Abstract: A work vehicle periphery monitoring system which monitors a periphery of a work vehicle with a vessel for loading a load thereon, the work vehicle periphery monitoring system includes: a plurality of object detecting devices each of which is attached to the work vehicle and detects an object existing around the work vehicle; and a controller which notifies an alarm based on a detection result of the object detecting device and switches between a notification mode for notifying the alarm and a restriction mode for restricting the notification of the alarm based on a state of the work vehicle.

Abstract: A frozen confection dispensing apparatus includes a freezer section and a dispensing section connected to the freezer section. A mixing section is attached to the dispensing section. A user interface allows a user to select a desired flavor. A flavoring section includes a plurality of flavor syrups connected to at least one of injection port within the mixing section. A motor assembly turns a shaft and includes a mixing blade to regulate flow of frozen confection product within the mixing section as well as to blend or homogenize the frozen confection product and flavor syrup at the point of dispense.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for packaging polycrystalline silicon in the form of chunks, including the following steps: (a) providing polycrystalline silicon in a metering system; (b) filling polycrystalline silicon from the metering system, which removes fines by use of screening, into a plastic bag arranged below the metering system. The weight of the plastic bag with the polycrystalline silicon introduced is determined during the filling step and the filling step is ended after the attainment of a target weight. A fall height of the polycrystalline silicon from the metering system into the plastic bag is kept at less than 450 mm by use of at least one clamp apparatus over the entire filling step.

Abstract: An instrument (1) for powderous or pasteous substances has a control unit (40) and a dispensing unit (50). The control unit is configured as a grip handle to be handheld. The dispensing unit is designed for removable seating in the holder device. A vertically movable shutter bolt (52) can open a discharge orifice (58). The control unit (40) has an actuator (20) directed at the shutter bolt, with a motor (21), a transmission (22), an actuator element (30) and a drive shaft (12), oriented vertically when operated. The drive shaft (12) can be engaged with the shutter bolt. Continuing and increased actuation of the actuator element moves the shutter bolt into an opening range where the shutter bolt opens up the discharge orifice to a variable, position-dependent extent, allowing the material to flow into a target vessel.

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.

Abstract: A loading system comprising: a loading arm, said loading arm having a process pipe which provides a conduit to carry fluid during a process of loading the fluid by said loading arm; a control unit coupled to said loading arm, to direct a free end of said loading arm; an electronic logic controller coupled to said control unit; a first electronic sensor electronically coupled to said logic controller, said first electronic sensor adapted to detect movement of a first structure when said loading arm is mounted to said first structure, said movement relative to another second structure or the stationary world.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a filling product includes a filling valve for liquids, a closure element, and an actuator. The filling valve is configured for opening and closing a distribution or flow opening by linearly displacing the closure element. The valve comprises a valve chamber in which the closure element is arranged. The actuator, which is arranged within a constant volume arranged within the valve chamber, influences movement of the closure element.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a beverage dispensing system includes a plurality of beverage dispensing devices, and a plurality of beverage hoses, each of the beverage hoses to provide fluid communication between one of the beverage dispensing devices and a beverage source, each of the beverage hoses passing through an aperture formed in a surface. Each of the beverage dispensing devices is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, a beverage dispensing device is moved toward a beverage container and a beverage hose is pulled through the aperture and toward a user-facing side of the surface, the beverage dispensing device adapted to dispense a beverage into the beverage container while in the extended position.

Abstract: A filling device for beverage bottles, having a filling valve by way of which different media, including a product to be bottled, can be supplied and/or discharged, and a return gas pipe that is displaceable in linear fashion relative to the filling valve by means of an electromagnetic positioning drive. The positioning drive is a linear motor having a stationary stator housing and a rotor coupled to the return gas pipe.

