Abstract: A pretreatment device for performing pretreatment using a liquid sucked by a probe from an inside of a septum-attached container includes: a container holding unit which has a space for accommodating the septum-attached container and is provided with a hole into which the probe is inserted with respect to a septum of the septum-attached container to be stored; an installation unit in which the container holding unit is detachably installed; and a fixing unit which fixes the container holding unit to the installation unit in a state where the container holding unit is detachably installed in the installation unit, to solve the above-described problem.

Abstract: Lifting machinery is often unable to securely hold onto stacked crates and this presents a safety hazard. The invention may be embodied by a crate lifter 1 comprising a support mast 3, a carriage 8 engaged with the mast and rollers 6, 7 that enable the lifter to be moved. The carriage has clamps 9 that move laterally to grip one or more crates 2 so that they can be moved by the carriage up and down the mast. The carriage has a keeper 14 arranged to swing in response to the clamps 9 engaging the crate 2, or the lowest crate to be moved if there is more than one, to bring a ledge 14b of the keeper 14 into engagement with that crate to prevent it dropping free from the carriage.

Abstract: In an aspect, a conveyor system for moving a wheeled structure through a service line is provided. The conveyor system comprises at least one endless belt mounted longitudinally through the service line. The belt has an upper transport portion for moving the vehicle through the service line, and a lower return portion with a support deck below the upper transport portion to support the belt. A liquid introduction system is provided for helping to remove dirt from the belt and/or to remove dirt from between the belt and the support deck.

Abstract: A medicine mixing apparatus transfusing a medicine using a syringe includes a medicine cassette holding a medicine container, a lifting unit moving the medicine cassette upward and downward to a middle position or a lower position of a main body while maintaining a horizontal attitude of the medicine cassette, a first holding portion held by the main body, and a second driving unit which drives a plunger of the syringe held by the first holding portion to transfuse the medicine.

Abstract: An extrusion blow molding machine comprises an extrusion apparatus, an electrically-driven parison thickness programming apparatus, an electrically-driven mold-clamping apparatus with a dual-driving function, and a frame, wherein the extrusion apparatus, the parison thickness programming apparatus and the mold-clamping apparatus with a dual-driving function are installed on the frame. The mold-clamping apparatus with a dual-driving function comprises a driving assembly, a mold-opening/closing assembly, a mold-moving assembly, and a base. The driving assembly includes a servo motor, which actuates both mold-opening/closing and mold-moving assemblies, respectively. The parison thickness programming apparatus is driven by asynchronous motors, which run in a single direction continuously to result in a required axial parison thickness distribution. An extrusion blow molding method is realized using the machine.

Abstract: A container-lifting device includes a cam, and lifting elements. Each lifting elements has a container carrier on a slide element, a deformable fluid-pressure actuation element, and a guideway, separate from the actuation element, for guiding the slide element. The lifting element moves between first and second lifting positions. The control cam interacts with the slide elements to move them into the second lifting position. The actuation element, when pressurized, pretensions the slide element into the first lifting position. The actuation element has a wall that delimits an interior chamber to which the fluid pressure is applied. The actuation element is a ball-type element, a membrane-type element, or a bellows-type element.

Abstract: Rotary filling machine comprising a rotating infeed starwheel (3), configured to supply packages (2), a rotating filling carrousel (6), upon which a plurality of filling stations (5) are located and; a rotating outfeed starwheel (4), configured to remove the packages (2). Each filling station (5) comprises dosage means (60); vertical displacement means (20) configured to vary the relative distance between the package (2) and the dosage means (60) in the direction of a vertical axis (Z); rotation means (40) configured to provide relative rotation movement (R) between the package (2) and the dosage means (60), around the vertical axis (Z) and; horizontal displacement means (70) configured to vary the relative distance between the package (2) and the dosage means (60) on a horizontal plane (XY), perpendicular to the vertical axis (Z).

Abstract: The invention relates to the filling of a frozen dessert product in a container, by performing the steps of: arranging at least one container to be filled on a slat conveyor, moving the container on the slat conveyor towards a dispensing nozzle, vertically displacing at least one slat supporting the container, and horizontally displacing the slat supporting the container in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the slat conveyor, while dispensing the product from the dispensing nozzle into the container.

