With Cam Or Abutment Operated Valve Or Head Patents (Class 141/147)
  • Patent number: 11970868
    Abstract: An additive printing device and a method for using the same to manufacture a tower structure of a wind turbine is provided. The additive printing device includes a vertical support structure, a support ring suspended from the vertical support structure, and a printer head movably coupled to the support ring for selectively depositing cementitious material. A drive mechanism, such as a rack and pinion, moves the printer head around the support ring while selectively depositing cementitious material. The vertical support structure may be raised and/or the relative position between the vertical support structure and the printer head may be adjusted to raise the printer head to print subsequent layers. This process may be repeated to print the tower structure layer-by-layer from the ground up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: GE Infrastructure Technology LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Edward Cooper, Norman Arnold Turnquist, Vitali Victor Lissianski, Biao Fang, James Robert Tobin, Pascal Meyer
  • Patent number: 11897744
    Abstract: A beverage bottle filling machine and a method of filling beverage bottles and similar containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Muszinski, Thomas Stolte
  • Patent number: 11685099
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers includes a transport device for transporting the plastic preforms, wherein the transport device has a movable carrier on which a plurality of forming stations are arranged, wherein the forming stations each form a cavity having forming moulds configured to receive plastic preforms which are formable into plastic containers within this cavity when acted upon by a flowable medium and expanded. The forming stations further includes an applicator which acts upon the plastic preforms with the flowable medium, and at least one connecting line configured to guide the flowable medium to the applicator. The apparatus also has a sterilization device, whereby at least a section of this connecting line can be at least temporarily pressurized with a sterilization medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventors: Juergen Soellner, Florian Geltinger, Kevin Werkmann
  • Patent number: 11498823
    Abstract: A carbonated beverage aseptic filling system (10) comprises: a filling nozzle (72) for filling a carbonated beverage; a carbonated beverage filling tank (75) connected to the filling nozzle (72) via a carbonated beverage supplying pipe (73) and a counter pressure pipe (74); a snift pipe (78) connected to the filling nozzle; and an aseptic chamber (13) enclosing the filling nozzle (72), at least part of the carbonated beverage supplying pipe (73), and at least part of the counter pressure pipe (74). The carbonated beverage supplying pipe (73) and the counter pressure pipe (74) are attached to the aseptic chamber (13) by a rotary joint (77). A discharging valve (79) is provided in the snift pipe (78) inside the aseptic chamber (13), and gas from the snift pipe (78) is discharged into the aseptic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 11312514
    Abstract: The present disclosure recites a method for time controlled carrying out of a filling process including steps of beginning a first flow measurement before or during the start of a filling of a first container, starting the filling of the first container at a first point in time, and ending the filling of the first container at a second point in time, wherein the second point in time is predetermined by a set, first time interval. The starting and ending steps are repeated for filling a second container. The method also includes ending the first flow measurement and ascertaining a total flow of the preceding fillings, comparing an actual value ascertained from the total flow a predetermined, desired value, and-adapting the first time interval based on the comparing step. An apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a control setup for time controlled fill amount control and a flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
    Inventors: Thomas Küng, Fabio Schraner, Dominik Voglgsang
  • Patent number: 10864140
    Abstract: Provided is a medicine feeding apparatus including: a medicine feeder body configured to feed medicine; and a medicine passage configured to guide the medicine fed by the medicine feeder body to a packaging material configured to package the medicine. The medicine passage includes: an inlet that is configured to allow the medicine to enter from above therethrough; an outlet that is configured to allow the medicine to exit downward therethrough; and a communication part that is configured to communicate the inlet and the outlet with each other. The inlet and the outlet are provided as separate bodies from each other. The communication part is provided as a separate body from the inlet and the outlet and is connected to the inlet and the outlet so as to be positionally adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Takazono Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kikuchi, Teruaki Satoh, Takanori Yamabayashi
  • Patent number: 10633238
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine 1 for filling containers with liquids, comprising:—a support structure;—a rotating carousel provided with a tank;—a plurality of valve groups mounted on said carousel for filling containers; and a logic control unit suitable to automatically manage the operation of the filling machine. Each valve group comprises an air return tube which is provided with an open lower end, susceptible to be inserted in a container, and an opposite upper end and can be moved axially between at least one lowered position and a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: MBF S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuliano Boscaro, Nicola Dal Monte, Paolo Albertini
