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.

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 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 device for filling packages (10) with flowable products in low germ level conditions in a clean room (9) is described, with a product line (26), a filler valve (11) and a filler pipe (8) projecting into the clean room (9). In order that filling, with a low level of germs, of flowable contents into packages (10) is made possible without formation of condensation on filler pipes (8) and preferably in addition cleaning of the device directly in place without a great deal of assembly, the filler pipe (8), in its inlet area on the inlet aperture (15) in the top surface (14) of the clean room (9) is surrounded by a sleeve pipe (28) fitted at a distance coaxially, with inflow apertures (29) for air which is dry and has a low level of germs, and means (2-7) for producing and supplying the air which is dry and has a low level of germs are provided in the inflow apertures.

Abstract: A multi-compartment container is charged with a plurality of doses of powdered medicament so that the volume of each dose is than that of the respective compartments in which it is contained. A respective protuberance is inserted into each respective compartment, which is then filled with medicament and the protuberance is then removed. The container may take the form of an apertured plate, in which case the filling step can be achieved by placing the container on a porous bed and in communication with a reservoir of particulate material, and then passing gas through the reservoir, the apertures in the container and the bed. There is also shown apparatus for performing the method, the apparatus comprising a reservoir for the particulate material and a conduit for relaying particulate material from the reservoir to the compartments, the conduit including protuberances which are insertable into the compartments to reduce the available volume of the latter.

Abstract: A multiple probe liquid handler includes a syringe pump assembly with multiple syringe pumps communicating with the probes. A carriage movable with respect to a fixed support base carries syringe pump pistons moving within syringe pump cylinders secured to the base. A drive system including a single drive motor has a single drive point connection to the carriage for moving the carriage and operating the syringe pumps in order to draw fluid into or discharge fluid from the multiple probes. A linear motion support assembly includes spaced rails attached to the support base and slides attached to the carriage and riding along the rails. The assembly includes two parallel rails and three slides, one riding along one rail and two riding along the other rail, providing an inexpensive yet imbalance tolerant three point support.

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: 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: The feeders for forming portions of the product, the product supply reservoir and the valves which switch the connection of the feeders between the reservoir and the feed nozzles located on the feeding and packaging carousel are separate from the carousel itself and are mounted in any position in which they can be easily inspected, and the feeders are connected to the nozzles by means of the fixed part of at least one rotary joint disposed coaxially on the carousel. This joint is characterized by high reliability in operation, is designed to facilitate washing and sterilization of all the circuits through which the product flows, and if necessary can be easily dismantled for inspection of the various components.

Abstract: A filling machine for pasty or viscous products, especially fruit products and particularly a multirow filling machine for producing assortments of the packaged product, has for each row at least one metering or dosing station in which the metering piston is displaceable in a cylinder formed directly in the metering housing and adjacent a valve cylinder in which the valve member is provided. The valve member and piston are guided directly on the wall of the respective cylinders in this housing while the respective piston rods and stem extend upwardly through easily replaceable seals accessible from an observation space above the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing thermally conductive paste into the blind holes of a cold plate, and the insertion of pistons into those blind holes and in engagement with and to be coated by the thermal paste is described. The thermal paste is extruded from a carrier plate into the blind holes by the pistons to form the finished assembly of the cold plate under conditions of a vacuum to eliminate entrapped air or gases, which either would expand when the cold plate assembly was positioned within a vacuum chamber of a thermally conductive module or would impede heat transfer between the piston and the cold plate.

Abstract: Introducing a measured amount of a liquid into receptacles in a microtiter plate includes locating receptacles in register with the liquid supply. The liquid supply includes pistons and cylinders operated by a stepper motor for adjustable measured and controllable incremental delivery of amounts of liquid simultaneously to the receptacles. A liquid source is located below the support for the receptacles and the receptacles are transversely moveable on a conveyor away from a filling station so that the liquid can be obtained from the liquid source. Pneumatic means moves both the cylinders and the pistons in the liquid supply upwardly and downwardly relative to the receptacles and the liquid source. The stepper motor moves the pistons upwardly and downwardly relative to the receptacles and liquid source.