Abstract: A chemical loading system is used for loading a molten chemical into a tanker. The chemical loading system includes a source supplying a molten chemical and a tanker for receiving the molten chemical. The chemical loading system has a stationary feed line supplying a chemical from the source. An extendable loader has a feed passage that is in fluid communication with the feed line. The extendable loader has a retracted position and an extended position relative to the feed line. The feed passage is adapted to have at least a portion thereof inside the tanker when in the extendable loader is in the extended position. A hoist assembly selectively extends and retracts the extendable loader assembly between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A fluid transfer apparatus includes a cam locking assembly and a cooperating seal member apparatus. The cam locking assembly is in communication with the cooperating seal member apparatus. The cam lock assembly is affixed or connected with the cooperating seal member apparatus through complementary threading in some preferred embodiments.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for substantially automatically aseptically or non-aseptically filling a container with a fluid. The transfer of fluid occurs via a movable nozzle mechanism (20) substantially automatically inserted into a side opening (32) in a connector (12) attached to the container. More specifically, the side opening (32) in the connector (12) is exposed, the nozzle mechanism (20) is moved into the side opening (32), the fluid is transferred into the container via the nozzle mechanism (20) and the connector (12), the nozzle mechanism (20) is removed from the side opening (32) in the connector (12), and the side opening (32) in the connector (12) is closed. The aseptic transfer of fluid includes a substantially automatic sterilization procedure accomplished by both spray and contact components (54,56).

Abstract: A chemical loading system is used for loading a molten chemical into a tanker. The chemical loading system includes a source supplying a molten chemical and a tanker for receiving the molten chemical. The chemical loading system has a stationary feed line supplying a chemical from the source. An extendable loader has a feed passage that is in fluid communication with the feed line. The extendable loader has a retracted position and an extended position relative to the feed line. The feed passage is adapted to have at least a portion thereof inside the tanker when in the extendable loader is in the extended position. A hoist assembly selectively extends and retracts the extendable loader assembly between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: Filling valve (5) including: a hollow housing (11) having a valve seat (25); a moving valve rod (14) slidingly mounted in the housing (11) and having a sealing surface (23), the moving valve rod (14) and the hollow housing (11) together defining a liquid chamber (18); a liquid inlet (26) for putting the liquid chamber (18) into communication with a liquid supply pipe (6); a device for putting the valve rod (14) in a first, full-open position, in which the sealing surface (23) is spaced from the valve seat (25), thereby forming a passage (27) for the liquid; a device for putting the valve rod (14) in a second, closed position, in which the sealing surface (23) is in sealing contact with the valve seat (25), thereby closing the passage (27), and a device for putting the valve rod (14) in a third, predetermined, semi-open position in which the sealing surface (23) is spaced from the valve seat (25) but closer to the same than in the full-open position.

Abstract: A chemical loading system is used for loading a molten chemical into a tanker. The chemical loading system includes a source supplying a molten chemical and a tanker for receiving the molten chemical. The chemical loading system has a stationary feed line supplying a chemical from the source. An extendable loader has a feed passage that is in fluid communication with the feed line. The extendable loader has a retracted position and an extended position relative to the feed line. The feed passage is adapted to have at least a portion thereof inside the tanker when in the extendable loader is in the extended position. A hoist assembly selectively extends and retracts the extendable loader assembly between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: In a device for filling dispensing appliances having a pump unit with a metering cylinder and a storage container for each component, a respective coupling arrangement (5) is provided between each storage container (2, 3) and an associated coupling of a filling station. In a preferred embodiment, the appliance coupling part (28) is arranged in an inlet nozzle (17) of the dispensing appliance (1) and the station coupling part (29) in a guide (31) in the enclosure (33) of the filling station (30). This device allows a quick and simple filling of storage containers without contaminations and air entrapment.

Abstract: A device for feeding one or more substances thixotroping a liquid to a container for storing said liquid, is characterized in that the device comprises a tank containing thixotroping substances, a feeding means for transportation of the thixotroping substances from the tank into the container which contains the liquid, and a pressure generating means for generating a pressure gradients in the thixotroping substances within the feeding means which is directed from the tank to the container. By means of the device according to the invention thixotroping substances can be fed into fluid within the container, in order to prevent discharging and leakage respectively under certain defined circumstances.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for substantially automatically aseptically or non-aseptically filling a container with a fluid. The transfer of fluid occurs via a movable nozzle mechanism (20) substantially automatically inserted into a side opening (32) in a connector (12) attached to the container. More specifically, the side opening (32) in the connector (12) is exposed, the nozzle mechanism (20) is moved into the side opening (32), the fluid is transferred into the container via the nozzle mechanism (20) and the connector (12), the nozzle mechanism (20) is removed from the side opening (32) in the connector (12), and the side opening (32) in the connector (12) is closed. The aseptic transfer of fluid includes a substantially automatic sterilization procedure accomplished by both spray and contact components (54,56).

