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: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.

Abstract: A material transfer system for loading a pair of spaced, open-topped receptacles with a material capable of gravitationally flowing toward the open-topped receptacles from a source along a material flow path having a segment along which the material falls downwardly utilizes an elongated support frame mounted adjacent the receptacles and a divider mechanism which is positionable in vertical registry with and thereby covers the spacing defined between the two receptacles. A motor is drivingly connected to the divider mechanism for moving the mechanism along the length of the support frame and into a position at which the divider mechanism is positionable in vertical registry with the segment of the material path through which the material falls downwardly.

Abstract: A method of verifying an encapsulation of quick-setting adhesive in a small hermetically sealed reservoir cup from which the adhesive is dispensed on depression of a reservoir piston sealing the mouth of the reservoir cup. The method includes feeding a group of small reservoir cups to a filling station, determining an alignment of the group of small reservoir cups within the filling station, and flooding the interior of each cup at the station with cure preventing gas, if the group of small reservoir cups is determined to be aligned. The method further includes depositing a predetermined amount of quick-setting adhesive into each of the reservoir cups, immediately after flooding, and inserting a piston into each of the reservoir cups on top of the adhesive while flooding. The method involves the use of an apparatus for encapsulating the adhesive in the reservoir cups with the piston. The method ensures that the apparatus will properly encapsulate the quick-setting adhesive in each reservoir cup as designed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for replacing air with an insulating gas during manufacture of an insulated glass article having two parallel panes and a peripheral spacer between the panes. The apparatus includes an upright first platen, a second platen confronting the first platen, a mechanism for moving at least one of the platens toward and away from the other platen, and a peripheral resilient seal positioned to define a sealed enclosure between the platens. The apparatus may further include a conveyer for conveying a partially assembled insulating glass article between the platens, an exhaust mechanism for drawing gas from the enclosure, and an intake mechanism for introducing insulating gas to the enclosure. One method of the invention involves filling such an insulated glass article and measuring the thickness of the article to detect bulging or cupping.

Abstract: An automated machine for filling a plurality of microplates. The automated machine includes at least one input stacking chamber for stacking empty microplates, at least one output stacking chamber for stacking filled microplates, and a microplate filling assembly disposed between the at least one input stacking chamber and the at least one output stacking chamber.

Abstract: A filling machine for thermoplastic cups, with a cyclically operating conveying section which takes over a cup sheet web with thermoformed cups from a thermoforming station, there being provided, for the simultaneous filling of a batch of cups, for each cup of the batch, a filling unit with a filling cylinder and a filling pipe for a pasty filling product, the filling cylinder containing a filling piston on the product side. The technical problem is to provide a filling machine which is easily adjustable in terms of volume, works without a sucking action, and is easy to clean and sterilize. An air piston (31) is connected, on the drive side, to the filling piston (24) by a piston rod (40) and the filling cylinder (23) is closed off above the air piston (31) by a cylinder head (32) which is connected to a pressure compensation reservoir via a compensation pipe (35).

Abstract: A container following system for use with a particulate product measuring and dispensing machine having a discharge opening for allowing measured quantities of particulate product to drop therefrom into a moving container. The container following system comprises a following pocket disposed below the discharge opening of the particulate product measuring and dispensing machine and above a conveyor for moving containers to be filled. The following pocket comprises a reciprocating body having a generally vertical aperture through which particulate product drops from the discharge opening before landing in the container to be filled.

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 dispenser comprises a plurality of delivery stations (20a-20b, 30) for the constituent substances of the drink, a delivery station (40) for empty cups, a location (10) for release of the drink to the user, and an automatic control unit which automatically controls the succession of operations involved in emitting the substances and cups. A cup handling device (60) is provided, comprising a gripping member (61) for gripping a cup (8), and means for moving said gripping member (61) in such a manner as to bring it, by a succession of movements, to the exit points of the delivery stations (20a-20b, 30, 40, 50); said handling device (60) is controlled by the automatic control unit in such a manner as to firstly bring the gripping member (61) to the station (40), then bring the gripped cup under the exit points of the other delivery stations (20a-20b, 30, 50), and finally bring the cup carrying the drink into the location (10) for its release to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for dispensing articles into a manually placed receiving basket and for controlling the dispensing mechanism to more accurately dispense the desired articles. The dispenser 20 includes a main storage area 39 which can take the form of a bulk storage hopper, an accumulator area 36 into which the dispensed articles are transferred during the "gravimetric" dispensing of the articles. The accumulator area 36 may be formed from the same externally formed walls of the primary storage area 39 and hopper 21. An assembly for controllably transferring articles from the primary area 39 to the accumulator area 36 is also provided. This controllable transfer assembly may include a drum 51 having a plurality (or series) of elevated areas 52 about the circumference 53 of the drum 51, a diverter shape 54 located in the primary storage area 39, and an incline slope shape 37 leading down to the drum 51. A drive assembly 159 is provided to rotate the drum 51 when transferring articles.