Abstract: A liquid charging method including the following steps. First, supplying liquid into and then discharging the liquid from an enclosed space provided above a pit block, to fill the liquid into a plurality of pits on the upper surface of the pit block. Each of the pits open at the upper surface of the pit block and have a small-diameter nozzle formed at the bottom of the pit block. Second, a tray having an array of containers with open upper ends is fed to be positioned below the pit block at a specified liquid-charged position. Pressurized air is supplied into the enclosed space to apply pressure on the liquid in the pits, thereby forcing the liquid in the pits to flow through the small-diameter nozzles into the array of containers on the tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging liquid into open, empty containers or capsules in a process of making liquid-filled capsules that are to be loaded into cigarette filters and may contain water, perfume or other substances to improve taste of cigarettes. Liquid is supplied to a hermetically enclosed space formed above a pit block and around the outer circumference thereof and then discharged from it to fill the liquid in a plurality of pits that pass through the pit block. Each pit has a narrow nozzle. A plurality of containers mounted on a tray are carried to a predetermined position under the pit block so that the containers are located immediately below the corresponding nozzles. An air pressure is supplied to the enclosed space to pressurize the liquid contained in the pits and thereby force the liquid to flow down the nozzles into the containers on the tray, which is then moved from under the pit block.

Abstract: A combination of a pipette and a liquid transfer apparatus is disclosed. The liquid transfer apparatus comprises a frame defining a liquid inlet aperture connected by a first passageway to a dispensing aperture, an air vent aperture connected by a second passageway that extends toward the first passageway, and a valve interposed between the two passageways to alternate between allowing continuous liquid flow along the first passageway, or continuous air flow along the second passageway and part of the first passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus including a reservoir mounted for gravity feed overlying an associated battery, wherein the battery includes a plurality of cell openings, with a valve member mounted within each cell opening, wherein each valve member is in fluid communication with a reservoir. Each valve member includes a reciprocatable indicator mounted within the valve member extending into the cell, wherein the indicator member includes a lower float portion to direct an indicator member reciprocatably within a transparent portion of the valve for visual indication of a need or lack thereof for additional water to be directed into an associated cell of the battery.

Abstract: A dispensing device for fluid products, such as dairy products, has a coaxially positioned valve cylinder inside a dispensing cylinder, both connected at their upper end to the product source. The dispensing piston is in the form of a ring piston which slides on the valve cylinder. The two pistons are fully immersed in product, and air entrainment is prevented.

Abstract: In a system for filling granular material into hard gelatin capsule wherein the granular material is portioned to a predetermined quantity by volume in a metering chamber and the portioned granular material mostly gravitates to a body of the hard gelatin capsule positioned beneath the metering chamber, an artificial force is exerted by a pusher rod on the granular material remaining in the metering chamber after the beginning of the gravitation. There also is an improved system for adjusting the capacity of the metering chamber. The improvements result in a greatly increased number of capsules which may be handled and filled at a time, a reduction in time required for the process and correspondingly in area occupied by the machine, and a remarkable improvement in the productivity. The uniformity and accuracy in the quantity of the granular material actually filled in the capsule are also remarkably improved.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing fluids to a plurality of receptacles simultaneously, equally, and without dripping. A distributing device is used that uses a major-minor channel configuration such that all major channels fill with fluid before the minor channels fill and all minor channels fill before water exits the outlet holes in the bottom of the distributor. A stand is included which supports the fluid to be distributed and which is designed to exactly center common communion trays beneath the distributor for filing. A stretchable transfer tube connects the fluid in the container with the distributor and, when pinched shut, causes fluid to be sucked back up the tube and which in conjunction with the pipette action of the outlet holes prevents drippage after filling.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing product such as meat into packaging therefor comprises a portioning cell movable between a first station wherein it is charged with product and a second station wherein it locates above the packaging. A funnel is associated with the second station, and is mounted for vertical movement so as to locate the discharge opening of the funnel below the level of the upper perimeter of the packaging when the portioning cell is at the second station, and to raise the funnel thereafter so as to permit the passage of the packaging. A gutter is provided adjacent the second station for intercepting fluid leakage from the portioning cell.

Abstract: A rehydrator which dispenses precise amounts of liquid to each row of wells in a titration tray where the dispensing of the liquid is performed through valving means in timed relation to indexing of the platform to present a row of wells beneath the dispensing orifices. The indexing of the tray and the valving means are accomplished by the same drive means to obtain the timed relation.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging weighed articles from an automatic weighing system, having a plurality of hoppers for discharging batches of articles into a plurality of containers. A movable chute successively introduces batches of weighed articles, discharged from the weighing system, into each of the hoppers. When all of the hoppers have been supplied with batches of articles the hoppers are opened simultaneously.

