a piston-mounted diaphragm sealing an opening perpendicular to the tank walls. A steam inlet and first outlet, running perpendicular to the valve axis, communicate with a valve chamber through which the piston operator and diaphragm are movable. The diaphragm can be polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which is difficult to imprint, at least on a side facing the opening in the tank. A containment outlet disposed opposite the diaphragm from the inlet permits containment of tank contents in the event of diaphragm rupture. The containment outlet is connected to the area of the diaphragm adjacent the pump chamber along an axial slot in the operator piston. A handle threadably mounted on a bonnet of the valve housing is used for axially displacing the operator pistor toward and away from the inlet.

Abstract: An aseptic food handling system for filling containers with presterilized food which includes a first cylinder, having an inlet and an outlet, where food products to be packaged are received in the inlet and where the cylinder contains a piston operable from first position to receive product through the inlet to a second position to emit the food product from the outlet wherein the cylinder includes sterilizing fluid passageway to selectively admit sterilizing fluid to the cylinder to expose the internal surfaces of the cylinder and the piston to the sterilizing fluid and can be operated by an adjustable two position motive cylinder. A second dispensing cylinder can also be provided to receive the food product from the first cylinder and direct it to a food coainer.

Abstract: A filler sterilization system including an inlet valve, a main valve, an outlet valve, a linkage system therebetween and a cam and follower arrangement for actuating the linkage system to move the three valves into three operating positions. The three positions are the normally closed and open positions for dispensing a liquid product into a carton, and a third position for steam sterilization of the filler system. The outlet valve in the latter position is such that a predetermined back pressure is maintained during the sterilization operation.

Abstract: A plug valve which may be steam sterilized in place, without disassembly or removal from the system, is adapted for use in fermentation processes where the interior surfaces must be sterilized between batches. The plug is provided with internal steam passages which extend longitudinally of the plug and in non-intersecting relation to the through port. The plug casing, in one embodiment, is provided with an inlet for applying steam to the top of the plug for entrance into the steam passages and out the bottom of the plug and through a bottom opening in a casing. In another embodiment, steam may be applied through the bottom opening and into the plug passages, and a steam outlet is provided in the face of the plug through which steam may be extracted through one of the valve casing ports.

Abstract: A diaphragrm valve for removal of samples from a pipeline for water of predetermined microbiological purity has a body with a liquid-receiving inlet and an outlet which can be sealed from the inlet by the central portion of a substantially flat diaphragm. The outlet and that surface of the central portion of the diaphragm which overlies the intake of the outlet or which is adjacent to the intake of the outlet are sterilized with steam or with a liquid chemical which is admitted by a conduit at an acute angle to the direction of flow of samples through the outlet. Such sterilization takes place while the diaphragm seals the outlet and prior to removal of the first sample. The body of the valve can have a second outlet which is in continuous communication with the inlet. The liquid medium rinses and sterilizes the major part of the interior of the valve, irrespective of whether the inlet branches off a pipeline or is a part of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method for the sterilization of a machine used in the formation, filling and sealing of plastic containers. A source of sterilizing agent, such as steam, is used to sterilize the various passageways, filters, and components within the machine which, if contaminated, would contaminate the liquid in the filled plastic container. Pressurized air or gas is delivered through sterilized lines having a micro-organism filter. The air flowing out of each filter is sterile and free from bacteria. A series of unique, easy to sterilize, three-position, two-way valves are used to duct pressurized gas and steam to the various components. A special air drop test apparatus is used to operationally check the integrity of the filters without breaching the sterile condition of the various fluid passageways and interconnected components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plugcocks or stopcocks, and the method of producing the same. The plugcocks are formed of two primary elements a body and a plug or stem member rotatably mounted therein. The plug member has the shape of a cone the bottom base of which is larger than the top base both the body and the plug or stem being in a plastic material. The invention addresses itself to special problems which arise when a plugcock of plastic material is used in permanent liquid food handling and processing installations such as the milk industry. The problems may include the following: action of heat, rigidity, relative deformations and dilatations. The main characteristic is that the body is at least partly manufactured of PVDF (vynilidene fluoride) and the plug of a thermoplastic which has a rigidity which is maintained at 100.degree. C. The plug may be made of polyolefin selected from the group of polypropylene and polyethylene of high density f.i. of PTFE (polytetrafluorethylene).

Abstract: A valve stem is reciprocable in an axial bore of a valve body toward and away from the valve seat. The valve plug has integral lip seals for preventing leakage of product out the valve and preventing entry of foreign matter into the valve along the stem. The valve plug has integral seating surfaces having small and large diameters for seating on valve seats having small and larger diameters, respectively and hence the valve plug can be used for different size valves. Steam flows through the bore around the stem to serve as a barrier to entry of foreign matter and to sterilize the zone behind the valve plug and the rearward lip seal.

Abstract: A ball valve is provided to transmit high density substances such as fluids which are free flowing at elevated temperatures but which are viscous, semi-solid or solid at ambient temperatures. Such substances tend to clog standard ball valves over relatively short periods of operation whereas the subject ball valve provides means to deter clogging comprising a flow diverter sleeve which prevents substances from penetrating and congealing about internal valve parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sterilization of a machine used in the formation, filling and sealing of plastic containers. A source of sterilizing agent, such as steam, is used to sterilize the various passageways, filters, and components within the machine which, if contaminated, would contaminate the liquid in the filled plastic container. Pressurized air or gas is delivered through sterilized lines having a microorganism filter. The air flowing out of each filter is sterile and free from bacteria. A series of unique, easy to sterilize, three-position, two-way valves are used to duct pressurized gas and steam to the various components. A special air drop test apparatus is used to operationally check the integrity of the filters without breaching the sterile condition of the various fluid passageways and interconnected components.