Abstract: A fill hopper assembly (30) includes two fill hoppers (50) and (52) which are reciprocated back and forth beneath a feed hopper (14) and over discharge openings (72 and 74) of a discharge bridge plate (32). The upper fill hopper bridge plate (34) includes an intermediate bridge (48) that closes the hopper extension (28) when the fill hopper assembly is in transition to place one of its fill openings (36 or 38) beneath the feed hopper extension (28). The fill hopper bridge (48) closes the fill hopper extension until one of the fill openings (36 or 38) is in registration with the extension (28). Likewise, the discharge bridge plate (32) includes a bridge (76) that closes the bottom openings of the open-ended fill hoppers (50 and 52) when the fill hoppers are centered and as they approach their laterally displaced discharge openings (72 or 74).

Abstract: A method of supplying source material in a crystal puller used to grow single crystal semiconductor material. Generally, the method includes receiving a bulk container of the source material at a facility having the crystal puller and configuring the bulk container for gravity feed of the source material from the container. The bulk container is transported to the crystal puller and a predetermined quantity of source material is dispensed directly from the bulk container into the crystal puller. Apparatus and a system for use in supplying source material are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adhesive fastener for securement to a substrate which has a reservoir comprising a reservoir cup and a piston located therein blocking entry of atmospheric water vapor and preventing unintentional leakage of adhesive from the reservoir and a wall portion of the reservoir may be displaced to prevent hydraulic lock as the piston is pushed into the reservoir during assembly of the fastener and also when the fastener is being deployed against the substrate. Apparatus and a method of filling the reservoir cups and inserting pistons therein while excluding atmospheric water vapor is disclosed.

Abstract: A filling head apparatus for filling a container in sterile conditions. The filling head comprises a regulating valve displaceable in three positions: open position, closed position, and displacement position. The inner wall of the spout of the container is cleaned by a pushing cylinder of the regulating valve traveling from the closed position to the displacement position. In addition, the filling head can freely move in respect to a sterile filling chamber encompassing the filling tip of the filling head. Furthermore, the filling head of the present invention comprises a diversion path to minimize the "water hammer" effect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering one or several constituents of flowable substances, especially of printing inks, has a store which contain a plurality of storage containers for different constituents. The storage containers each include outlet valves. At least one metering station is included to which the storage containers can be conveyed. An actuator is at the metering station to actuate the outlet valve. A conveyor is suitable to move the storage containers to the at least one metering station. It is proposed that the store is formed by a storage system for storing the storage containers. The conveyor is designed to take from and return to the storage system individual storage containers independently of one another. The conveyor has at least one track loop to which the at least one metering station is connected.

Abstract: A filler product supply apparatus (10) and method has one or more conduits (17) for delivering filler product under pressure to a manifold (30). Filler product is delivered through manifold (30) to one or more filling heads (18, 28) integral with the manifold. The filling heads (18, 28) deliver the filler product directly from the manifold into containers.

Abstract: A set-up table or conveyor system for bottle handling machines with inlet and outlet star wheels and corresponding guide rails for the bottles. The drive mechanisms for the individual star wheels are located below and at a distance from the star wheels. The drive mechanisms and the associated drive shafts are covered by hoods or covers that can extend to the bottle transport level.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically and evenly dispensing adequate amount of seeds into bedding compartments of a latticed and bottom-netted seed holder according to a ratio of volume expansion of seeds in the bedding compartment. The apparatus mainly includes a conveyor for forward moving latticed seed holders disposed thereon, a volume-based seed holder straddling the conveyor and having multiple fixed-volume through holes for accommodating seeds to be dispensed into the latticed seed holders, a seed feeding tank mounted on a rail rack over the volume-based seed holder for temporarily storing and dispensing seeds, and sweeping off extra seeds from the volume-based seed holder, and a seed storage for storing seeds to be supplied to the seed feeding tank. With the fixed-volume through holes on the volume-based seed holder, the amount of seeds in each bedding compartment of the latticed seed holder can be well controlled to avoid undesirable compression of seeds after they are soaked and expanded.