Abstract: Dispenser apparatus for simultaneously providing predetermined equal volumes of liquid to each of a plurality of wells. The apparatus includes a disposable multiple chamber dispenser module having a top surface and a plurality of dependent walls each defining a lower chamber for alignment with a corresponding well. Each chamber has an open lower nozzle end and extends upwardly to an opening in the top surface. A die plate having a plurality of concavities is provided with each concavity having an equal volume and a mouth. Each concavity is defined by an inner surface and corresponds to one of the chambers. The apparatus further comprises diaphragm means having a portion extending across the mouth of each concavity. Each diaphragm portion is movable from a first position across the mouth of its concavity to a second position in surface contact with the inner surface defining that concavity.

Abstract: The liquid transfer device includes a one-piece molded barrel plate having a plurality of syringe-type barrels extending downwardly therefrom and support flange extending downwardly about the perimeter of the barrel plate. An elastic membrane rests on and is substantially coextensive with the upper surface of the barrel plate. A retaining plate having a plurality of apertures in alignment with the respective barrels is detachably mounted on the barrel plate in either a first position wherein annular projections about each aperture lightly engage the membrane to hold it in place or a second position wherein the projections extend into each barrel to seal the membrane about the upper edge of each barrel. A plunger having a plurality of pins is placed on the retaining plate with the pins extending through the apertures to engage the membrane. Depressing and releasing the plunger will draw a predetermined amount of liquid into each barrel.

Abstract: An automatic flow system for an Automixer which provides preset amounts of developer and fixer ingredients to the Automixer on a continuous basis. A plurality of containers are provided with each container having a predetermined volume in accordance with the desired mixing proportions. Control valves respectively control the flow between the containers and the Automixer. A plurality of storage drums are interconnected to the containers by means of additional control valves. The low level signal from the Automixer causes the containers to supply the predetermined volumes to the Automixer. The high level signal from the Automixer causes the storage drums to replenish the supply to the containers.

Abstract: A distributing device for solid particles of material, such as gravel, seeds, or similar material in the form of small solids to be delivered to containers. The device consists of a four-legged rectangular frame beneath which a rack carrying the containers may be positioned. The frame carries a rectangular bin in which an apertured fixed bottom plate and a similarly apertured top plate are fitted, the apertures of the bottom plate being longitudinally offset relative to the corresponding apertures of the top plate, with a slidable apertured middle plate disposed therebetween, operated by a manual lever arranged to move the middle plate from a receiving position with its apertures registering with those of the top plate to a discharge position with its apertures registering with those of the bottom plate. The rack holds the containers in a configuration such that the containers can be placed in vertical registry with the apertures of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A multi-positionable work station containing a plurality of easily reciprocally, positionable work station blocks is disclosed. As shown, each of said blocks is adapted to receive one of a variety of tools and is further adapted to be locked in place by an integral quick camlock contained within said station. A use of the station is illustrated with an acid-fill station which will simultaneously fill each of the cells in a multi-celled electric storage battery for automotive use with battery acid. In the embodiment shown, the station is adjustable vertically without the necessity to disassemble the apparatus to which the station is attached and further contains structure to adjust the forward and rear position of the batteries being filled relative to the work station so that precise alignment may be achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for filling the wells of an antibiotic plate with different concentrations of fluid including an array of fluid containers, each having a single needle valve inserted through a stopper member which is held in an open end of the container. Each needle valve includes an inner tube for supplying pressurizing air to one end of the containers which forces the fluid through an outer tube of the needle valve and out the opposite end of the container. A length of flexible tubing connected to each of the needle valve outer tubes carries the fluid through one of a plurality of slots formed in a pinch valve assembly. The pinch valve assembly includes slide members and resilient pinch rods extending laterally from sides thereof. In a first position, the slide members are held such that the pinch rods close the flexible tubing to prevent passage of the fluid into the wells of the antibiotic plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for simultaneously transferring, in both irections, a plurality of quantities of liquids between a first receptacled assembly disposed in a first arrangement and a second receptacled assembly disposed in a second arrangement of different disposition and/or dimensions, said device comprising a plurality of vertical syringes of which the needles are arranged in register with said first receptacled assembly and a connecting assembly comprising on the one hand a plurality of orifices arranged in register with the needles of said syringes and on the other hand a plurality of conduits arranged in register with the receptacles of said second assembly, each of said orifices being connected to one of said conduits. The invention finds particular application in the handling of microdoses of liquids, particularly for biological, serological . . . microtests.

