Abstract: Methods and apparatus prevent breakage of a catalyst particle and evenly fill the catalyst into tubes to an optimum density. A loading tool comprises a plurality of damper members extending from a centerline of the tube in at least one radial direction but in every case, having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tube. For example, in one embodiment the damper members are shaped in a “Z”-like formation with each having a different rotational orientation than the adjacent one above or below it. The Z formations can be horizontally arranged along a central member or can be formed vertically in a unitary fashion from a single, stiffened member. In another embodiment, the dampers are formed into spiral or helical shapes that increase or decrease in diameter along the length of the tube.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for dosing powdery or granulated materials in capsules, or the like. The apparatus comprises an engine associated with a transducer controlling chuting means. The engine imparts to the chuting means movements which are proportional to an electric signal controlled by an electronic control unit. The movements of the chuting means, together with the regulation of the spatial position assumed by the chuting means, are such to accurately dose the powdery or granulated material in the bases of the capsules.

Abstract: A loader device for a hopper-fed processing machine has a top plate pivotally secured to a bottom plate. The plates are attached between the processing equipment throat and the material hopper, or vacuum receiver/reservoir. As the top plate pivots upon the other, ports that extend through the plates control the flow of material from the hopper into the throat of the machine. The pivot design, a purge funnel, and a drain tube are additional features that save time, labor, and make switching of processing material quick and convenient without the use of tools.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary container-filling machine comprising a rotary annular tank for storing the filling product, a number of filling stations, each filling station comprising a filling spout connected to the annular tank and metering means, said metering means comprising a valve system positioned in the region of the filling spout and valve control means mounted in the upper part of the annular tank to open and close the valve system, using control cables extending towards the hollow central region of the annular tank and annular tank supply means comprising at least one fixed feed tube positioned between the valve control means of the filling stations and the exterior side wall of the annular tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to dispensing devices for drinks or similar dosable liquid foodstuffs, e.g. coffee, milk or soft drinks, comprising manually actuatable selector switches for determining the type and quantity of the foodstuff to be dispensed. The aim of the invention is to simplify the use of one such dispensing device. To this end, said device is provided with an identification device for identifying different types of containers for receiving the foodstuff with subsequent consumption from the container, and for emitting an identification signal describing the container. The dispensing device is also provided with a valve device which, on the basis of the identification signal, connects at least one of a plurality of supply devices for supplying a defined foodstuff or a mixture of defined foodstuffs by means of a filling device, and fills the container with a predetermined quantity of the defined foodstuff or the mixture thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming a transportable container of bulk goods begins by placing the distributing end of a hopper over the open top of a bunched bag. Bulk goods are dispensed from the distributing end of the hopper through the open top of the bag to establish a level of bulk goods in the bag. The hopper moves vertically relative to the closed base of the bag during the dispensing of bulk goods from the distributing end of the hopper to maintain vertical spacing between the distributing end of the hopper and the level of bulk goods in the bag. A hopper fill level is maintained in the hopper during the dispensing of bulk goods from the hopper. An outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag while filling the bag to form the transportable container. The outer wrap is maintained near the level of bulk goods in the bag.

Abstract: A water cooler assembly and/or liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, having various, alternative features including: a bottom load water cooler, including such a cooler with a door stop mechanism; an adjustable drip tray assembly; a leak stop mechanism; an adjustable bottle interface accommodating dimensional variations in water bottles; an instaboil feature; and programmable dispensing and visual display modes.

Abstract: On a continuous machine for filling containers with at least one product, each container is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device, which withdraws the product from a tank, feeds the withdrawn product into the container, and has a piston and a cylinder movable axially with respect to each other; and a lock device provides for selectively locking the pistons and relative cylinders.

Abstract: A general-purpose fluid injecting device is provided that can be used if an air bag is accommodated in a box of a different height. A fluid injecting device is provided that injects a fluid into an air bag through a nozzle projecting from a box the air bag being housed in the box. The device includes a detection apparatus for detecting a height position of the nozzle and a control apparatus for varying the height position of fluid injecting device in accordance with the detection.

Abstract: A method for filling vias, and in particular initially blind vias, in a wafer, and various apparatus for performing the method, comprising evacuating air from the vias; trapping at least a portion of the wafer and a paste for filling the vias between two surfaces; and pressurizing the paste to fill the vias.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, including a dispenser for dispensing liquid such as water to a user. A liquid container is located below the dispenser and removably attachable to a pivoting cradle engaging the liquid container. The cradle may be pivoted about an axis located adjacent an exit location for liquid within the liquid container. A filling device may be located below the liquid container for removably engaging the liquid container in fluid communication.