Abstract: An agitator loading system for loading mixture ingredients, the system includes a loading bay, a delivery chute for delivering mixture ingredients from a storage area, and a dust containment apparatus for minimizing the dust dispersion during agitator loading. A method for loading an agitator from an agitator loading system is also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for filling flexible receptacles or bags with bulk or particulate material is provided. In one aspect, an automatic sand bag filling apparatus is disclosed which includes a bulk fill channel which may be placed within the interior of each bag to be filled. The filling apparatus may have a metering device for providing the desired amount of bulk material to the fill channel. The fill channel may be moveable along a fixed path for engaging and advancing a series of interconnected bags. Articulating spreader bars may be provided to support the bag during filling. In one embodiment, the filling apparatus is mounted on a trailer assembly and includes a reservoir for storing the bulk sand. The sand may be transferred from the reservoir to the filling apparatus using augers, conveyors, etc. A preferred construction of a series of interconnected sand bags and a method of making a series of interconnected bags is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filling apparatus may include a conveyor for transporting the vials in an aseptic zone and a vial filler including a dispenser, for example, a filling needle, connected to a fluid supply. The vial filler may be disposed in the aseptic zone. The apparatus may also comprise a drive disposed in a non-aseptic zone, operatively connected to the vial filler, and configured to move the dispenser into and out of filling engagement with the vials being transported. The vial filler may further include a valve, for example, a pinch valve, disposed in the aseptic zone proximate the dispenser and movable with the dispenser for controlling the fluid flow through the dispenser.

Abstract: A probabilistic method for optimizing the inspection of a heat exchanger that determines the maximum number of degraded tubes that can be permitted to remain in service for a contemplated interval of time without exceeding an allowable probability of a tube burst, based upon Extreme Value Probability Distribution theory. The method also determines the minimum number of tubes that need to be inspected to establish that no more than the determined maximum number of degraded tubes will be permitted to remain in service for the contemplated interval of time based upon Bayesian Acceptance Sampling Theory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling and sealing of containers, such as sealable valved bags are provided. A sealable valved bag is placed in an upright, erect position, with its sealable valve structure presented to the apparatus, in a slightly open position, amenable to receipt of a filling nozzle of a filling tube. A bag sealing apparatus is placed at the same position along a processing path as a filling apparatus. The filling apparatus and the sealing apparatus are both configured for reciprocable movement into and out of engagement with successive ones of the bags, to enable filling, and subsequent sealing of each of such bags, without intermediate indexing of bags from a filling station to a sealing station.

Abstract: Edible frozen product extruding machine of the type using cartridges (3) which contain the frozen product (4) provided with an extrusion nozzle (5) and which rest on a platform (2), inside which cartridge acts a piston (6) which can move vertically by means of its stem (7) from the machine's driving devices, which centres its characteristics on incorporating to said stem (7) a side stop (8) which, in the downwards motion of piston (6) acts on a rod (9) which is parallel to stem (7) against the tension of a spring (11), which rod (9) is joined to a support (15) for cone (15) or vessel which receives the ice cream dose, so that with each operational cycle of the machine, initially cone (15) approaches nozzle (5) until the product is level with its opening, at which time stop (8) carries support (13) down, gradually distancing the cone from the nozzle as the classic overfilling of the cone is achieved, so that the frozen product considerably extends beyond its opening.