Abstract: This relates to a filling apparatus for simultaneously filling plural containers, which apparatus includes a product supply, a dispenser and a conveyor system wherein plural containers are positioned beneath the dispenser and plural products are dispensed by the dispenser from the supply into the plural containers simultaneously. Most specifically, the apparatus includes a container positioner of the vane and screw type and the dispenser is in the form of a turret having a plurality of spaces in accordance with the number of containers to be simultaneously filled, the plurality of spaces being arranged in groups and disposed radially about the axis of the turret. Most particularly, the apparatus is intended for filling cans with tennis balls.

Abstract: The apparatus herein described is operative to dispense lines and rows of cups into a plurality of spaced receptacles of a tray, whereupon the tray is moved under successive portions of the apparatus or stations in order to add ice, fill and cup each of the cups in an efficient and regular sequence. The cup dispenser includes opposed recessed stripper bars to selectively strip off the lowermost cup in a stack upon operation of an associated slide mechanism. The ice dispenser includes variable volume chambers to permit a predetermined amount of ice to fall into each of the cups. The capper includes inclined chutes presenting a row of caps which catch on the rims of the cups and are pressed down as the tray is pulled through the capping device. The entire apparatus is designed to be easily disassembled for cleaning.

Abstract: A motor driven inoculator is provided wherein a plurality of bacteriological transfer loops are mounted on a common head and are activated in response to the positioning of a tray of inoculum to cause the head to be lowered and then raised so that the loops pick up a sample of inoculum. The subsequent positioning of an antibiotic or antimicrobic microtube plate, etc. causes the head to be lowered and raised a second time so that the loops are lowered into the plate to place samples of inoculum in each of a plurality of wells in the plate by dispersion. The removal of the antibiotic plate initiates a sterilizing cycle wherein the head is lowered and raised a third time whereby the loops are heated to a very high temperature by passing electrical current therethrough to volatilize all material thereon and then they are subsequently air cooled prior to the beginning of the next cycle. In an alternative embodiment the inoculum on the loops may be dispersed by percussion.

Abstract: A device for examining a plurality of microdoses of liquids by means of a urality of reagents, said device comprising in combination a dispenser for dispensing microdoses of reagents, comprising a plurality of vertical syringes adapted to be controlled simultaneously and arranged in a fixed pattern, a means for filling said syringes with reagents, provided with a plurality of receptacles containing said reagents and arranged in a fixed pattern corresponding to the pattern of said syringes, a receptacled assembly wherein a plurality of reaction receptacles are arranged in a fixed pattern likewise corresponding to the pattern of said syringes, and a dispenser for dispensing microdoses of liquids. The invention finds application in the testing of liquids, particularly in the field of cytology and immuno-haematology.

Abstract: The apparatus herein described is operative to dispense lines and rows of cups into a plurality of spaced receptacles of a tray, whereupon the tray is moved under successive portions of the apparatus or stations in order to add ice, fill and cup each of the cups in an efficient and regular sequence. The cup dispenser includes opposed recessed stripper bars to selectively strip off the lowermost cup in a stack upon operation of an associated slide mechanism. The ice dispenser includes variable volume chambers to permit a predetermined amount of ice to fall into each of the cups. The capper includes inclined chutes presenting a row of caps which catch on the rims of the cups and are pressed down as the tray is pulled through the capping device. The entire apparatus is designed to be easily disassembled for cleaning.

Abstract: Antibiotic liquids of different concentrations are dispensed to wells of a multi-well tray through an array of nozzles connected to an array of perstaltic pumps operated to supply predetermined quantities of the liquids in co-ordination with upward movement of a support for the multi-well tray from a loading position. A suspended drop of liquid is formed at each nozzle and the drops are dispensed by contact between the wells and the drops.