Abstract: In a tire inflating station for inflating a tubeless tire arranged on a rim with a pressurized gas, arranged on a stand are a conveyor for receiving and conveying a wheel consisting of a wheel rim and a tire mounted on the wheel rim, and an inflation device above the conveyor and having an inflation opening which can be connected to a gas supply. The lower side of the inflation device has a carrier plate that is mounted to move backwards and forwards along an axis between at least two positions in a straight-line mechanism. There are inflation rings attached in tandem in a gas-tight manner to the lower side of a carrier plate. Inside the inflation rings, the carrier plate has a respective continuous opening. In each of the different working positions of the carrier plate, another of the continuous openings is connected to the inflation opening of the inflation device, which inflation opening is arranged on the upper side of the carrier plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a plurality of containers to a plurality of filling machines for filling of the containers with a substance. The apparatus includes a feeding assembly including a first staging area aligned with a first filling machine of the plurality of filling machines for facilitating delivery of containers of the plurality of containers from the first staging area to the first filling machine, a second staging area aligned with a second filling machine of the plurality of filling machines for facilitating delivery of containers of the plurality of containers from the second staging area to the second filling machine, and a receiving area adjacent a supply of the plurality of containers. The feeding assembly is configured to move containers of the plurality of containers from the receiving area to the first staging area and to move containers of the plurality of containers from the receiving area to the second staging area.

Abstract: A method for the operation of a beverage bottling or container filling arrangement with a filling volume correcting apparatus. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with a liquid beverage, with an information adding arrangement for adding information relating to the beverage bottles, and a method of operating the beverage bottling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant having a filling machine with multiple beverage filling elements, a filling machine with multiple beverage filling elements, a filling element and related method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic systems having components with specially designed and fabricated areas of enhanced and/or reduced capillarity (flow guides). The methods and devices of the present invention permit the bubble-less dispensing and mixing of small volumes of different liquids for subsequent incubation and/or detection of products of various biological reactions. Thus present invention is well-suited to applications such as polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract: Keg filling plant for filling kegs with a liquid beverage material, such as beer, wine, soft drinks, or juice, and a method of operating same, and a handling and treatment station for kegs. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b ). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b ): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Beverage bottle handling and filling machine for containers, such as bottles and cans, with lifting devices to lift the containers by the mouth or neck upward to engage beverage discharge openings to permit filling. The filling machine has a piston/cylinder arrangement that is designed to be pressurized to exert a force on the lifting device in the direction of the initial upward movement to tighten the seal between the bottle mouth and the discharge opening. The cylinder chamber is realized in the form of a duct for permitting flow of pressure media to pressurize the container and the piston/cylinder arrangement.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser operates a cup holder to advance a cup holding portion holding a cup in which a beverage is filled from an inside of a cup port to an outside thereof to locate it above a cup mount, lower the cup holding portion from a above position by a predetermined distance to place the cup on the cup mount in process of lowering, and retreat the cup holding portion from a lowered position to the inside of the cup port to leave the cup on the cup mount.

Abstract: A machine (1) for filling containers (2) has a carousel conveyor (5) having a vertical axis (6) and in turn having a number of filling heads (7), and an equal number of seats (8), each of which houses a respective container (2), is associated with a respective filling head (7), and is connected to the carousel conveyor (5) via the interposition of a weighing device (9) supported in a fixed position by the carousel conveyor (5). Each seat (8) has a frame (10), which supports a gripper (11) for engaging a top portion (4) of a respective container (2), and a plate (12) defining a horizontal supporting surface for the bottom of the respective container (2), and an adjusting device (13) for adjusting the vertical position of the plate (12), while maintaining the gripper (11) in a given vertical position close to the respective filling head (7).

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and a container filling lifting device for lifting containers in container filling machines. The lifting device is designed to lift a container, such as a bottle, to a first level for filling in the absence of counterpressure, and to a second, different level for filling under counterpressure.

