Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to dispensing beverages from a beverage dispensing machine and include determining, from computer-readable media, pour parameters for a beverage of a plurality of beverages, the pour parameters being specific to the beverage, at least one pour parameter including a tilt value, and automatically, by the beverage dispensing machine: rotating a drum that holds a vessel to achieve the tilt value, initiating dispensing of the beverage into the vessel from a tap, automatically rotating the drum to reduce the tilt value of the vessel during dispensing of the beverage, and ceasing dispensing of the beverage into the vessel from the tap, the tilt value being substantially zero upon ceasing.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to dispensing beverages from a beverage dispensing machine and include determining, from computer-readable media, pour parameters for a beverage of a plurality of beverages, the pour parameters being specific to the beverage, at least one pour parameter including a tilt value, and automatically, by the beverage dispensing machine: rotating a drum that holds a vessel to achieve the tilt value, initiating dispensing of the beverage into the vessel from a tap, automatically rotating the drum to reduce the tilt value of the vessel during dispensing of the beverage, and ceasing dispensing of the beverage into the vessel from the tap, the tilt value being substantially zero upon ceasing.

Abstract: An assembly for forming a microchamber for an inverted substrate is disclosed. The assembly can include a body having a chamber formed therein. A dispensing cavity can be provided to supply a reagent to the chamber. A slide support structure can be configured to support the slide such that the tissue sample faces the chamber when the slide is mounted to the slide support structure. The chamber and the slide support structure can be dimensioned such that, when the reagent is supplied to the dispensing cavity, the reagent is drawn to the chamber by way of capillary forces acting on the reagent.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing an aerosol precursor composition for use with aerosol delivery devices. The machine may include a plurality of sources of dispensable, liquid aerosol precursor components. The plurality of sources may differ in the liquid aerosol precursor components being dispensable therefrom. The machine may include a user interface configured to allow a user to select an amount of the liquid aerosol precursor components for dispensing. The machine may also include a dispenser for dispensing the aerosol precursor components in response to the selection made on the user interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and storing urine comprises a collecting funnel and collection tank. The funnel has a valve that opens flow of urine begins and closes once the flow stops based on a flow sensor. The flow time of urine is recorded and used to regulate the evacuation and inert gas filling of a head space in the collection container once the urine is collected. The inert gas protects the urine from oxidation so that degradation is minimized while in the collection container. A similar control can be exercised when a bottle is filled with urine from the collection container, wherein head space in the bottle is filled with inert gas for oxidation protection to form a finished package. The head space of finished package can be evacuated to minimize degradation of the urine once the urine is accessed an initial time in the finished package.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for systems and methods to dynamically filling inoculations in proper quantities. Embodiments are directed towards a multi-dose prefilled reconstituted device (MPRD) that is configured to automatically prepare a plurality of vials for inoculations quickly and accurately, wherein the MPRD is a transportable device that may be moved from a laboratory environment to a field environment and/or a clinical environment.

Abstract: A filling element for filling systems for filling bottles or similar containers (2) with a hot liquid product, comprising a liquid channel (14, 15), which is formed in the filling element (1), has a filling valve (9) and forms at least one discharge opening, via which, by controlled opening and closing of the liquid valve (9), the liquid product can be introduced into the respective container (2) that has been raised towards the filling element (1) in a lifting movement, and comprising at least one flow path (16, 17, 18), which is formed in the liquid valve (1) and, for heating the filling element (1), can be connected to a hot circulation of the liquid product, characterized in that control means (5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling system for filling bottles, cans, or similar containers (2) with a liquid filling good, comprising at least one filling element (1, 1a) having at least one dispensing opening (7) for introducing the filling good into the particular container (2) in a controlled manner, means (10) for retaining and pressing the particular container (2) having a container opening (2.1) in a sealing position against the filling element (1, 1a) in the area of the dispensing opening (7), at least one pneumatic device (15.1, 16.1, 19) for producing at least one component of the press-on force, which pneumatic device can be exposed to the pressure (P1) of a gaseous and/or vaporous operating medium. In order to change and/or set the press-on force, a second component of said force is produced by a further hydraulic or pneumatic device (15.2, 16.