Abstract: A product tank for a dual stream filling system is disclosed wherein the product tank has two chambers for containing different products that will be mixed within a carton during the filling process. The primary product in the primary chamber of the product tank may cool the secondary product in the secondary chamber. If the primary product is skim milk and the secondary product is cream, then products such as skim milk, one percent milk, two percent milk, four percent milk and cream may produced from the primary and secondary products. A filling complex is also disclosed wherein two product tanks are integrated with a filling system to fill cartons on two lines.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for conveying a plurality of containers to a filling station for supplying the containers with paints or coatings. The conveyor is periodically driven to the filling station by a rotary actuator including a plurality of air motors which drive a pinion which in turn is connected to the drive shaft of the conveyor for moving the conveyor in one direction to the filling station. The conveyor drive shaft operates a cam which controls a valve in an air supply line for actuating a diverter valve which controls the supply of air to the rotary actuator. The conveyor is stopped when the cam closes the valve, this occurring when the containers reach the filling station.

Abstract: A controlled environment gassing system is provided for removing the existing environment from containers. The existing environment may be purged by passing the containers along a gas distribution manifold disposed parallel to the direction of travel of the containers. The manifold includes at least one region of flow resistance disposed parallel to the direction of travel, and the manifold may have a width less than the width of the container and/or screen openings sized to provide a laminarized flow, for supplying a controlled environment gas flushing stream continuously and at substantially steady state to the containers. As the containers pass along the manifold, the controlled environment flushing gas creates an optimal flow pattern which consistently and steadily removes the existing environment from the containers while preventing the flushing gas from drawing in air. Return gas chambers are provided to retrieve the gasses exiting the container as they are purged.

Abstract: A tire inflating method and apparatus, allowing inflation of different sized tires without changing over a tire inflation device. The tire inflation device has two chambers, an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The inner chamber is within the outer chamber and extends downwardly when a smaller sized rim is being used. The tire inflation device has a linear transducer, with a magnetic ring, that determines the height of the tire inflation head and knows when to shut off inflation. A method of inflating tires without changing over an inflation device is also provided. The method includes the steps of photo switches detecting the size of the rim being used, an inflation head adjusting to a corresponding size of the tire rim, and the inflation head inflating the tire and rim to a specified pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a conduit operably connected to a source and extending downwardly therefrom, the conduit being adapted to permit a flow of particulate material from the source through the conduit; a fluidizing nozzle operably connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom, the nozzle defining an inlet for receiving material from the conduit and defining an outlet for dispensing material from the nozzle to a receiver, the inlet defining an inlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the material and outlet defining an outlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the material, the inlet cross sectional area being larger than the outlet cross sectional area; the nozzle being adapted with a plenum including an inlet port for receiving compressed gas and a chamber adapted to communicate the gas to the porous walls of the nozzle, and an outlet port for engaging a vacuum source to continuously evacuate the receiver while the nozzle is engaged with the receiver; a conveyor locat

Abstract: An apparatus including: a conduit operably connected to a source and extending downwardly therefrom, the conduit being adapted to permit a flow of particulate material from the source through the conduit; a fluidizing nozzle operably connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom, the nozzle defining an inlet for receiving material from the conduit and defining an outlet for dispensing material from the nozzle to a receiver, the inlet defining an inlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow of the material and outlet defining an outlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow of the material, the inlet cross sectional area being larger than the outlet cross sectional area; the nozzle being adapted with a plenum including an inlet port for receiving compressed gas and a chamber adapted to communicate the gas to the porous walls of the nozzle, and an outlet port for engaging a vacuum source to continuously evacuate the receiver while the nozzle is engaged with the receiver; a conveyor

Abstract: A method including: a particulate material source and receiver, and wherein the source contains a discharge feature; moving material in the source in the direction of a member located at least partially within the source, the member defining an adjustable restriction therein such that the particulate material clogs within the restriction; mechanically agitating the particulate material in the source, at least adjacent to the restriction to thereby unclog the particulate material within the adjustable restriction; and dispensing particulate material through the adjustable restriction, through the discharge feature, and into the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling cups has a conveyor for displacing the cups in a horizontal transport direction stepwise along a horizontal transport path and at least two dosing units spaced in the transport direction from each other above the path and each including a supply of a fluent material and valve and pump means for ejecting doses of the material. A manifold includes a pair of intake conduits each extending generally in the horizontal transport direction and each connected to a respective one of the dosing units for receiving the material doses therefrom and a distributor body between the dosing units, formed with a pair of grooves each connected to a respective one of the tubes, and forming a pair of outlet passages open vertically downward toward the path so that material fed generally horizontally from the dosing units to the body issues downward from the body.