Abstract: Vessels 2 on a conveying rail 4 are supported by a back guide 8 and are intermittently conveyed by a transfer rake 6. A number of filling nozzles 28 which corresponds to a number of vessels 2 are installed at a filling station F, and the conveying rail has a portion 4A which is elevatable. Metering receptacles 12 connected to load cells 16 are disposed in a manner corresponding to respective filling nozzles 28. These metering receptacles 12 do not contact vessels 2 when the conveying rail portion 4A is raised, but support the vessels when the conveying rail portion 4A is lowered, allowing a mensuration of the weight of vessels 2 by the load cells 16. During a normal filling operation, the conveying rail portion 4A is maintained in its raised position to convey the vessels 2 and performs a filling operation. During a sampling operation, the conveying rail portion 4A is lowered to place vessels 2 on the metering receptacles 12 to perform a mensuration while performing a filling operation.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and an easily cleaned lifting device in a beverage bottling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenser a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid filling method capable of filling liquid into containers at a rate as high as 3500 containers/nozzle·hour (2 pitch-feed) without causing the problems such as foaming, turbulence of liquid surface and the like inside the container, and a high-speed liquid filling machine used in said method. In said method, liquid is filled into a container that had been intermittently carried in a sequential manner to a filling station by raising and lowering said container, the filling is started when the container is raised before it reaches the upper dead point of raising and lowering, the container is filled with a specified amount of liquid at the upper dead point of raising and lowering, and then filling is continued while lowering the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically handling and filling drums comprising a conveyor on which drums may be sequentially moved to an orienting station, a filling station and a capping and sealing station. The orienting station includes a rotating mechanism for rotating the drum so that a bunghole in the upper end thereof is properly oriented for subsequent filling. The filling station includes a tubular filling lance connected to a source of liquid and which may be lowered into the bunghole for filling the drum with liquid and then raised allowing the drum to be moved to the capping and sealing station.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes an object holding technique for holding a tray or discrete object while supplying a dough product onto the tray or discrete object. Preferably, a conveyor transports the tray or discrete object for receiving dough products. A subframe preferably moves the tray or object, by way of deflecting the conveyor, to a position with respect to a dough supplying device such that dough products may be placed on the tray or object. In an embodiment, a cutoff blade may be utilized to portion the dough products. Preferably, the operation of the conveyor, subframe, supply device, and cutoff blade are controlled by a control system. The present invention is also directed to methods of portioning and placing dough products on a tray or discrete object by way of such an apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid metering and filling lifter for use with different kinds of containers (C) having different heights for moving the container (C) upward and downward with a stroke corresponding to the height of the container (C) in filling a liquid into the container, the lifter comprising a container pushing-up vertical lift rod (32) disposed below a filling nozzle (13) above a bed (11) and extending through the bed (11), the lift rod (32) having a container support (31) fixed to an upper end thereof, a container pushing-down vertical lift rod (34) extending through the bed (11) at one side of the lift rod (32) and having a container holder (33) fixed to an upper end thereof, and coupling means (35) disposed below the bed (11) for coupling the two lift rods (32), (34) to make the lift rods movable upward or downward together and uncoupling the lift rods (32), (34) to make the lift rods movable upward or downward individually.

Abstract: The dispensing apparatus dispenses material into a container (34) having at least one predetermined shape component (40a) which cooperates with the dispensing apparatus to control a dispensing operation. There is a vertically movable support (8) for the container having a first, lower position at which the container is brought into a mounted position on the support and a second, higher position, and actuating means (24a,30) arranged for mechanical engagement with the container during lifting of the container on the support. The actuating device cooperates with the predetermined shape component or components of the container to determine, in dependence on the shape of the shape component the liquid or liquids to be dispensed into the container, and/or the quantity of a liquid to be dispensed into the container. The actuating device (24a,30) lifts cylinders (22,24) to dispense the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes an object holding technique for holding a tray or discrete object while depositing an extruded dough product onto the tray or discrete object. Preferably, a conveyor transports the tray or discrete object for receiving extruded dough products. A subframe preferably moves the tray or object, by way of deflecting the conveyor, to a position with respect to a dough extruder such that dough products may be placed on the tray or object. In an embodiment, a cutoff blade may be utilized to portion the dough products. Preferably, the operation of the conveyor, subframe, extruder, and cutoff blade are controlled by a control system.

Abstract: A method for filling a powder container, including the steps of placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to a supply of powder in a vessel, vibrofluidizing the powder in the vessel to improve its flow properties, dispensing powder from the vessel into the first container, removing the first container from the vessel, and placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel.

Abstract: A bottling apparatus has a frame and an endless conveyor element on the frame, having a horizontal working stretch extending in a transport direction through a filling station, and carrying a plurality of holder plates each formed with a row of seats adapted to fit snugly around necks of bottles. Couplings releasably secure the holder plates to the conveyor element with the holder plates spaced in the transport direction along the working stretch and the rows extending transverse to the transport direction. A drive advances the conveyor element stepwise in the transport direction in the working stretch and arrests each of the holder plates in the filling station with the bottles in its seats aligned with the fill tubes. A plurality of stationary upright fill tubes in the filling station above the working stretch are aligned with the seats of the holder plate in the filling station. The plates are lifted in the filling station off the conveyor element to engage the fill tubes down into the respective bottles.