  • Patent number: 10575554
    Abstract: A method of producing filter tips for cigarettes, each of which comprises two portions of filter material arranged on opposite ends of a portion of granular material; the first portion of filter material is wrapped in a sheet so as to obtain an intermediate element having a substantially tubular shape and an open end; the granular material and the second portion of filter material are then inserted through the open end, while the intermediate element is kept vertical with the open end facing upwards; in this way it is possible to obtain high quality filter tips at high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: G.D SOCIETA' PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Marco Esposti, Nicola Baldanza, Massimo Sartoni
  • Patent number: 9919908
    Abstract: An adapter system for a beverage can filling valve for quick connection/disconnection of multiple centering bells used to fill differently sized cans and a CIF assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin Sweeny, Rishieram Samaroo
  • Patent number: 9878891
    Abstract: Machine (1) for filling containers with liquids, which comprises a rotatable carousel (10) equipped with a tank (12) for containing a liquid to be bottled, and a plurality of valve groups (13) peripherally mounted on the rotatable carousel (10) and equipped with a supply duct (14) for the flow of said liquid into containers (2) to be filled, and with an air return cannula (16). Furthermore, each valve group (13) comprises: a collection cup (29), which is connected to the upper end (16?) of the air return cannula (16); a first control valve (34), actuatable to place the collection cup (29) in communication with an atmospherically pressurised evacuation circuit (31); a second control valve (35) actuatable to place the collection cup (29) in communication with a suction circuit (33?, 33?). Furthermore, a logic control unit (100) operatively connected to the first and second control valves (34, 35) of each valve group (13) is provided in order to control the switch of said control valves (34,35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: MBF S.p.A.
    Inventors: Franco Balzarin, Giuliano Boscaro
  • Patent number: 9682850
    Abstract: A method of filling containers with the help of a filler liquid stored in a pressure regulated vessel and delivered using at least one filler head comprises a filler tube and provided with a main shutter, the filler tube including internally a discharge cannula. After engaging the filler tube inside the container, the main shutter of the tube is opened and a vent is created for the container and for the cannula, communication between the cannula and the vessel being closed. Before the end of filling, the vent is closed and the cannula is put into communication with the vessel. At the end of filling, when the liquid reaches a determined level of the tube, the shutter of the tube is closed, and communication between the discharge cannula and the vessel is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: PEP TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Philippe Perrier
  • Patent number: 9394097
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing flowable substances, having a nozzle having an exit opening for dispensing the substances from the nozzle in the region of a free nozzle end, and a closure part that can be moved by means of a control element, disposed outside of the nozzle. The closure part releases the exit opening in an open position and closes the exit opening in a closed position. The control element has a frame, a transfer medium that brings about shape fit and has wheels, the transfer medium generates angle synchronicity of wheels mounted in the frame so as to pivot, a drive for the transfer medium, for pivoting the respective wheel in two opposite pivot directions, a bearing element for the closure part, mounted in wheels so as to pivot. The bearing element is mounted about pivot axles in the wheels, so as to pivot. The pivot axles are disposed in the frame parallel to the pivot axles of these wheels. The closure part is mounted in the bearing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: ROBATECH AG
    Inventors: Beatus Ineichen, Martin Meier
  • Patent number: 9302896
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing containers, such as cans, bottles, or similar containers. The method involves relatively moving a container and an elongated electron radiation treatment member with respect to one another, such that the treatment member is located in the container. The treatment member is used to treat the entire inside surface of the container with identical or essentially identical radiation power, and then is removed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Drenguis, Volker Till
  • Patent number: 9284173
    Abstract: A filling machine for filling containers includes a rotor, a transport element, a vertical machine axis, and filling positions, each of which comprises a filling element, a container support, and a closure element, and a common actuating drive for all closure elements of the filling machine. The transport element revolves on the rotor about the machine axis. The filling positions are on the transport element. The closure element is a rinsing cap or a rinsing sleeve. Each closure element is movable by the common actuating drive between a parking position and a working position. In the parking position, the closure element is within a movement path of the filling elements. In the working position, the closure element is coaxial with the associated filling element and below the filling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Patent number: 9010387
