Abstract: A process and a device for the sterile filling of beverage liquids. In the process and device a bottle is sterilized by passing steam into it through a short feed pipe. All other phases such as CO.sub.2 flushing, counter-pressurizing and return gas discharge also take place through the feed pipe. During the filling process the liquid to be filled flows into the bottle around the feed pipe.

Abstract: A system for compactly safely storing and delivering oxygen has a plurality of elements interconnected by fluid lines and includes a liquid oxygen tank, a filler valve and a vent valve. The new system also includes a differential pressure gauge located between and in communication with the fill valve and the vent valve to permit monitoring the pressure differential in the system so that selective adjustments can be made in a timely and controlled manner to maintain the pressure within the system during filling at an optimum level. The system also has at least one pressure relief valve, a heat exchanger, a fluid pressure regulator, an oxygen flow control outlet and a phase selector valve, to thereby permit automatic selection as a function of pressure of whether oxygen supplied from the tank to the heat exchanger will be supplied as either a liquid or a gas.

Abstract: An automatic filling system for a compressed gas tank includes a controller that measures the rate of fill of a tank being filled in order to provide an accurate estimate of the fill time for the tank, given available source pressure.

Abstract: A device used in liquid fuel dispensing systems to inhibit the infiltration of air into the product dispensing line due to thermal contraction. A fluid tight container is connected with the product line and supplied with fuel in an amount sufficient to make up the liquid volume loss caused by thermal contraction. A siphon line in the container opens near its bottom. A vent for the container is normally closed by a valve under normal pressures of the dispensing system. When thermal contraction reduces the product line pressure far enough to create a vacuum, the valve opens the container vent so that the fuel in the container can flow into the product line to keep it full of liquid and avoid drawing air into the line.

Abstract: A can filling machine having an improved mechanism to prevent overfill of the can. The machine includes a group of filling heads mounted on a rotatable turntable, and each head includes an outer tubular housing having an open upper end that communicates with a reservoir of the liquid, such as a beverage, which is intended to introduced into the can. A can is moved upwardly and is sealed against a cylindrical tulip that is mounted outwardly of the housing. A fill tube is mounted concentrically within the housing and the space between the fill tube and the housing defines an annular flow chamber for the liquid. Located concentrically within the fill tube is an air vent tube and the lower end of the air vent tube communicates with the can. The lower end of the fill tube carries a valve which is adapted to engage a valve seat on the lower end of the housing. Located in the lower end of the annular flow chamber is a stack of horizontal discs which are spaced vertically apart.

Abstract: An assembly comprising an intermediate volume of medium-pressure gas (8) in a transportable housing (3) which is advantageously combined with a user apparatus (4) and selectively connectable to a high-pressure gas supply (1) by coupling it to a filling unit (2) via a quick connection system (15, 16). The assembly is particularly useful in portable welding apparatuses.

Abstract: A portable electrically operated compressor system for pressurizing and repressurizing containers with compressed air. The system has two primary positions: A compressor position which has a single compressor motor switching mechanism which both activates the compressor motor and turns it off when the desired pressure level is reached and, designed to mate with the compressor system, a container position having an air inlet valve.

Abstract: An automatic filling system for a compressed gas tank includes a controller that measures the rate of fill of a tank being filled in order to provide an accurate estimate of the fill time for the tank, given available source pressure. The controller maintains a high set level and a low set level for banks or compressed gas reservoirs, and the controller automatically cycles a compressor to fill the banks when one of the banks falls below the respective low set pressure. Additionally, when the compressor is running to fill one of the banks, all of the banks are topped off to the high set pressure in order to minimize compressor cycling. The controller automatically directs compressed air to a booster pump when available bank pressure is insufficient to complete a filling operation. In this way filling operations are completed when a compressor is not available, or when it would be undesirable to cycle a compressor.

Abstract: A novel beverage dispensing apparatus and process for use by a consumer in a grocery store to fill recyclable containers with beverages, such as soft drinks. The apparatus includes a retraction assembly which comprises a yoke configured to engage a bottle for retracting the neck of the bottle into a dispensing chamber where the opening of the bottle is sealed in fluid communication with a beverage dispensing nozzle. The beverage dispensing nozzle is configured with three ports--a syrup port, a carbonated water port and a relief port. Through the syrup port, a syrup may be introduced into the center of the bottle. The carbonated water port is configured such carbonated water may be directed through onto a side wall of the bottle. The relief port is positioned concentrically about the syrup port and between the syrup port and the carbonated water port and provides a port through which the fluid being displaced by the beverage entering the container may exit the container.