Abstract: A purified water filtration, storage and vend system has a distributed housing design with a main unit having a filtration module, a storage tank, and a vend station. A slave unit has a storage tank and a vend station. A retractable nozzle assembly feeds each vend station purified water. The nozzle is mounted in a housing with an ozone chamber at its base. A sled in the housing is powered by a single actuator. When the actuator arm moves down, it moves a linkage to open a shutter at the base of the housing and simultaneously extends the nozzle through the open shutter.

Abstract: A dispensing device dispenses drinks or similar dosable liquid foodstuffs, especially coffee, milk, soft drinks or soups. The dispensing device includes an identification device for identifying a vertical height of a container for receiving the foodstuff and for emitting a height signal, a filling device which can be arranged in such a way that the height thereof can be adjusted in relation to the container, and a control device which sets the filling device to a pre-controllable filling level in relation to the container, on the basis of the height signal, before the foodstuff is introduced into the container. In this way, a container can be filled in an optimum manner without spilling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco rod of a smoking product, wherein the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the tobacco rod is formed.

Abstract: The container carrier serves to hold containers for fluid samples. For the transport of the sample containers, the container carrier, which is directly but detachably connected with a cover part during the dispensation of fluid samples into the sample containers, is separated from the cover part, with the sample containers remaining in the container carrier in transport. A transport cap is provided for closing the container carrier in transport, particularly in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: In an apparatus for filling a blister band with products, two or more work units are carried by relative carriages and have hoppers fed with different kinds of products. The products are then supplied to discharge conduits leading to the blisters of the band. Strips are fastened to lower ends of the discharge conduits and match with the upper surface of the blister band. The carriages are operated in a to-and-fro motion, so as to center, the lower ends of the discharge conduits with respect to the blisters, and to maintain this centering for a prefixed time. The holes remain coaxial to the lower ends of the conduits, situated above, to allow passage of one product from each discharge conduit to a blister.

Abstract: A hermetic container and coupling system for transferring granular material from a first container to a second container, the latter being typically an applicator. The first container includes a neck and a base opposite to the former. The base includes through openings that cooperate with a cable passed therethrough for supporting the first container. A nozzle assembly includes an inlet removably connected to the neck and an outlet hat is selectively closed with a removable plug. A cover assembly is selectively and removably mounted to the first container covering the nozzle assembly. A flexible conduit is removably connected to the outlet, at one end, and the other end includes a regulating valve that is actuated from the outside. The other end is removably connected to the second container so that the transfer of the granular material can be accomplished without spillage and the contents are kept hermetically isolated from the outside.

Abstract: A device for dosed allocation of a flowable material component with at least one supply container for receiving the material component has an outlet and an associated removal device having an inlet via which the material component can be removed from the supply container in dosed charges by a screw and a controllable drive. The supply container and the removal device can be moved relative to each other to connect the outlet of the supply container to the inlet of the removal. The screw is disposed, without drive, in the region of the outlet of each supply container and comprises an outlet-side coupling means. The controllable drive is disposed in the region of the inlet of the removal device and comprises a drive shaft with a terminal coupling which can be connected to a coupling of the screw for secure mutual rotation therewith. A supply container and a removal means for such a device as well as container scales with a removal means of the above-mentioned type are also proposed.

Abstract: A system of the type wherein LNG from a tanker (30) is offloaded to a moored vessel (16), which has a regas unit (36) which heats the LNG to transform it into gaseous hydrocarbons, and which has a pump unit (38) that pumps the gaseous hydrocarbons to a consumer (46) such as an onshore gas distribution facility. The system is constructed to enable more rapid tanker unloading so the tanker is released earlier to sail back to a pickup location. The moored vessel has a thermally insulated LNG storage facility such as LNG tanks (100), with a capacity to store all LNG not regassed during offloading of the tanker. The regas unit has sufficient capacity to regas all LNG received in one tanker load, before the tanker returns with another load of LNG.

Abstract: A resealable cap (110, 210) for a medicament vial (114, 214) has a base portion (112, 212) formed of vulcanized rubber or like material known for providing a stable environment for the medicament contained within the vial, and a resealable portion (126, 226) overlying the base portion. The resealable portion (126, 226) is made of low-density polyethylene or like material, and can be punctured by a needle or like injection member (140, 282) for dispensing medicament into the vial (114, 214). Prior to filling, the cap (110, 210) is assembled to the vial (114, 214) and the cap/vial assembly is sterilized. Then, a needle (140, 282) is inserted through the cap (110, 210) and medicament is introduced through the needle and into the vial. Upon withdrawal of the needle (140, 282), the penetrated region of the cap (248) is fused by laser (276) or direct heat sealing (264) to hermetically seal the needle hole (294) in the cap.