Abstract: A tube-filling machine has a supply device for transporting a tube through different processing stations. The processing stations include a filling station in which a filling pipe is introduced from above into the substantially vertical tube. A filling medium is introduced through the filling pipe into the tube using a dosing device. To introduce the filling medium into the tube with high reliability and to prevent soiling of the tube-filling machine due to defective filling, a sensor device for detecting the relative position between the tube and the inserted filling pipe is disposed in the filling station and a control device is provided which receives a position signal from the sensor device in dependence on which the dosing means can be controlled by the control device.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for filling a container main body at least whose drum body is made of a flexible film, with a viscous material. A viscous material is charged by the charging means into container main bodies conveyed by the container conveying means, the drum body of the container main body is pressed by the pressing means to cause the surface of the viscous material to bulge, and the opening of the reinforcing component of the container main body is capped by the capping means, allowing the opening to be capped in an air-tight manner with a lid member while virtually all of the air inside the container main body is evacuated, and preventing air from being left over in the container main body so as to prevent hardening, curing and deterioration in the quality of the viscous material that can be caused by such remaining air.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage is conveyed from a source to a closed reservoir at a first pressure level. The pressure in the reservoir is controlled by selectively venting gas and adding pressurized gas to the reservoir to maintain the carbonated beverage at a second pressure level that is less than the first pressure level and substantially greater than atmospheric pressure. The carbonated beverage is dispensed from the reservoir into a serving container by reducing the pressure in the reservoir to substantially atmospheric pressure and then opening an outlet valve. During prolonged periods when dispensing is not occurring, the pressure in the reservoir may be increased to prevent degassing of the carbonated beverage. In that case, the reservoir pressure is reduced to the second pressure level before another dispensing operation.

Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling the flow of a particulate material through a conduit and comprises a bladder mounted within the conduit that is inflatable between a first, deflated state and a second, inflated state. In its first, deflated state the bladder allows the particulate material to flow freely through the conduit, and in its second, inflated state the conduit is substantially blocked by the inflated bladder and no particulate material may pass. An alternate embodiment of an exteriorly mounted control mechanism comprises a stopper that is moved between a first, open position away from an open end of the conduit and a second, closed position in which the stopper is in sealing contact with end of the conduit.

Abstract: A filling apparatus may include a conveyor for transporting the vials in an aseptic zone and a vial filler including a dispenser, for example, a filling needle, connected to a fluid supply. The vial filler may be disposed in the aseptic zone. The apparatus may also comprise a drive disposed in a non-aseptic zone, operatively connected to the vial filler, and configured to move the dispenser into and out of filling engagement with the vials being transported. The vial filler may further include a valve, for example, a pinch valve, disposed in the aseptic zone proximate the dispenser and movable with the dispenser for controlling the fluid flow through the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for filling a container main body at least whose drum body is made of a flexible film, with a viscous material. A viscous material is charged by the charging means into container main bodies conveyed by the container conveying means, the drum body of the container main body is pressed by the pressing means to cause the surface of the viscous material to bulge, and the opening of the reinforcing component of the container main body is capped by the capping means, allowing the opening to be capped in an air-tight manner with a lid member while virtually all of the air inside the container main body is evacuated, and preventing air from being left over in the container main body so as to prevent hardening, curing and deterioration in the quality of the viscous material that can be caused by such remaining air.

Abstract: A nozzle for use with an apparatus for inserting toothpaste having a plurality of materials into a toothpaste container. The nozzle includes a first hollow member for receiving a first material, and a second hollow member arranged inside the first hollow member for receiving a second material. The first and second hollow members enable the first and second materials to be inserted into the toothpaste container such that. one of the first and second materials is arranged inside the other of the first and second materials when the toothpaste is dispensed from the toothpaste container.

Abstract: A container that is filled from one end with mortar includes a flexible tube at the other end that is elongated in cross section and open at one end. A shoulder on the container is spaced from the opening about the distance of the height of an opening between facing surfaces of adjacent masonry units that is to be filled with the mortar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing carbonated beverages into an open container uses a bottom filling technique in which the outlet port of the nozzle is proximate to a bottom of the open container when dispensing is initiated. The carbonated beverage is maintained in a pressurized state within the nozzle and the remainder of the system, until immediately prior to opening a valve to dispense the carbonated beverage into the open container. Prior to opening valve, the pressure of the carbonated beverage nozzle is reduced to an appropriate dispensing pressure, preferably slightly above atmospheric pressure, by slightly enlarging the nozzle volume.