    Abstract: Method for filling containers with liquids, wherein the containers are filled using a plurality of controllable filling elements and the liquid is fed to these filling elements starting from a reservoir, common to the filling elements, for storing the liquid, wherein during the filling the containers are transported at least in sections along a circular track and wherein the filling of the containers by at least one filling element is controlled as a function of at least one first parameter characteristic of the liquid in the reservoir and this parameter is determined repeatedly at given intervals of time during the filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Rupert Meinzinger, Stefan Poeschl, Sebastian Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 8925597
    Abstract: A beverage fill valve actuator adapted for being sealing mounted thru the wall of a beverage fill tank, the actuator having an elongated housing formed with an axial bore extending completely therethrough and providing a tubulate bearing structure at its inner end, a camshaft rotatably mounted in the bore and having its distal end rotatably mounted within the bearing structure with a predesigned selected clearance therebetween, and wherein the camshaft, bearing and barrel structures allow axial motion of the camshaft within the bore of from about 0.002 in. to about 0.020 in. while maintaining the selected clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Bernie Beringer
  • Patent number: 8820366
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filling element of a filling machine for filling cans, bottles, or similar containers (2) with a liquid fill material, having at least one dispensing opening (8) for directing the liquid fill material into each container through a container opening (2.1) forming an opening edge, having at least one container contact surface (14) for the opening edge at a tulip (13, 13a, 13b) displaceable on a filling element housing (6) between a raised starting position and a lowered position, and having means for moving the tulip between the starting position and the lowered position and for pressing the tulip against the opening edge of each container with a contact pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Patent number: 8747747
    Abstract: A reader for mechanical actuation of fluids within a test cartridge. The instrument interface including multiple independently-controlled plungers aligned to respective fluidic pouches on a test cartridge that is inserted into a testing apparatus embodying the instrument interface. The plungers include tips for applying mechanical force to the respective fluidic pouches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventor: Seth Hunter
  • Patent number: 8695647
    Abstract: A beverage filling assembly and a cam apparatus for a beverage filling machine is disclosed. A cam housing defines a first aperture along a central axis and a second aperture transverse to the central axis with a filling valve aligned with the second aperture. The cam member is rotatably disposed in the first aperture and includes a shaft portion and an eccentric portion aligning with the filling valve. A lever is connected to the cam member for concurrent movement with the cam member. A bearing sleeve defines an orifice for receiving the shaft portion. The bearing sleeve is formed of a self-lubricating material for preventing frictional engagement between the cam housing and the shaft portion. The bearing sleeve includes a flange adjacent the cam housing for preventing movement of the bearing sleeve axially along the central axis during operation. The bearing sleeve is removable from the shaft portion during servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Adcor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin K. Ruble
  • Patent number: 8684048
    Abstract: A standalone packaging manipulation apparatus performing predetermined packaging manipulation operations on bags being transported along an arcuate transportation path of a rotary-type bag transportation apparatus, the standalone packaging manipulation apparatus including a main arm that pivots and also extends and retracts in a horizontal plane, a sub-arm provided at a distal end portion of the main arm so as to ascend and descend and to rotate in the horizontal plane, and filling nozzle provided on the sub-arm with a predetermined spacing therebetween and simultaneously filling a plurality of bags with liquid. The operation of these elements is performed by mutually independent servomotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoichi Koga
  • Patent number: 8479365
    Abstract: A barrel support device supports a barrel rotationally about an axis of the barrel with the axis being arranged vertically and an opening of the barrel through which a plunger rod is inserted being directed upward. A chuck of a plunger rod support device holds the plunger rod in a first holding state in which the plunger rod is prevented from rotating about and sliding along its axis and inserts it into the barrel. Then, the chuck enters a second holding state in which the plunger rod is prevented from rotating about its axis but is not prevented from sliding along its axis. A load application device places a load acting downward on the plunger rod, and a rotation application device rotates the barrel in a direction in which the plunger rod is screwed into a gasket in the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Kyoto Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobutaka Tubota
  • Patent number: 8453687
    Abstract: A device for metering of powdery filling material is proposed, with a filling material container, on the bottom of which at least one metering opening is arranged, with at least one transfer plunger which can be introduced by a movement system into the metering opening in order to transfer the filling material located in the metering opening into a receptacle. In addition to the movement system, a drive unit is provided for applying a force to the transfer plunger in order to assist the transfer of the filling material into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Schmied, Jens Schlipf, Walter Boehringer