Abstract: A filling element, preferably a filling element that has no filling tube or only a short filling tube, for filling machines for dispensing a liquid filling material into bottles or similar containers. The filling element has an operational element that can be moved between an upper and a lower lifting or stroke position. The movement is effected by the pressure of at least one operating medium that is also supplied to the container during the filling phase and/or at least one treatment phase that precedes or follows this filling phase.

Abstract: An automatic filling system for a compressed gas tank includes a controller that measures the rate of fill of a tank being filled in order to provide an accurate estimate of the fill time for the tank, given available source pressure. Compressed gas flow is controlled with on/off valves that are driven open by a motor/gearbox/clutch combination to reduce thermal and physical shocks associated with opening of the valve. Whenever power is removed from the clutch, a spring automatically drives the valves closed quickly to provide fail-safe operation.

Abstract: A storage container (12) is filled with a combustible mixture of gases including a flammable gas and a primary gas which contains an oxidizer gas. The primary gas is conducted from a source (16) of the primary gas to an intermediate primary gas container (22). The flammable gas is conducted from a source (18) of flammable gas to an intermediate flammable gas container (24). The primary gas is conducted to the storage container (12) from the intermediate primary gas container (22). Similarly, the flammable gas is conducted to the storage container (12) from the intermediate flammable gas container (24). Preferably, the flammable gas is conducted to the storage container (12) before the primary gas is conducted to the storage container. The storage container (12) is filled relatively quickly, in less than four minutes, and, in one embodiment, in approximately 1.2 minutes.

Abstract: A hollow tube attachable at one end to a container of fluid is provided at the other end with an end cap in which is formed a fluid discharge opening through which to transfer fluid. The end cap includes a first portion inserted into the tube, while a second portion remains exterior thereto. A slide valve on the exterior of the tube is biased into a closed position, precluding fluid transfer until the discharge opening is inside a receiving vessel. An air vent passageway in the form of an air vent recess in the outer surface of the first portion of the end cap communicates between the interior of the container and the exterior of the fluid conduit. When the receiving vessel is filled, fluid in the receiving vessel closes entry to the air vent passageway, terminating air flow into the container and stopping fluid flow through the conduit. Capillary sections of reduced cross-sectional area relative that of the air vent passageway are located at either end of the air vent recess.

Abstract: A container filling machine for filling beverages into containers has a filler valve configured for allowing the valve to operated by a simplified control system. The valve has a valve body and a gas pipe disposed concentrically therewith, wherein there is a first spring for applying a biasing force between the gas pipe and the valve body to bias the valve body to its closed position, and a second spring, which when compressed by a control cam when there is a container present provides a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the first spring and thereby open the valve. In the absence of a container, the control cam for opening the valve body is able to run through its normal operation cycle without causing the valve to be opened because the gas pipe is configured to hold the valve body closed under a force applied by pressurized gas in the filling machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling bottles or similar containers and comprising at least one filling element having a liquid flow valve. A first and a second gas path are provided that serve for supplying and withdrawing a pressurized gas, and that during filling of a respective container communicate with the interior of this container via a third gas path. The first gas path can be controlled by a control valve, while the second gas path is in constant communication with the third gas path that leads to the interior of the container. This third gas path is common to both the first and the second gas path, and the control valve can be actuated independently from the liquid flow valve.