Abstract: A device for topping-off a substantially filled bag with a final charge of particulate material to provide a predetermined final charge weight in the bag is herein disclosed. The device comprises a lower frame supported upon a plurality of load cells and an upper frame supported above the lower frame also upon a plurality of load cells. The upper frame has rotatably suspended therefrom a pair of carriage assemblies which support respective housings. Each of the housings has disposed therein a belt capable of linear motion. The belts are exposed on an inner face of each of the housings such that when the carriage assemblies are rotated toward one another, the respective belts meet one another and are able to engage the opposed faces of a bag. A plurality of bag grasping means are mounted upon the respective housings so as to be able to grasp and hold the opposed faces of the bag received between the belts to open the bag as the housings are rotated away from one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling drums with a substance. First and second external chambers are employed, and an interior filling chamber is employed, which is adjacent to the first and second external chambers. A first exterior door is provided between the first external chamber and an outside environment, a second exterior door is provided between the second external chamber and the outside environment, a first interior door is provided between the first external chamber and the filling chamber, and a second interior door is provided between the second external chamber and the filling chamber. The filling chamber fills a drum with the substance and vents out of the filling chamber gaseous emissions produced during said filling.

Abstract: A method of controlling the weight of granulated products on a multiple metering machine; the method operating on a machine performing a metering cycle in which at least two products are metered into a container; and the method including: a step wherein the dosage of each product is formed in a chamber; at least one step wherein one of the metered products is transferred from the chamber to the container; at least one step wherein one of the metered products is extracted from the chamber; and a step wherein the products inside the container are weighed at the end of the metering cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for replacing air with an insulating gas during manufacture of an insulated glass article having two parallel panes and a peripheral spacer between the panes. The apparatus includes an upright first platen, a second platen confronting the first platen, a mechanism for moving at least one of the platens toward and away from the other platen, and a peripheral resilient seal positioned to define a sealed enclosure between the platens. The apparatus may further include a conveyer for conveying a partially assembled insulating glass article between the platens, an exhaust mechanism for drawing gas from the enclosure, and an intake mechanism for introducing insulating gas to the enclosure. One method of the invention involves filling such an insulated glass article and measuring the thickness of the article to detect bulging or cupping.

Abstract: A method for filling a powder container is provided. The method includes the steps of placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to a discharge feature in the vessel, directing the powder in the vessel toward a member located at least partially within the vessel, the member defining a restriction therein such that the powder clogs within the restriction, mechanically exciting the powder at least adjacent the restriction to improve the flow properties of the powder so as to unclog the powder within the restriction, dispensing powder through the restriction, through the discharge feature and into the first container, stopping the mechanical excitation of the powder so as to clog the restriction with the powder, removing the first container from the vessel, and placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel.

Abstract: A beverage filling machine (10) for conserving beverage at the end of a production run of the type comprising at least one filling assembly (20) for filling a beverage container (22) and a supply tank (12) for supplying beverage (32) to the filling assembly (20). The machine (10) is characterized by the supply tank (12) including a an endless wall (42) movable between an open position disposed above a ledge (38) disposed vertically above said bottom (28) for allowing beverage (32) to level completely across the tank (12) and a closed position in sealing engagement with the ledge for dividing said tank (12) into an isolated volume (34) and a useable volume (36) for removing beverage (32) from said isolated volume (34) and allowing beverage (32) to level only in said useable volume (36). An actuator (46) moves the endless wall (42) vertically between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: Empty open-top paint cans travelling along a conveyor are filled with paint and a measured amount of an anti-coagulant agent is showered on to the paint surface before closing the cans. The filling of the cans with paint is accomplished at a first processing station and the anti-coagulant is introduced and the closing of the cans is performed at a second processing station. The anti-coagulant dispensing apparatus is switch-activated and employs a shower head for dispensing predetermined quantities without splashing the paint in the cans. The switch is located on the side of the conveyor and is actuated by paint cans contacting the switch during conveyance.