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: A electric version of a dispenser unit and method of monitoring a request signal for filling empty baskets, movement of the empty baskets on a loading ramp via a stop gate, and movement of the filled basket between a loading station and a staging station via a basket lift. The stop gate is driven by an electric motor, and the basket lift is driven by another electric motor. Sensors are mounted in the stop gate and the basket lift to indicate positions of the stop gate and the basket lift, respectively.

Abstract: A weighing/feeding apparatus for mixing two or more different types of powder/chip by respective given amounts and feeding a weighing vessel with the mixture efficiently with accuracy is provided. The apparatus includes a weighing/feeding section arranged between a transfer path for transferring empty weighing vessels and a delivery path for delivering weighing vessels loaded with the powder/chip, the weighing/feeding section being connected to a powder/grain feeding path, a-plurality of powder/chip feeding units being arranged along the feeding path and provided with respective conduits, a weighing unit carrying thereon the empty weighing vessel which is reciprocated along the feeding path to fill the empty weighing vessel with a predetermined amount of powder/chip of a plurality of desired types before returning to the weighing/feeding section and then the weighing vessel loaded with the powder/chip is delivered to the delivery path.

Abstract: A liquid filling device comprises a filling nozzle 31 for filling contents into containers C being transported by a conveyor 13, and a lifter 34 for lifting the container C to be filled from the path of transport of the conveyor. The filling nozzle 31 has a lower portion providing a vertical cylinder portion 42 fittable with the container C to be lifted by the lifter 34. The filling nozzle 31 is provided with an air cover 51 comprising a top wall and a peripheral wall extending downward from an edge portion of the top wall. The filling nozzle 31 extends through the top wall, with its vertical cylinder portion 42 projecting into the air cover 51. The air cover 51 has connected thereto an outlet end of a dry air pipe 52.

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: An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a predetermined amount of a particulate or granular material. The apparatus comprises a hopper for holding a supply of material. The hopper has an upper end, a lower end and at least one tapered side wall. A plurality of discharge nozzle assemblies extend downwardly from the lower end of the hopper. A transport assembly is provided for uniformly transporting each of the containers directly under a corresponding one of the discharge nozzle assemblies. A frame supports the hopper above the transport assembly. Each of the discharge nozzle assemblies has an auger mounted thereabove for assisting the delivery of material to the same. Each of the discharge nozzle assemblies also includes a valve which is adapted to open and close the open bottom end of a corresponding discharge nozzle assembly in order to control the flow of material from the nozzle.

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 filling system of a packaging machine is set forth that reduces the mixing of product and air during the filling of the container with a flowable material such as low fat milk. The fill pipe of the filling system has an elliptical cross-section which provides for a reduced velocity of the flowable material entering the container while allowing for an increased production time of the packaging machine. The fill system is especially adopted to fill containers having a rectangular cross-section. Connected to the fill pipe is a nozzle with flaps designed to substantially conform and engage with the sidewalls of a container. When the flaps are urged to an open position, the mixing of air and product is inhibited as the flowable material is dispensed into the container through the nozzle and as a moving mechanism is operated to relatively move the container and nozzle from a first to a second position. The fill pipe has an elongate body, an inlet end and an outlet end.

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 filling system of a packaging machine is set forth that reduces the mixing of product and air during the filling of a container with a product. The filling system is designed to fill a container having a cross section defined by a plurality of sidewalls, an interior bottom engaging the sidewalls, and an open top. The system includes a fill pump for pumping a liquid product and a fill pipe, the fill pipe having an inlet receiving liquid under pressure from the fill pump and an outlet overlying the container. A nozzle is disposed over the outlet end of the fill pipe. The nozzle comprises a collar for connecting the nozzle to the outlet end of the fill pipe and a plurality of flaps formed from a flexible material extending from the collar. The plurality of flaps are preferably biased to a closed position, such as under their own resilience. The nozzle seals the outlet end of the fill pipe when in this closed position.