  • Patent number: 8251107
    Abstract: A bottle or container filling system for unpressurized hot filling of beverage bottles or containers in a bottle or container filling plant. The bottle or container filling system comprises an unpressurized hot liquid reservoir, at least one filling element, and a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath, Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Patent number: 8151831
    Abstract: Containers for packaging liquid or powder products are directed onto a carousel (1) presenting a support element (9) equipped with a number of peripheral stations (10), each accommodating a relative container (2), and set in rotation about a vertical axis (X) by a drive system (6) housed internally of floor-standing frame (5) on which the carousel (1) is mounted. The support element (9) presents substantially disc-like appearance and is hollow, composed of a top panel (11) and a bottom panel (12) distanced one from another in such a way as to create an annular chamber (13) between the two panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
  • Patent number: 8096330
    Abstract: Isobaric rotary filling machine for filling containers, has a rotating table supporting a pressurized tank and valve units. Each valve unit has a filling duct for supplying the liquid from the tank to the containers, regulated by a faucet, and an air return pipe associated with a shut-off valve for controlling the pressure balance between the container and the tank. A flushing station, operationally associated with but fixed relative to the rotating table, has a receiving tray connected to a flushing circuit and operable to move between a non-operative position situated outside the travel path of the valve units, and an operative position situated underneath the travel path. The faucets and the shut-off valves open each filling duct and each pipe when the receiving tray is in the operative position and the flushing circuit is connected to the supply line of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: MBF S.p.A
    Inventor: Giovanni Mazzon
  • Patent number: 7878226
    Abstract: In an embodiment of a continuously-operating machine for filling containers with at least one granular product, each container is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device, which withdraws the product from a tank, feeds the withdrawn product into the container, and has a metering cylinder defined at the bottom by a piston which moves, along the metering cylinder, to and from a feed position in which to feed the product in the metering cylinder to a drop chute for unloading the product into the relative container; the piston having a cam follower which is maintained contacting a cam by a pneumatic push assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: MG 2 - S.r.l.
    Inventors: Angelo Ansaloni, Davide Frabetti
  • Patent number: 7866355
    Abstract: A movable conveyor (12) having a plurality of container supports (28), a plurality of nozzles (30) for injecting fluid into the containers, a fluid-feed track (32) for the nozzles (30) and a plurality of pipes (34) to convey the fluid to the nozzles (30), each having an inlet (36) arranged in the feed track (32). Further, a fixed fluid dispenser (14) alongside the conveyor (12), designed to introduce fluid successively into the inlets (36), this dispenser (14) having a distributor (44) positioned facing the feed track (32). The distributor (44) defines a manifold (46) which extends along a length of the conveyor corresponding to the number N of inlets (36) selected, a seal (50) being provided to ensure a sealed contact between the manifold (46) and the feed track (32), and the dispenser (44) has means (52) to push the manifold (46) against the feed track (32) of the conveyor (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: François Quetel, Jérôme Demare
  • Patent number: 7857014
    Abstract: A machine for metering microtablets into capsules has a metering surface subjected to vibration and to rotation about a respective perpendicular axis; and an unloading device, which is fixed with respect to and cooperates with the metering surface, and is substantially defined by a cam member and an air outlet. In the metering surface are formed a number of sloping surfaces, along which the microtablets travel upwards, and a respective number of pockets, each for receiving the microtablets from a respective sloping surface. Each pocket has a bottom wall, which cooperates with the cam member and is movable between a fully-closed position, in which the microtablets are retained inside the respective pocket, and a fully-open position, in which the microtablets are unloaded. A number of holes are formed in a raised edge of the metering surface, and, when the holes are aligned with the air outlet, air is blown through the holes to prevent further microtablets from falling into the pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: MG 2 S.r.l.
    Inventor: Ernesto Gamberini
  • Publication number: 20100126624
    Abstract: An apparatus to fill a container includes at least one tank for a fluid product to be delivered and one filling head to deliver the fluid product to the container that is movable towards and away from the container. The apparatus further includes a connecting arrangement interposed between the tank and the filling head to supply the fluid product to the filling head. The connecting arrangement includes a ball-and-socket joint structure which includes a first tubular portion having a spherical body, a second tubular portion in the form of a spherical cavity and a tubular sealing element arranged inside the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion at a zone in which the spherical body and the spherical cavity are mutually engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: SIDEL HOLDINGS & TECHNOLOGY S.A.