Abstract: In a method for filling a liquid volume into receptacles wherein liquid is admitted into a volumetric metering chamber by opening an inlet valve, the inlet valve is closed when an upper switching level is reached, the liquid is discharged from the metering chamber into a receptacle by opening the outlet valve, and the outlet valve is closed when a lower switching level is reached, the upper filling level actually obtained after closing of the inlet valve is measured, as well as the lower filling level actually obtained after closing of the outlet valve. With the values obtained thereby, the upper and lower switching levels are corrected, whereby the desired liquid volume can exactly be observed independently of pressure and flow conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a container with a magnetic material using an electromagnetic valve and a demagnetizing circuit to control the flow and properties of the material. Initially an empty container is placed under a fill tube through which the material will be supplied to the container. In the filling process an auger located inside of the fill tube rotates to move the material through the fill tube. When the container is filled, the auger stops rotating and the electromagnetic valve is actuated. The electromagnetic valve supplies a magnetic field which holds the material particles in place, plugging the fill tube with the material. The filled container is removed from the fill tube and an empty container is put in its place. When the electromagnetic valve is switched off, a demagnetizing circuit is activated. After the material particles are demagnetized the auger is switched on and the material flows again to fill the container.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting a plurality of liquid-filled containers each having an open top is set forth. The conveyor system comprises a conveyor for supporting the plurality of liquid-filled containers. The conveyor is driven by a servomotor. A programmable servomotor control system is connected to control movement of the servomotor in indexed steps in accordance with a programmed motion profile. The programmed motion profile includes a move portion and a dwell portion, the move portion being substantially non-jerk limited. The non-jerk limited motion profile may take on many different characteristics.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles are provided. According to one exemplary method, the fine powder is first fluidized. At least a portion of the fluidized fine powder is then captured. The captured fine powder is then transferred to a receptacle, with the are provided transferred powder being sufficiently uncompacted so that it may be dispersed upon removal from the receptacle.

Abstract: A drug dispenser which can dispense drugs with high efficiency. The dispenser has a plurality of drug feeders each having a drug discharging chute and capable of discharging a predetermined amount of drugs into the chute. The drug feeders are arranged in a vertical row. An elevator unit is provided to feed trays downward along the vertically arranged drug discharging chutes. Each tray is stopped at a selected tray to collect drugs stored therein. After collecting drugs, the tray is moved further down until it is placed on a conveyor. The conveyor sends the tray through an inspection station to a dispensing point.

Abstract: A filling machine (10) for filling into containers (30), by volume, weight, or level, of products requiring maintenance of a specified temperature. The filling machine includes a product reservoir (14), a filling nozzle (16), a pump (22) and suitable tubes (26, 28) for controlling the flow of product from the reservoir to the nozzle. The above parts are disposed within a double walled enclosure (62). A conveyor (44) having an upper flight (44.2) which supports containers (30) to be filled via the filling nozzle enters and exits the enclosure. A heater (138) is located outside of the enclosure and is connected to the enclosure through an insulated air duct (130) so that forced hot air may be used for heating the enclosure. A heat sensor (158) is provided within the enclosure for controlling the flow of air into the enclosure and also for regulating the output of the heater. The enclosure is provided with two aligned doors (96, 98), and when these doors are opened a blow down cycle is initiated.

Abstract: A feed device which can feed a friction material mixture into a mold so that its thickness will be uniform in the mold to improve the quality and stability of the friction member obtained by heating and pressure-molding the material mixture in the mold. The feed device has a feeder for feeding a friction material mixture supplied from a constant-feed device at a constant rate to a designated area. The feeder comprises a main conveyor and sub-conveyors provided right under the delivery end of the main conveyor and inclined with respect to the main conveyor. The material mixture is partially dropped from the delivery end of the main conveyor onto the sub-conveyors, and fed to the delivery ends of the sub-conveyors and dropped into a mold having a hood. The shape of the delivery end of the feeder can be adjusted substantially to the arcuate shape of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A refrigerant metering charge board that accurately meters a refrigerant and an associated synthetic compressor oil into a product, preferably a refrigerator, is provided. Metering is accomplished by way of servo motors coupled to ball screws which are in turn connected to hydraulic cylinders. Calibration of the refrigerant, preferably R134a, is maintained using a temperature sensor, a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a density/temperature equation that has been empirically fit to saturation data. The preferred equation is a modified Benedict-Webb-Ruben (MBWR) equation of state. The refrigerant charge amounts are entered into the PLC using either a fixed bar code scanner or a hand-held bar code scanner that reads a bar code on the refrigerator. An operator interface, preferably a touch-screen display is also provided.