Abstract: An ice supply system delivers a product to a product engagement device having at least one product engagement jaw, and a discharge tube. An engaged product is delivered at an outlet of the tube. The ice supply system includes a sensor disposed in communication with a product stream to detect the product at a sensor elevation, and communicate the presence of product to a controller. The ice supply system further includes a product receptacle for receiving the engaged product. The product receptacle may be mobile or have an elevation adjustment, thereby providing the ability to create a product pile of a predetermined height beneath the discharge tube. In this configuration, the controller ceases the flow of product when the pile height reaches the sensor disposed in the discharge tube. Alternatively, the ice supply system includes a diverter to toggle between first and second flowpaths, thereby delivering engaged and non-engaged product.

Abstract: A method of selecting pipetting parameters of a pipetting device for dispensing or pipetting a specific volume of a liquid sample, includes a fluid column of a fluid chamber of the pipetting device set into oscillation at the beginning of the aspiration, the pressure is monitored with the pressure transducer in the fluid chamber, and the pressure changes generated during aspiration into measuring signals are recorded. These measuring signals are processed by a computer or micro-processor and reproduced as a pressure curve, which is characteristic for the fluid column with the aspirated liquid sample, and which is compared with known pressure curves. Based on this comparison, pipetting parameters of the pipetting device are selected for the dispense or for pipetting a specific volume of the liquid sample. Selectable pipetting parameters include a speed of a movement of a pump piston of the pipetting device.

Abstract: A device for preparing drinks, in particular, cooled drinks. Also disclosed is a multi-way coupling for use in a device for cooling drinks and a method for cleaning a device for preparing drinks.

Abstract: A filler valve unit (1) for feeding a preset amount of filling liquid (3) into a container (6) having an outlet (4) for feeding out filling liquid and an outlet (11) for injecting gaseous fluid. The filler valve unit (1) comprises at least one stop element (14) forming a stroke limiter acting on the container (6). According to the invention, the stop element (14) is mobile and moves between at least two operating positions consisting of a first operating position wherein the stop element holds the mouth (5) of a container (6) at a preset distance from the outlet (4) and a second operating position wherein the stop element (14) holds the mouth (5) of the container (6) at a distance from the outlet (4) which is less than the preset distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for classifying a liquid (1) in a known pipetting system for this liquid (1), the method being characterized in that the changes of a selected, measurable, and physically founded virtual parameter are detected as a data set typical for this liquid (1); this typical data set of the selected virtual parameter is compared to corresponding data sets of known liquids, and the liquid (1) is classified on the basis of this comparison. An especially preferred method and a device for classifying a liquid (1) relate to a device which comprises a fluid chamber (2), to which a measuring chamber (3) is connected, whose internal pressure is monitored using a pressure transducer (4). At least a first part (5) of this fluid chamber (2) may be brought into fluid connection with a sample (6) of this liquid (1).

Abstract: An automated dispenser for radiopharmaceuticals is mainly for a platform to have a moving mechanism being able to move three-dimensionally back and forth, a syringe holder and a bottle holder. The syringe holder is for holding a plural number of syringes. The bottle holder has a reverse drug bottle. The moving mechanism has a syringe clamp rotatable around a horizontal axis and a syringe driving mechanism. The syringe clamp is activated to hold a syringe and move it to where the syringe needle is inserted to the drug bottle. The syringe driving mechanism and the syringe clamp are simultaneously associated with the syringe for drug-withdrawing action.

Abstract: An automated apparatus that sterilizes and refills beverage containers with filtered water and any number of additives or ingredients such as nutrients, health supplements, caffeine, flavorings, vitamins, sweeteners, coloring agents, medicines, etc. The apparatus allows consumers, including home consumers, to produce, customize and “bottle” their own flavored and fortified filtered water.

Abstract: A filling machine assembly having supports for supporting any suitable fixture. At least one of the supports includes a plurality of modules with each of the modules including at least one coupling member for interlocking adjoining modules to form a continuous uninterrupted support. The modules can include sides with at least one coupling member mounted to each side. The coupling members are preferably complementary in configuration with each other for interlocking the first and second modules.

Abstract: A filling machine assembly having supports for supporting any suitable fixture. At least one of the supports includes a plurality of modules with each of the modules including at least one coupling member for interlocking adjoining modules to form a continuous uninterrupted support. The modules can include sides with at least one coupling member mounted to each side. The coupling members are preferably complementary in configuration with each other for interlocking the first and second modules.