    Inventor: Lucio Conforti
  • Patent number: 7681606
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated medication preparation system according to the present invention includes automated preparation of a dosage of medication in a drug delivery devices, such as a syringe, and includes an automated transport device for controllably delivering each drug delivery device from one location to another location and a receiving member that is associated with the automated transport device and includes at least two pockets for receiving and retaining at least two differently sized drug delivery devices according to a predetermined orientation. The system also includes a controller in communication with the automated transport device for moving the automated transport device in an indexed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: FHT, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdul Wahid Khan, Joel A. Osborne, Dennis Tribble
  • Patent number: 7640953
    Abstract: In a continuous machine for filling containers with a product, each container is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device, which withdraws the product from a tank, feeds the withdrawn product into the container, and has a piston moved with respect to a cylinder by an actuating device having a tappet, which is carried by the piston and maintained contacting a cam by a pneumatic push assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: MG 2 - S.r.l.
    Inventor: Angelo Ansaloni
  • Patent number: 7591391
    Abstract: The Invention is a tray for serving a beverage in a nightclub or tavern. A tray body defines a reservoir adapted to contain a beverage. A reservoir aperture communicates through the tray body and is controlled by a valve. A dispensing opening is defined by the bottom side of the tray body and aligns the drinking vessel with the reservoir aperture. The valve is actuated when a drinking vessel is placed in engagement with the dispensing opening. A plurality of drinking vessel receptacles located on the top side of the tray are adapted to support drinking vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7513279
    Abstract: A rotary beverage filling machine for filling cans with a liquid beverage. The rotary beverage filling machine comprises rinsing cap structures for closing the dispensing openings of the filling elements to permit cleaning of the filling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Herbert Bernhard, Timo Jacob
  • Patent number: 7469726
    Abstract: A container filling machine for filling containers, such as bottles, with a liquid, such as a beverage, has at least one filling element for dispensing liquid. The filling element has a gas passage to control the flow of gas there through for filling containers under different pressures or no pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-Und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath, Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Patent number: 7350545
    Abstract: A filling valve apparatus having a body portion with an inner wall terminating at an aperture to define a sealing seat. The inner wall extends below the seat to define a trap for a fluid. A cage extends from the body portion with the cage having an inner wall mating with the inner wall of the body portion to define a continuous inner surface. A stem, having a seal, includes an outer surface that is complementary in configuration to the continuous inner surface to define a smooth passageway for the fluid as the fluid is directed into the container thereby ensuring a laminar flow of the fluid between the inner and outer surfaces and into the container. The filling valve apparatus also includes a pre-assembled body portion, valve assembly, cap assembly, lower vent tube assembly, and snift valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: ADCOR Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin K. Ruble, Demetrios Stavrakis, Ted McKaughan
  • Patent number: 7127870
    Abstract: Replacement lock levers and related methods are disclosed which accommodate adjustment to acceptable tolerances of the force applied to cans being filled by the platform lift cylinder assemblies of the automatic beverage filling machine, due to an eccentricity of the replacement lock levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Servi-Teck, INC
    Inventors: Cecil R. McRay, Michael D. Nish, Terry E. Nish
  • Patent number: 6604560
    Abstract: A packaging processing (liquid filling) apparatus, including a rising-and-lowering assembly attached to a pivot member and moved vertically and filling nozzles attached to the rising-and-lowering assembly. An endless chain having grippers at equal intervals is rotated continuously by a sprocket. A circular first raising-and-lowering cam that rotates with the sprocket is attached to the sprocket, and a circular-arc-shaped second raising-and-lowering cam is provided near the first raising-and-lowering cam; and a cam roller attached to the rising-and-lowering assembly is caused to roll on these cams. When the pivot member makes a forward motion to follow the bags held by grippers, the cam roller rolls over the second raising-and-lowering cam, and the rising-and-lowering assembly is lowered and then raised; when the pivot member makes a return motion, the cam roller rolls over the first raising-and-lowering cam, and the rising-and-lowering assembly is maintained in a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Iwao Ikemoto, Shoichi Koga
  • Patent number: 6484763