Abstract: A system is described for offloading LNG (liquified natural gas) from a tanker for eventual delivery to an onshore gas distribution station. The system includes a floating structure that floats at the sea surface and that is connected to the tanker so they weathervane together. The floating structure carries a regas unit that heats the LNG to produce gas, and delivers the gas through a riser to an underground cavern that stores the gas. Gas from the cavern is delivered through a seafloor pipeline to an onshore gas distribution station. The regas unit includes water pumps and other equipment that is powered by electricity. The electricity can be obtained from an electric generator on the floating structure, with surplus electricity delivered through a sea floor electric power line that extends along the sea floor to an onshore electricity distribution facility.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing protein-containing materials, such as, for example, pastes, gels, lipidic cubic phases, lipidic mesophases, and mixtures of the foregoing into containers, e.g., wells of assay trays. The invention further provides a method for preparing the aforementioned containers for various experiments involving soluble proteins or membrane proteins or both types of proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes (a) a gel dispenser assembly for dispensing small quantities of gels; (b) a pipette probe for dispensing fluids; (c) an actuator for moving the gel dispenser assembly vertically relative to the pipette probe; (d) a liquid-handling robot having a robot arm for moving the pipette probe and the gel dispenser assembly vertically and horizontally relative to containers, e.g.

Abstract: There is provided a method of transferring a defined quantity of powder comprising compacting a target area of powder; dipping a tube into the compacted target area of powder to fill the tube with a defined volume of powder; and transferring the defined volume of powder from the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering powdered filling material has a filling material container whose bottom is provided with bores which cooperate with tamping plungers and transfer plungers. Underneath the bottom is a stop ring which functions as a counter support for the tamping plungers. To prevent powder losses from the bottom the filling material container is axially movable in such a way that it can be pressed against the stop ring during the downward motion of the tamping plungers. This is achieved by means of hold-down elements which can be moved synchronously with the tamping plungers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a powder filling method in which powder is filled in a powder box having a discharging port at its bottom segment, the powder box is moved over a cavity to be targeted while being slid on a die plate, thereafter the powder in the powder box is dropped into the cavity by its own gravitational force and filled there, wherein the powder in the powder box is applied with a mechanical agitation when the powder in the powder box is at least dropped into the cavity in the powder filling method for filling the powder in the powder box while being dropped at least into the cavity.

Abstract: A resealable cap for a medicament vial has a base portion formed of vulcanized rubber or like material known for providing a stable environment for the medicament contained within the vial, and a resealable portion overlying the base portion. The resealable portion is made of low-density polyethylene or like material, and can be punctured by a needle or like injection member for dispensing medicament into the vial. Prior to filling, the cap is assembled to the vial and the cap/vial assembly is sterilized. Then, a needle is inserted through the cap and medicament is introduced through the needle and into the vial. Upon withdrawal of the needle, the penetrated region of the cap is fused by laser or direct heat sealing to hermetically seal the needle hole in the cap.

Abstract: A portable self-contained system for transferring liquefied gas, such as liquid petroleum gas or anhydrous ammonia, from a source tank (e.g., a railcar) to a receiving tank (e.g., a truck cargo tank), includes a portable platform providing transfer equipment such as a motor powered compressor, operating controls, transfer lines as well as valves and connectors to manage and direct the flow of fluid, and emergency controls such as shut off valves and pull away connectors for safety. A grounding system, safety shower and fire suppression system are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco rod of a smoking product, wherein the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the tobacco rod is formed.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.

Abstract: A sealing structure of a drinking water tank. The water tank has a mouth covered with a cap. The cap has a hollow guide recessed from a center thereof, and a sealing cover receiving the hollow guide therein. The hollow guide defines an opening for water contained in the water tank to flow through, while the sealing cover has a bottom wall and sidewall extending perpendicularly from the bottom wall to seal the opening. The sidewall further has a first latching structure at the edge of the sidewall, such that the sealing cover is in friction contact with the hollow guide to provide a sealing effect. The hollow guide also has a second latching structure formed at an edge thereof to be latched with the first latching structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco of a smoking product (2), wherein the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the rod is formed, as well as to a device for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco of a smoking product (2), comprising a means by which the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the rod is formed.