Abstract: A hazardous material transfer system for the transfer of waste from a containment cell through a transfer port to a storage vessel. A port door in the containment cell is movable between a open and closed positions relative to the transfer port. The port door has a closure face with a first connector set. A storage vessel sealed by a storage vessel cover is provided for receipt of waste transferred through the port. The cover has an outside face that carries a second connector set that interlocks with the first connector set on the port door. The inside face of the vessel cover has a third connector set. A fourth connector set is located on the storage vessel and mates with the third connector set to lock and seal the cover to the vessel. The connector sets are the variety that engage and disengage upon rotational motion.

Abstract: A flexible container has a container body with container walls that define a container interior. A container socket is connected to the container body and has a container opening through which the container interior is filled. Carrying loops are connected to the container body for lifting the container. The container socket has an initial retracted position in the container interior and is transferable from the initial retracted position into an upright filling position. The container socket is at least partially comprised of an elastically expandable material. The flexible container is filled by inserting into the container socket a filling tube, contacting with the filling tube the container socket in the initial retracted position, and transferring the container socket to the upright filling position and keeping the container socket secured on the filling tube in the upright filling position. The bulk material is introduced through the filling tube into the flexible container.

Abstract: A system for processing a simplified plastic container (C) that is to be filled with a hot product includes the step of blow-molding parison to form a container body, where the container body has a neck, a base, a side surface relatively free of structural geometry that surrounds an interior of the container body and, prior to being filled with the hot product, a projection (12) extending from the container body. After the container body is filled with a hot product in a production line, the neck of the filled container body is capped with a cap and then, the container body is cooled. During the cooling operation, the hot product is contracted so that the projection extending from the container can be pushed (P) into the container body like a traditional push-up so that the resultant, filled and cooled container body is relatively free of structural geometry.

Abstract: A resin filling apparatus, a filling method, and a method of manufacturing an electronic device fill a cavity between a substrate and an electronic component mounted on the substrate with resin. The resin filling apparatus includes a stage for supporting the substrate in an inclined state, and an application head for filling the cavity with resin from a lower side of the inclined substrate.

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 liquid filling apparatus includes a discharge head having a cavity for storing liquid, a nozzle communicated with the cavity, and a discharge device for discharging liquid stored in the cavity through the nozzle. In addition, the apparatus includes a liquid supply section which supplies the liquid to the nozzle of the discharge head by contacting the liquid with the nozzle, and a suction device connected to a cavity side of the discharge head, which draws liquid supplied from the liquid supply section to inside the cavity, by suction from the nozzle via the cavity.

Abstract: Methods for filing tubes having inner and outer tubes separated by a predetermined gap are provided including delivering the tube to a tube filling station, filling the predetermined gap at the tube filling station by centering the outer tube with respect to an elongated nozzle including a plurality of filling pipes corresponding to the predetermined gap and a mandrel for insertion into the inner tube by means of a centering sleeve disposed externally around the elongated nozzle to provide the outer tube with a nominal cross sectional shape and centering the inner tube with respect to the elongated nozzle by means of the mandrel disposed within the inner tube to provide the inner tube with its nominal cross sectional shape, positioning the elongated nozzle proximate to a common tube shoulder at the first end of the tube connecting the inner tube to the outer tube, filling the predetermined gap with the plurality of filling tubes while guiding the elongated nozzle out of the second end of the tube while retain

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: 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 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: An automated pharmaceutical package machine fills a product package filling guide positioned above a solid pharmaceutical product package having a plurality of cavities corresponding to positions of the filling guide. The automatic filling machine includes a mechanism for vertically displacing the product package to be filled toward the filling guide. Various guide members or plates are utilized in order to pre-fill filling templates so that each of the cavities of a product package may be simultaneously filled.

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 control method for discharging particles and an apparatus executing the method are disclosed. The control method includes steps of passing particles through a particles-supplying path connected to a supplying section of the particles at one end of it, and having a delivery opening for discharging the particles at the other end of it and controlling to form a cover consisting of at least a part of the particles by changing a density of at least a part of the particles existing in the particles-supplying path so as not to discharge the particles from the delivery opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging pressurized aerosol cans with liquid is provided having a base for providing mechanical stability, a can support assembly for supporting an aerosol can being filled with liquid, and a can charging assembly having a can receiving element and including a liquid reservoir having a tapered bottom in fluid communication with a pump rod receiving aperture for receiving a main piston pump rod. The main piston pump rod has a linearly elongated shaft terminating at its lower end in a radially expanded head and a sealing ring receiving slot into which a pliable sealing ring is recessed.