Abstract: A system for accurately transferring similar small amounts of liquid from a multiplicity of containers to a corresponding multiplicity of wells in a microtitration test plate includes a multiplicity of conduits leading from a pressure chamber enclosing the containers and to which conduits the containers are individually automatically connected when the containers are loaded into the system, the conduits leading to a pinch type dispensing valve disposed above the test tray.

Abstract: A machine is provided for filling containers with a liquid, which comprises a container infeed section, a container filling section and a container discharge section, the infeed section being equipped with empty container transfer means capable of receiving and releasing containers by twos in a substantially radial alignment with respect to the axis of the transfer means; the filling section comprising an annular tank for liquids, rotatable around its own symmetry axis, having a number of pairs of filling valves, the valves of each pair being arranged substantially over a radius of the said symmetry axis and having underneath each pair of valves support mechanism for containers, rotatable in conjunction with the valves, which receives containers from the transfer means in a first transfer section between the infeed and the filling sections, the support mechanisms comprising moreover apparatus capable of changing vertical position to connect and disconnect the mouth of the containers with the valves before the

Abstract: In a system for sequentially processing batteries with battery processing equipment an apparatus is described for retaining each of said batteries in at least one standby position, for advancing each of said batteries to at least one battery processing position, for aligning each of said batteries with respect to said battery processing equipment during the operation of said equipment, and for allowing the discharge of each of said batteries from said battery processing position. Said apparatus comprises a conveyor surface defined by a plurality of transverse rollers, at least two of which rollers which are spaced apart by a distance at least as great as the longitudinal dimension of said batteries to be processed, are adapted for movement with respect to said surface between first normal positions and second stop positions, whereby longitudinal movement of at least two of said batteries along said surface is halted at said standby and said battery positions by said rollers and said stop positions.

Abstract: Batteries are moved by a conveyor to a predetermined position, and a plurality of nozzles attached to an adjustable filling assembly are lowered over the battery such that the nozzles mate with inlet ports of the battery cells. A ladling assembly which had been immersed in a tank of electrolyte is raised above the level of the nozzles, such that electrolyte flows from the ladling assembly through a plurality of hoses to the nozzles and thence into the battery cells.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously filling each of a standard trayful of glasses with a metered mixture of ice cubes and water. The bottom of an ice cube supply bin is defined by a flat plate having openings arranged in correspondence with the location of glasses in a standard tray. A grid-like shutter is slidably supported upon the plate and may be shifted to selectively block or unblock the openings in the plate to prevent or permit ice cubes to drop from the bin through the openings in the plate. Open-ended metering tubes extend downwardly from the plate at each opening, the tubes having an internal volume of approximately one-half of that of the glasses to be filled. A second grid-like shutter is slidably mounted immediately below the lower ends of the tubes to selectively block or unblock the lower end of the tubes. A nozzle connected to a water supply source is mounted on each tube to discharge water downwardly into the underlying glass.

Abstract: A new apparatus for metering insect diet accurately and efficiently into individual insect rearing cells is disclosed. Insect diet is accurately metered into a set of plastic rearing cells which are preformed by a form-fill-seal machine. The insect diet is transferred from a thermally controlled reservoir through a pneumatic cylinder type metering device by means of a negative pressure on the intake and a positive pressure on the discharge. Thus very high viscosity diet materials can be utilized. The diet is discharged through a set of nozzles into individual plastic rearing cells. A ball type check valve is used on both the intake and discharge ends of the metering device, which can be incrementally calibrated by a threaded collar type mechanism. The whole apparatus is mounted to a stationary frame with a movable lower cross-head which imparts function to the metering devices. The number of metering devices can be varied and assembled in series and operated simultaneously with the number of rearing cells.

Abstract: Batteries are moved by a conveyor to a predetermined position, and a plurality of nozzles attached to an adjustable filling assembly are lowered over the battery such that the nozzles mate with inlet ports of the battery cells. A ladling assembly which had been immersed in a tank of electrolyte is raised above the level of the nozzles, such that electrolyte flows from the ladling assembly through a plurality of hoses to the nozzles and thence into the battery cells.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing doses of granular material into capsules. The apparatus includes dosing chambers of variable geometry into which granules flow from a supply container. A multiple slide arrangement closes the inlet apertures of the dosing chambers before opening the outlet apertures thereof, and also temporarily enlarges the volumes of the dosing chambers to permit easy dispensing of the granular contents into the capsules.