Abstract: A machine consisting of a vertically mobile liquid manifold filling system, and a horizontally mobile carriage for maneuvering pallets under a multi-head filler, for simultaneously filling entire pallet tiers of empty containers, such as 2.5 gallon metal or plastic jugs, bottles, or pails, 5.0 gallon metal or plastic jugs, bottles or pails, or 30-55 gallon metal or plastic drums, requires only the labor to lift and place empty containers onto a pallet, instead of the conventional physical handling and palletizing, of heavy, prefilled containers.

Abstract: A resealable cap for a medicament vial has a base portion formed of vulcanized rubber or like material known for providing a stable environment for the medicament contained within the vial, and a resealable portion overlying the base portion. The resealable portion is made of low-density polyethylene or like material, and can be punctured by a needle or like injection member for dispensing medicament into the vial. Prior to filling, the cap is assembled to the vial and the cap/vial assembly is sterilized. Then, a needle is inserted through the cap and medicament is introduced through the needle and into the vial. Upon withdrawal of the needle, the penetrated region of the cap is fused by laser or direct heat sealing to hermetically seal the needle hole in the cap.

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: An apparatus for filling a receptacle comprises a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of powder pharmaceutical formulation, a holder adapted to hold a receptacle in a position where it may receive powder from the reservoir, an extension extending above the receptacle, and a plunger moveable within the extension, whereby powder from the supply may fill the receptacle and at least a portion of the extension and the plunger may force the powder in the extension into the receptacle. In one version, the plunger may be a portion of the receptacle or may be adapted to install a portion of the receptacle. Alternatively, vibrational or other energy may be used to cause powder in the extension to be filled in the receptacle.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for conducting the operation of incorporating components and filling liquid for the assembly of a liquid-sealed vibration-proof mount by sequential steps of: depressing a liquid tank disposed above a main components body held to be faced upwardly toward it, installing an aperture at a bottom of the tank to the main body hermetically, supplying liquid onto the bottom to flow the liquid inside the main body and to store it on the bottom, incorporating a partition and other components into the main body in the liquid stored when detecting a definite liquid level with a liquid level detector tube and simultaneously sealing liquid, followed by discharging of the liquid from the bottom and removal of the liquid tank from the main body, whereby the operation can be conducted efficiently without causing error operation and suspending by use of a liquid tank having a small volume.

Abstract: A telescoping filling head comprising a driving portion, a nozzle block portion and a two-stage telescoping nozzle, the innermost portion of the nozzle having positionable apertures. A telescoping filling head can be retrofitted on an existing filling device, or can be incorporated in a newly manufactured filling device. The telescoping action permits a longer nozzle to be used in any given space, because the two portions which extend to create a relatively long filling nozzle retract within a relatively short outer nozzle. The longer nozzle increases the rate at which foaming liquids can be introduced into a container. The positionable apertures can also direct the flow of the liquid at the shoulders of the bottle, further increasing the rate at which foaming liquids can be introduced into a container.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing and dispensing fluid mixtures is provided. Fluid wells are positioned below a plurality of fluid dispensing devices, such as syringes configured to dispense fluid into the individual fluid wells. The fluid dispensing devices are configured to be positionable relative the fluid wells to enable different fluid dispensers to be sequentially positionable over a particular fluid well. A controller controls the relative movement between fluid wells and the fluid dispensing devices. In a preferred embodiment, the controller selectively moves multi-well vessels in one direction and moves the fluid dispensing devices in a second direction so that when directed by the controller, a selected fluid dispensing device is enabled to deposit a determined quantity of a fluid into a selected individual well of the multi-well vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for distributing liquid to a number of consumers, in particular for use in a drinks machine. The device comprises a number of receptacles which are positioned next to one another which corresponds to the number of consumers, a liquid feed line having an outlet opening which opens out above the receptacles, and manipulation means for positioning the outlet opening above a specific receptacle by manipulation of the relative position of the outlet opening, on the one hand, and the receptacle, on the other hand. At the outlet end of the feed line, there is provided a cover which extends laterally with respect to the liquid feed line and extends at least as far as the receptacles which adjoin the receptacle which is to be supplied. The cover may extend as far as above the said adjacent receptacles and may even completely overlap the said receptacles. The cover may also extend over all the receptacles.

Abstract: A system for transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between two vessels (1, 2). The system comprises a coupling head (7) mounted at one end of a flexible pipe means (4) and arranged for attachment on a platform (19) at one end of one vessel (1) when it is not in use, and a connection unit (8) mounted at one end of the other vessel (2) and comprising a pull-in funnel (50) shaped for guided pull-in of the coupling head (7) to a locking position in which the pipe means (4) can be connected to transfer pipes (56) on the other vessel (2) via a valve means (31) arranged in the coupling head. The coupling head (7) is provided with a guide means (40) and is connected to at least one pull-in wire (42) for guided pull-in of the coupling head (7) into the connection unit (8) by a winch means (66) an the other vessel (2).