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 machine and method for filling bags with liquid through spouts attached to the bags, wherein a piston within a filling head that operates to control flow of the liquid from the filling head is also extended out of the filling head and into the spout, after the bag is filled, in order to push remaining material from the spout and through is bottom opening into the bag. The spout bottom opening is then closed, after which any remaining material adhering to the walls inside the spout and surfaces of the filling head are cleaned by forming a chamber between them through which a cleaning fluid is passed. This machine and method are particularly useful when filling bags with highly viscous and/or sticky liquids, such as thick food products. They avoid a result of having either to distribute messy bags of product with material remaining adhered to the outside of the spout and/or bag, or to first remove this material by an additional cleaning step.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging pressurized aerosol cans with liquid is provided having a base for providing mechanical stability, a can support assembly for supporting an aerosol can being filled with liquid, and a can charging assembly having a can receiving element and including a liquid reservoir having a tapered bottom in fluid communication with a pump rod receiving aperture for receiving a main piston pump rod. The main piston pump rod has a linearly elongated shaft terminating at its lower end in a radially expanded head and a sealing ring receiving slot into which a pliable sealing ring is recessed.

Abstract: A filling system for filling soup into gable top cartons is disclosed wherein the dripping of soup from the fill tube is substantially diminished by the present invention. The filling system includes a product tank, a knife-gate valve, a pump mechanism, a fill tube with a circumferential recessed area, and a sealing cone with a cutting edge. The cutting edge of the sealing cone prevents particulates from interfering with the sealing of the fill tube by the sealing cone. The knife-gate valve prevents the flow of product from the product tank during filling of a carton. The product tank may have an agitating means for evenly distributing the particulates throughout the soup.

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

Abstract: 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: 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 milk sampling device is provided with a removable cassette in which milk sample collecting elements can be placed, and at least one filling member capable of being placed successively above various collecting elements. Said filling member is capable of introducing milk samples, taken from milk from an automatic milking machine, into the collecting elements. There is provided a guide supporting at least one filling member, which guide is designed so that the filling member is moved, by increasing the distance between the guide and the cassette and by subsequently decreasing said distance, from a position above a collecting element to an adjacent position above an adjacent collecting element. In particular, the milk sampling device is appropriate for an apparatus that automatically connects teat cups to the teats of an animal, automatically milks the animal and thereafter automatically disconnects the teat cups from the animal's teats.

Abstract: A filling system is set fort that assists in maintaining the hygienic nature of the filling process. The filling system includes a fill pipe having an inlet for receiving a liquid product and an outlet overlying a container path along which the containers are successively transported for filling beneath the fill pipe. A drip-prevention structure is disposed about the outlet end of the fill pipe and includes a downwardly directed honed edge. The filling system further includes an umbrella valve assembly. The umbrella valve assembly comprises a linear actuator, an umbrella valve cone disposed proximate the outlet end of the fill pipe, and a valve rod disposed in the fill pipe between the linear actuator and the valve cone. The linear actuator is connected to move the valve rod and umbrella valve cone between a first position in which product is prevented from exiting the fill pipe and a second position that allows product to flow from the outlet of the fill pipe.

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 dummy bottle having a duct through which a flushing fluid flows when the dummy bottle is sealingly coupled with a tap. The dummy bottle is actuated during the flushing cycle of a filling machine used in a bottling plant. Whether in a rest position or in an active position, the dummy bottle is positioned higher than a corresponding neck supporting element in the filling machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the proper shape and orientation of a carton with respect to a fill pipe of a liquid packaging machine during a liquid-filling operation. The apparatus, internal carton guides attached to a fill pipe, are elongated fin-shaped members which are adapted to engage opposite corners of a carton. The internal container guides include tapered lowered edges which gradually direct the corners of the carton to the outermost edges of the guides. The uppermost edges of the internal container guides include stop members which serve to engage the top edge of the container and inhibit any further upward movement. The internal container guides securely maintain the container in a stable and properly-oriented position throughout the liquid-filling operation.

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: A fluid delivery device which delivers microliter and sub-microliter volumes by means of a reciprocating force mechanism requires no capillary contact between the delivery system and work surface. Furthermore, a built-in vacuum-based rinse station permits the user to dispense a variety of fluids while avoiding complex and time consuming changes to the fluid delivery system.

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.