Abstract: A liquid metering-filling apparatus is provided which includes a container transport conveyor intermittently drivable so as to halt containers one by one at a filling station. A filling nozzle is disposed above a path of transport of containers at the filling station. A metering cylinder houses a piston and has an outlet in communication with the filling nozzle. An inlet check valve is provided at an inlet of the metering cylinder. An outlet check valve is provided at any one of the outlet of the metering cylinder and inside of the filling nozzle. The liquid metering-filling apparatus also includes a driver for causing the piston to perform a cycle of stroking movement every time the conveyor is driven by one pitch. A photoelectric sensor is provided at the filling station for detecting any one of the presence and absence of a container of the plurality of containers at the filling station.

Abstract: A device for filling containers contains a transfer mechanism drivable by a servodrive and which cyclically moves the containers initially to a filling station and then to a balance. By reverse rotation and optionally subsequent forward rotation of the servodrive by a small angle of e.g. 1.degree., it is possible to disengage the transfer mechanism from the containers, so that the latter can be weighed on the balance, without the measured result being falsified by friction between the transfer mechanism and the containers.By multiple rotating backwards and forwards the servodrive by a small angle, it is possible to vibrate the container, so that bridges and the like forming in the material to be filled can be eliminated.

Abstract: A filling system is set forth that assists in providing fast and simple configuration of a fill system of a packaging machine between its configuration during a production cycle of the machine and its configuration during a clean-in-place cycle of the machine. The filling system comprises a valve housing having a flow channel, an inlet to the flow channel, and an outlet from the flow channel. The valve housing has a flange extending therefrom about at least a portion of the periphery of the valve housing. A valve member is disposed in the valve housing for controlling fluid flow from the outlet of the valve housing. A clean-in-place manifold is also provided for use during a clean-in-place operation of the packaging machine. The clean-in-place manifold has an inlet and an outlet and a flange disposed about at least a portion of the periphery of the inlet of the manifold. A sanitary cover is provided for use during a production cycle of the machine.

Abstract: An automatic method and device for filling, with gases other than air, insulating glazing units. The method entailing a step for injecting the gas and expelling the air so as to produce a laminar flow through a manifold constituted by the hollow region of the profile that forms the spacer frame. The method and the device allow a considerable saving in costs, reducing the amount of gas required for filling to an amount very close to the volume of the inner space provided in the insulating glazing unit.

Abstract: Transport apparatus for use in a drinks vending machine. The apparatus comprises a holder for receiving and holding a cup, and transport mechanism to move the cup to a dispensing region. The dispensing region comprises a plurality of dispensers, from a selected number of which, ingredients can be dispensed to the cup. Thereafter, the transport mechanism moves the cup to a delivery position to deliver the cup to an operator.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a liquid preferably paint into a container including a weight scale for receiving the container at a dispensing station where the paint is dispensed into the container through a valve and an associated control system including a microprocessor which controls the amount of liquid introduced into the container as determined by the scale. A pusher is provided for moving a container on to the scale, and operatively connected to the pusher is a drip shield to be moved by the pusher to overlie a container during movement from the supply area to the scale.

Abstract: The consumer, and in particular the beverage consumer, frequently demands different packaging units which consist of different beverages or different assortments of beverages. That means that packaging units must be assembled which contain, for example, two bottles of a carbonated fruit-flavor beverage and four bottles of a beverage containing cola. The labelling and other packaging of the container must correspond to the product In the individual container. The packaging units are generally assembled either manually or semi-automatically. The invention relates to a method which simplifies the preparation of packaging units which contain different filling products. The invention is characterized by the fact that to fill the containers according to a Specified or selected filling formation with different filling products, i.e.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a container with toner using a series of traveling magnetic fields to control the flow of toner from a supply of toner to the container. Initially, an empty container is placed under a fill tube through which the toner will be supplied to the container. In the filling process the traveling magnetic fields, which are supplied by turning on and off a series of solenoids, and gravity cause toner from the toner supply to move through the fill tube. When a solenoid is turned on toner particles are attracted to its magnetic field where a plug of toner is formed. The solenoids are controlled so that a discrete amount of toner is supplied in each on/off cycle of the solenoids. The solenoid on/off cycle is repeated until the container is filled with toner. When the container is filled, the appropriate solenoid is activated so that a plug of toner stops the flow of toner in the fill tube.