Abstract: An automated precision liquid metering apparatus using injectors as metering devices is provided. The apparatus mainly includes a plurality of storage containers uniformly spaced on a plane in multiple rows. Each storage container is sealed with a cap and has a loadstone disposed therein. A stirring means is located below the storage containers to cause the loadstones rotate and thereby evenly stir liquid in the storage containers. The cap of each storage container has at least one injector extended therethrough. A liquid sucking-releasing means mounted on a traveling means could be shifted to locate above a selected storage container under control of a control means. When the liquid sucking-releasing means is descended, it grabs the injector on the selected storage container, and when the same means is ascended, it causes the injector to suck in an amount of liquid from the selected storage container while extracting the same injector from the selected storage container.

Abstract: A loader for filling tank-shaped containers (1) with bulk material, which includes at least one loading nozzle (2), at least one loading bellows (3), in one piece or several pieces, connecting to the said loading nozzle (2) and at least one adjustment element (4) whose purpose is to adjust the said loading nozzle (2) vertically, horizontally or transversally, whereby the contact area of the said loading nozzle (2) that can be brought to connect with the loading opening takes the form substantially of a pneumatically or hydraulically inflatable seal collar (9) and the said loading bellows (3) is connected directly or indirectly to a device (5) whose purpose is to stretch the walls of the said loading bellows (3) and whereby the said loader includes or does not include a filter unit (12) whose purpose is to filter the gaseous medium forced out of the said tank-shaped container (1) through the bulk material and includes or does not include an outgoing air recirculation system (16) for recirculating the gaseous m

Abstract: A pressurized system for dispensing carbonated beverages into an open container uses a bottom filling technique in which the outlet port of the nozzle is proximate to a bottom of the open container when dispensing is initiated. The carbonated beverage is maintained in a pressurized state within the nozzle and the remainder of the system, until immediately prior to opening a valve to dispense the carbonated beverage into the open container. Prior to opening valve, the pressure of the carbonated beverage nozzle is reduced to an appropriate dispensing pressure, preferably slightly above atmospheric pressure. The system also precisely controls the temperature of the carbonated beverage, preferably using an in-line zero&Dgr;T chiller. In addition, specialized valve configurations and operation techniques, as well as container positioning techniques, are implemented in order to achieve a desired presentation of the carbonated beverage in the open container.

Abstract: An automated open container holder automatically raises and lowers an open container in a carbonated beverage dispensing system. The holder is preferably a cantilevered horizontal platform which is driven vertically relative to an outlet port of a dispensing nozzle via an electronically controlled actuator during the dispensing cycle. The dispensing nozzle is designed to bottom fill the open container, and it is desirable that the outlet port of the nozzle be located proximate to a bottom of the open container at least until the outlet port is submerged. The container holder as well as the open container are selectively positioned in accordance with a preselected pouring profile such that for a given dispensing temperature, pressure and flow profile, the container holder selectively positions the open container. This allows the vendor or supplier to program a preferred or several preferred presentations for the beverage depending on the timing of preselected turbulence during the pour.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispensing fluids are provided, including a method of dispensing a fluid into an elongated chamber having a bottom that is at least partially closed. The method includes (a) inserting a dispensing tube into the chamber until a delivery end of the tube is adjacent the bottom of the chamber; (b) dispensing a predetermined quantity of the fluid through the delivery end into the chamber; and (c) moving the delivery end away from the bottom of the chamber, during dispensing, at a rate that maintains the delivery end on the surface of the fluid in the chamber throughout dispensing.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for filling a volatile liquid into at least one tank (10) of a multi-tank installation having a vent-pipe (11A, 11B . . . 11F) associated with each tank, all of the vent-pipes being connected to a common vent manifold (13) through respective over-pressure valves (12A, 12B . . . 12F). A vapor extraction manifold (16) is also connected to each over-pressure valve (12A, 12B . . . 12F) and during a tank filling operation is coupled to a vapor extraction mechanism. Both the vent manifold (13) and the extraction manifold (16) are provided with pressure sensitive valves (15, 19) respectively to allow air to enter the manifolds from the ambient when the pressure within the respective manifold falls below atmospheric.