    Abstract: A device for transporting fluids, such as viscous adhesives and sealants. The device includes a cylinder which may be filled by a supply line and a movable piston within the cylinder for ejecting the fluid into a discharge line. The piston includes an axial fluid channel and can be moved by way of a piston rod which also includes an axial fluid channel. An inlet valve is positioned between the supply line and the cylinder and may be moved between open and closed positions for releasing or interrupting the supply the fluid from the supply line into the interior of the cylinder. The piston rod includes threading and this threading is engaged with corresponding threading on a rotatable and drivable drive element so that the piston may be moved by rotating the drive element within the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Norbert Derntl
  • Publication number: 20020157728
    Abstract: A packaging processing (liquid filling) apparatus, including a rising-and-lowering assembly attached to a pivot member and moved vertically and filling nozzles attached to the rising-and-lowering assembly. An endless chain having grippers at equal intervals is rotated continuously by a sprocket. A circular first raising-and-lowering cam that rotates with the sprocket is attached to the sprocket, and a circular-arc-shaped second raising-and-lowering cam is provided near the first raising-and-lowering cam; and a cam roller attached to the rising-and-lowering assembly is caused to roll on these cams. When the pivot member makes a forward motion to follow the bags held by grippers, the cam roller rolls over the second raising-and-lowering cam, and the rising-and-lowering assembly is lowered and then raised; when the pivot member makes a return motion, the cam roller rolls over the first raising-and-lowering cam, and the rising-and-lowering assembly is maintained in a raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: TOYO JIDOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Iwao Ikemoto, Shoichi Koga
  • Patent number: 6435230
    Abstract: A metering device has a filling material container with a metering disk. Metering bores for products such as microtablets are disposed in the metering disk. Underneath the metering disk in a transfer region, there is a capsule filling shaft which is disposed in line with prepared capsule bottoms. The invention proposes supporting the filling material container so that it can rotate on an axis which is disposed inclined in relation to the vertical. This permits the microcapsules to be easily dispensed into the metering bores, permits the microtablets to be handled in a manner that is gentle on the product, and permits a high performance of the metering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Wurst, Manfred Kuhnle, Werner Runft
  • Patent number: 6237650
    Abstract: The machine provides for metering liquid pharmaceutical products into bottom shells, and has: a bottom part rotating about a respective vertical axis; a number of first vertical through holes formed in the bottom part; a piston movable reciprocatingly along a respective first hole; a bottom-shell belt meshing with a portion of the bottom part; a rotary top part defined by a vessel containing the pharmaceutical product; a rotary central part coaxial and angularly integral with the bottom part and the top part; a second hole, for each first hole, formed radially along the central part; and a valve housed in each of the second holes. Two separate channels are formed in the valve; and the valve rotates between a first angular position in which a first channel hydraulically connects the inside of the vessel to a metering chamber defined along the first hole, and a second angular position in which a second channel hydraulically connects the chamber to the inside of the bottom shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: MG2 S.p.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Ansaloni
  • Patent number: 6082418
    Abstract: A container filling assembly (10) including a carousel (12) having an in-feed station (20) and an exit station (30) for supplying empty containers (22) and exiting filled containers (22). A number valve stations (34) are supported by the carousel (12) for filling the containers (22). An enclosure (42) is associated with each valve station (34) for enclosing the container (22) on the valve station (34). The enclosure (42) has an elongated endless wall (44) with an upper periphery (46) for sealing engagement about at the valve station (34). An actuation device (48) moves the enclosure (42) vertically between a sealed position with the valve station (34) and an open position spaced vertically from the valve station (34). A bottom (50) is disposed within the endless wall (44) to create a sealed chamber (70) when the endless wall (44) is in the sealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Crown Simplimatic Incorporated
    Inventors: Jens Naecker, Wolfgang Wilke
  • Patent number: 6076567
    Abstract: A filling machine assembly (10) for filling a beverage container (12), such as a bottle or can, with a beverage, such as a carbonated drink, juice or water. The filling machine (10) includes a support housing (14) having an inner fluid chamber (20) for supplying the beverage to be discharged into the container (12). A valve housing (22) is mounted to the bottom of the support housing (14) for controlling the discharge of the beverage and a control device (24) is mounted to the top of the support housing (14). A vent tube (26) is actuated upward and downward via the control device (24) and extends into the valve housing (22). A support tube (34) extends between the control device (24) and the valve housing (22) and has a bore (36) surrounding the vent tube (26). An actuation device (42) moves the vent tube (26) within the bore (36) relative to the support tube (34) a predetermined stroke between a filling position and a non-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Crown Simplimatic Incorporated