Abstract: There is provided a method of transferring a defined quantity of powder comprising compacting a target area of powder; dipping a tube into the compacted target area of powder to fill the tube with a defined volume of powder; and transferring the defined volume of powder from the tube.

Abstract: A cart for filling intermodal shipping containers with a bulk particulate material, such as grain, includes a hopper to receive the bulk material and a belt conveyor to deliver the material to the container. The conveyor is positioned external of the container and throws the material along an arcuate path to the opposite end of the container whereby the container is substantially filled without the need to extend the conveyor into the container. The cart is supported on wheels to be moved where needed. The cart can straddle a standard truck trailer carrying a container so that the container need not be removed from the trailer for filling. The conveyor height is variable to reach a container on a truck trailer or on the ground. The cart width can also be reduced for road transport.

Abstract: An opening apparatus that opens continuously conveyed bags with a gas supplied by nozzles. A plurality of nozzles having conical head sections and discharge openings at the tip ends are attached to a rotation transmitting member with equal spaces in between, and this rotation transmitting member is caused to revolve at a constant speed while maintaining a horizontal attitude by means of a parallel link mechanism. The nozzles revolve at a constant speed on a circular track in a vertical plane along the conveying direction of bags with the discharge openings consistently facing the bags. When the nozzles are at the lower point on the circular track, the head sections enter into the bags that are being conveyed at a constant speed, and a gas is caused to jet into the bags from the discharged openings, thus spread-opening the bags.

Abstract: A counter balanced effluence transfer system for the transfer of effluence from a source container into a receiving reservoir comprises a receiving reservoir having a cover plate and a reservoir top opening, and a counter balanced mechanism located above the receiving reservoir, which includes a pivot point, a source-side member attached to one side of the pivot point and a balance-side member attached to the other side of the pivot point. While the size and weight of the source-side member are made the same as those of the balance-side member, an angular asymmetry is built in between the source arm and the balance arm so that the gravitational source torque Ts and the gravitational balance torque Tb are made unequal. Upon release of the counter balanced mechanism with a latching starting mechanism, the counter balanced mechanism would automatically rotate and complete the pouring of source effluence into the receiving reservoir.

Abstract: A cart for filling intermodal shipping containers with a bulk particulate material, such as grain, includes a hopper to receive the bulk material and a belt conveyor to deliver the material to the container. The conveyor is positioned external of the container and throws the material along an arcuate path to the opposite end of the container whereby the container is substantially filled without the need to extend the conveyor into the container. The cart is supported on wheels to be moved where needed. The cart can straddle a standard truck trailer carrying a container so that the container need not be removed from the trailer for filling. The conveyor height is variable to reach a container on a truck trailer or on the ground. The cart width can also be reduced for road transport.

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 method and apparatus are provided that allows two or more compositions to be filled with a spiral configuration into a single container. Each product may have completely different chemical and physical properties, and each product may have a different function and purpose. The method includes providing at least two compounds, arranged in separate storage bins each having a pump and a hose attached thereto; rotating a container, for receiving a resulting product formed by the at least two compounds, into position relative to a support and alignment funnel; pumping the at least two compounds through the respective hoses into a nozzle assembly having at least two nozzles for filling the container; and combining predetermined amounts of each of the at least two compounds for creating the resulting product housed in a single container, wherein the resulting product has the at least two compounds formed in a spiral configuration.

Abstract: To pump fluid into sample containers, a distributor arm of a sample collector is calibrated as to position in a computer memory and is moved from position to position over different containers while a counter in computer memory keeps track of its position. When the distributor arm is over the designated container, samples are pumped into the container. To pump the fluid into the container, the rollers of a peristaltic pump are supported to prevent the rollers from compressing the tube more than the thickness of the walls of the tube. A tube holder rotates along with the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump and keeps the tube in line with the rollers.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for axial powder presses with a filling device includes a filler drive plate, a filling shoe arranged in particular on the side of the press, and a powder feeding device. The filling device can be moved forward and backward on a filler plate by means of an actuator, and in a filling position the filling shoe can be pressed against the filler plate respectively against a die surface embedded therein. According to the invention, the filling shoe is only loosely coupled to the filler drive plate, thus allowing the filling shoe to be subjected to a controlled and uniform adjusting force.