Abstract: A cover of a powder loading device prevents the escape of loose powder when the powder is transferred from a storage container of a plant to a receiving container. A blower inside the cover moves air from the outside, under the cover, a filter, and returns the filtered air to the outside. A backwash device is operated periodically to remove the filtered powder from the filter into the receiving container. The powder is delivered storage container to the receiving container through a retractable loading chute. A powder detection switch within the retractable loading chute determines when the receiving container is full and stops the transfer of powder. The result is a powder loading device which maximizes dust collection and minimizes lost loose powder. The powder loading device adapts to various plant and receiving container sizes.

Abstract: Apparatus having a let-down tube for dust free gravity transfer of bulk solids between upper and lower containers. A spool engageable with a discharge opening on the upper container has a lower end for slidably receiving an end of the let-down tube, the other end of which falls into the lower container. As solids flow from the upper to the lower container through the tube, the tube is progressively drawn up over the lower end of the spool, then longitudinally cut into sheets which are separately rolled up. The let-down tube permits transfer of the solids without demixing or aeration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a process for filling containers closed off at one end, in particular folded carton packings, with a liquid, comprising at least one transport device for moving the container (1), a storage container (5) for holding the liquid, and at least one filling head (2) connected to the storage container (5) and able to be closed off by a filling valve; the said filling head (2) being vertically movable in relation to the container (1) and being able to be lowered into this container (1).

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 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: An arrangement and a method for filling containers with a liquid which tends to form foam, in which the container and the filling nozzle are positioned in relation to each other in such a way that the impact of the stream of liquid pouring out of the filling nozzle is reduced. The liquid stream guided through the filling opening of the container lid is directed preferably against the inner sleeve surface of the container.

Abstract: The use of unitary liquid fuel storage chambers provides advantages in the manufacturing and assembly of inflators for use in airbag passive restraint systems. A unique process of injecting liquid fuel through a conduit which is controlled to discharge the liquid fuel beneath the rising surface of the liquid fuel in the container and then sealing the storage chamber with a unique stopper provides consistently accurately filled unitary fuel containing storage chambers. The filled and sealed unitary storage chambers can then be either stored or assembled into an inflator. The assembly of the inflator can be at a location separate from that at which the storage container is loaded with fuel, whereby the relatively hazardous loading and handling of liquid fuels can be separated from the inflator assembly area.

Abstract: A filling system for filling a container through an open end thereof is set forth. The filling system comprises a fill-pipe having an inlet for receiving a liquid product and an outlet through which the liquid product can be dispensed into the open end of the container when the container is disposed below the outlet. A valve sealing member is disposed within the fill-pipe. The valve sealing member comprises a body portion and a closure portion. The closure portion is dimensioned to seal the outlet of the fill-pipe. An actuator is employed for moving the valve sealing member between a first position in which the closure portion seals the outlet of the fill-pipe and a second position in which the valve sealing member is extended from the outlet of the fill-pipe and into the interior of the container to cause the closure portion to disengage from the outlet.

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 rotation driving system drives unitedly and rotatably sprinkle rotors, which the disk sprinkle rotors having plural partitive members extending in predetermined distances in a radial direction to the rotating axis are arranged in multistage state with a predetermined distance in a longitudinal direction. In the aforementioned state, by supplying the catalyst to the center of the sprinkle rotor, the catalyst is fed into a reaction tank while releasing in a radial direction of the sprinkle rotor. When the catalyst is fed, a rotation frequency of the sprinkle rotor is defined to be a speed constituent in a radial direction of over zero when the catalyst settles down and to be periodically changed between a maximum rotation frequency and a minimum rotation frequency.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling drums and other containers with a lilquid product. The apparatus can be used for both subsurface and top filling operations. The level of the liquid in the container is monitored to prevent overfilling and withdrawal of the lance at an incorrect speed during a subsurface filling operation. A self closing cap is provided at the lower end of the lance, and a drip catcher is automatically moved into position beneath the lance when it is withdrawn from the container.