Abstract: A filling system for filling a container is set forth. The container to be filled has a bottom portion and a plurality of sidewalls defining a container cross-section. The filling system comprises a fill pipe having a product inlet and a product outlet, a valve rod disposed in the fill pipe, a flexible outlet extension, and an umbrella-shaped sealing member having a bottom portion. The valve rod and the sealing member are movable between a first position in which the sealing member engages and seals the product outlet and a second position in which the sealing member is disengaged from the product outlet. The bottom portion of the sealing member is preferably shaped to conform to the interior bottom portion of the container. The flexible outlet extension extends from the product outlet and is dimensioned to engage and conform to the sidewalls of the container during filling thereby to inhibit mixing of product and air during the filling cycle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filling a container with product are set forth which assist in reducing the mixing of air and product as the product is dispensed into the container. In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus comprises a fill pipe for communicating a product therethrough to a fill opening of the fill pipe. A flexible dispensing receptacle having a first end disposed about the fill opening of the fill pipe for receiving product communicated through the fill pipe. The flexible receptacle is capable of being filled with a volume of product that is substantial when compared to the volume of product that is to be dispensed into a single container. Further, the flexible receptacle is dimensioned to facilitate its insertion into the interior of the container. A pressure actuated nozzle is disposed at a second end of the flexible receptacle through which product is dispensed into the container. Various modifications and enhancements to this basic apparatus are also contemplated.

Abstract: Stirrup and can elevating platform components are disclosed which, in normal operation, do not tilt or mis-align smaller footprint cans as the cans are successively transferred to and elevated by a can platform or a wear plate superimposed upon the can platform prior to and during filling.

Abstract: An adjustable container return device for use with a lift arm of a variable stroke lifter system for lifting variable height containers. The return device includes a vertically oriented rod threadedly movable at its bottom end relative to the lift arm; a laterally extending member operatively connected to the top end of the rod for vertical movement therewith; a retention mechanism operatively connected to said rod for retaining the laterally extending member in a selected radial direction so as to extend across an upper edge of an adjacent container; and an actuator mechanism for rotating the rod while permitting the rod to slidably move longitudinally, and thereby threadedly raising and lowering the rod relative to the lift arm, such that the laterally extending member accommodates different height containers.

Abstract: An automated dispenser for liquid and pulverulent materials dispenses the materials into a container located below a dispense head. The container is supported by a shelf extending in front of the dispenser. The shelf is divided into sections, with the section located below the dispense head being mounted for raising and lowering toward and away from the dispense head. A scissors lift mechanism supports the center shelf portion, and a locking arrangement at the bottom of the scissors lift mechanism locks the lift mechanism at a desired height. A foot pedal releases the locking arrangement, permitting the shelf portion to be moved to a different height.

Abstract: A portioning dispenser for bulk food items is disclosed which receives bulk food items in a storage bin, portions food items from the storage bin, and dispenses measured portions of food items for further processing. The dispenser can include a rotary drum for conveying food items from the storage bin and a load cell for weighing the quantity of items conveyed from the storage bin into a secondary bin. The dispenser can also include a conveyor system for sequentially accepting, filling and returning a plurality of portion containers. The dispenser can include one or more inclined ramps for allowing containers to be slidably conveyed within the dispenser to and away from a basket filling station. In another embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed for dispensing measured portions of bulk food items which includes several of the above-discussed operations. A container especially suited for use in the dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portioning dispenser for bulk food items is disclosed which receives bulk food items in a storage bin, portions food items from the storage bin, and dispenses measured portions of food items for further processing. The dispenser can include a rotary drum for conveying food items from the storage bin and a load cell for weighing the quantity of items conveyed from the storage bin into a secondary bin. The dispenser can also include a conveyor system for sequentially accepting, filling and returning a plurality of portion containers. The dispenser can include one or more inclined ramps for allowing containers to be slidably conveyed within the dispenser to and away from a basket filling station. In another embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed for dispensing measured portions of bulk food items which includes several of the above-discussed operations. A container especially suited for use in the dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portioning dispenser for bulk food items is disclosed which receives bulk food items in a storage bin, portions food items from the storage bin, and dispenses measured portions of food items for further processing. The dispenser can include a rotary drum for conveying food items from the storage bin and a load cell for weighing the quantity of items conveyed from the storage bin into a secondary bin. The dispenser can also include a conveyor system for sequentially accepting, filling and returning a plurality of portion containers. In another embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed for dispensing measured portions of bulk food items which includes several of the above-discussed operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers, especially bottles, with liquid material is provided. The apparatus has at least one filling element for dispensing the liquid material into a respective container in a controlled manner. A bell-shaped portion is provided for each filling element and has a chamber for completely accommodating a container during a filling process. The underside of the bell-shaped portion has an opening for the introduction and withdrawal of a container. The apparatus also has a support mechanism that forms a support surface for the container and is disposed below the filling element in the direction of a filling element axis. Via relative movement between the bell-shaped portion and the support mechanism in the filling element axis, the chamber at the opening of the bell-shaped portion can be closed and opened by the support mechanism.