    Inventors: Jens Naecker, Wolfgang Wilke, Kecheng Ding
  • Patent number: 5960838
    Abstract: A circular filling machine 10 rotates a plurality of filling units 20 through a plurality of actuator stations 30 and 32. The filling machine 10 is characterized by an adjustment valve, including a seal 38 and a positioning member 40, for determining the quantity of the material 14 to be filled into the chamber 34. The seal 38 is biased downwardly against the positioning member 40 by a spring 50 to hold the seal 38against the inside of the chamber 34 in the closed position. The seal 38 may be moved vertically out of engagement with the positioning member 40 to an open position by a cam 62 and cam follower 64 to allow cleaning material 37 to flush the entire chamber 34. In addition, the vertical operating level of the seal 38 and positioning member 40 may be adjusted vertically in unison to adjust the level to which the chamber 34 may be filled to accommodate containers 11 of various different volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Crown Simplimatic Incorporated
    Inventors: Felix Tietz, Wolfgang Wilke
  • Patent number: 5944072
    Abstract: A flange 52 extends upwardly about a filling passage 50 and a flexible tubular valve member 54 having a bead 56 in tension about and in sealing engagement with the flange and extending through an inlet cavity 48 to an annular ring 58 presenting an upwardly facing conical seat 60 for sealing engagement with a poppet valve 62. A helical spring 64 is disposed about the tubular valve member 54 and engages the annular ring 58 to urge the annular ring 58 into engagement with the periphery 46 of the valve seat in the filling position. A mast 66 is connected to the poppet valve 62 and extends upwardly through the chamber 34 for moving the mast 66 vertically between the chamber 34 charging position, as shown in FIG. 4, and the container 11 filling position, as shown in FIG. 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Crown Simplimatic Incorporated
    Inventors: Felix Tietz, Wolfgang Wilke
  • Patent number: 5924462
    Abstract: A filling apparatus (10) for filling beverage containers (C) with carbonated liquid beverage (B) includes a rotating filling table (16) in which is supported a central tank (26). Beverage containers (C) are sequentially brought into registry with the filling table (16) where they undergo successive phases of vacuum, counter pressure, fill/vent, and snifting before they are released to a separate capping operation. A liquid supply (14) feeds liquid beverage (B) to the bottom of the central tank (26) and a CO2 supply (32) feeds pressurized CO2 into the top of the central tank (26). A plurality of valve housings (44) are spaced in generally equal radial and equal circumferential increments about the periphery of the filling table (16) and are associated with a beverage container (C) being filled. Liquid (36), gas (38) and vent (40) conduits extend between the central tank (26) and each valve housing (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Crown Simplimatic
    Inventor: Ted McKaughan
  • Patent number: 5848515
    Abstract: A bottling plant is described wherein a bottle feed line and a plurality of specific function groups are each provided with selectively operable devices acting on the bottles moving along the feed line. Each special function group includes one or more motors for actuating the selectively operable devices and a walled sterile chamber through which the bottles pass. The sterile chambers are kept slightly pressurized and contain at least a portion of the selectively operable devices of the specific function group. The wall structure of each sterile chamber separates the sterile chamber from the motors and from at least some of the selectively operable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Rossi & Catelli S.P.A.
    Inventors: Camillo Catelli, Leo Bonetti
  • Patent number: 5819817
    Abstract: A dummy bottle having a duct through which a flushing fluid flows when the dummy bottle is sealingly coupled with a tap. The dummy bottle is actuated during the flushing cycle of a filling machine used in a bottling plant. Whether in a rest position or in an active position, the dummy bottle is positioned higher than a corresponding neck supporting element in the filling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Procomac S.p.A.
    Inventor: Yvon Van Nest
  • Patent number: 5749403
    Abstract: The device relates to the field of processes and plants for filling cans with liquids, and provides a contemporaneous closure of the liquid and, gas inflow pipes. The device also relates to a filler valve group wherein the pipes are placed at the same level. A cam causes a rising or descent of the cans with respect to the valve group in order to regulate a filling level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: SASIB Beverage S.p.A.
    Inventor: Lucio Conforti
  • Patent number: 5642764
    Abstract: A modified beverage fill valve cam assembly and related methods are disclosed, which provide for a quick, inexpensive, and effective solution to fill valve cam rotational eccentricity. A supplemental support is provided for the camming end of the cam which eliminates sole reliance on cantilevered support and prevents eccentric cam rotation. The supplement support comprises an end plate having an interior cone-shaped projection with contiguous mates with corresponding cone-shaped recess formed in the end edge of the camming end of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Servi-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry E. Nish