Abstract: An arrangement for filling bottles under counterpressure and comprising at least one filling element relative to which a respective container is sealed during a filling process. The arrangement also has at least one gas channel that communicates with the interior of the container that is to be filled. Gas can be supplied in a controlled manner to the interior of the container from a chamber via the gas channel, and return gas displaced from the container during a filling process can be withdrawn to the chamber via the gas channel and at least one gas path. This gas path has an individually controllable control valve, and in series therewith a device that automatically controls the effective flow cross-section of the gas path in such a way that this flow cross-section is smaller in one direction of flow than in another, opposite direction of flow.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing 6 is secured to the bottom surface of an elevatable filling liquid tank 2, and a liquid injection pipe 16 is mounted on the bottom of the housing 6. An exhaust pipe 18 axially passes through the housing 6 and the liquid injection pipe 16, and is disposed for elevating movement. The exhaust pipe 18 is driven by an elevating mechanism 21. A holder 54 carrying a bottle mouth stuffing 52 is fitted in the housing 6, and is urged down by a spring 61. The bottle mouth stuffing 52 tightly engages the mouth of a vessel which is being raised as carried on a vessel receptacle, and accordingly its position is determined by the height of the vessel. The position of the liquid injection pipe 16 and the exhaust pipe 18 is modified in accordance with the elevation of the tank 2, independently from the bottle mouth stuffing 52. Accordingly, a void which remains in the top of the vessel after the vessel is filled with the liquid is adjusted only in accordance with the elevation of the tank 2.

Abstract: A novel beverage dispensing apparatus and process for use by a consumer in a grocery store to fill recyclable containers with beverages, such as soft drinks. The apparatus includes a retraction assembly which comprises a yoke configured to engage a bottle for retracting the neck of the bottle into a dispensing chamber where the opening of the bottle is sealed in fluid communication with a beverage dispensing nozzle. The beverage dispensing nozzle is configured with three ports--a syrup port, a carbonated water port and a relief port. Through the syrup port, a syrup may be introduced into the center of the bottle. The carbonated water port is configured such carbonated water may be directed through onto a side wall of the bottle. The relief port is positioned concentrically about the syrup port and between the syrup port and the carbonated water port and provides a port through which the fluid being displaced by the beverage entering the container may exit the container.

Abstract: A can (1) has a primary chamber and a secondary chamber in communication through a restricted orifice and its exterior maintained at atmospheric pressure. The can (1) is filled with beer through a filling block (24) from a bowl (8). Prior to filling the can (1) is pressurized through the block (24) with nitrogen gas to greater than atmospheric pressure and subsequently evacuated to atmospheric pressure. Such pressurization and evacuation is repeated sequentially to dilute the atmospheric oxygen content within the primary and secondary chambers. A gas exchange conduit (40) extends between the bowl headspace (12) and the can (1). Conduit (40) has a gas control valve (55) closeable by movement of lever (60). A beer flow valve (37/46) controls flow of beer (9) from the bowl. During nitrogen pressurization of the can (1) the lever (60) is adjusted to maintain valves (55) and (37/46) closed and insure that high pressure gas in the can (1) cannot flow through conduit (40) into the bowl (8).

Abstract: Rotatably engaged to the filter (4, 104) of a pressurized-steam container (5, 105) is a closing member (2, 102) provided at the upper part thereof with an operating cap (6, 108). Through 180.degree. rotations of the closing member (2, 102) the fluid communication between the container (5, 105) and the surrounding environment via a filling header (8, 109) having a supply opening (110) at the upper part thereof, is selectively opened and closed. The closing member (2, 102) is driven in rotation by means of a grip element (20, 117) that, upon command of a diaphragm (17, 113) submitted to the inner pressure of the container (105), is moved to an embedded condition in the presence of pressure in the container, thereby being inaccessible to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling bottles or similar containers, whereby the containers are rinsed and pre-pressurized with an inert gas in a preliminary pressurizing phase that precedes the filling phase. For the rinsing as well as the at least partial pre-pressurization, the return gas from a return gas channel is utilized. To keep the return gas as free from bacteria as possible, the containers are treated with a sterilization medium in a preliminary treatment phase that precedes the preliminary pressurizing phase. Furthermore, air and sterilization medium that are displaced in the sterilization phase and in the preliminary pressurizing phase are withdrawn to the atmosphere or to a channel that is separate from the return gas channel.

Abstract: A pneumatic calibration device is provided including a body having an air inlet port and an air outlet port, a pressure gauge extending from the body, and a mechanism for adjusting pressure disposed within the body. The pressure adjusting mechanism communicates with the pressure gauge. The air inlet and outlet ports are pneumatically coupled to the pressure adjusting mechanism so as to regulate inflation of an inflatable member.

Abstract: A process and device for filling a vessel with a liquid. The vessel is placed on a lifting plate and guided up to a filler spout a predetermined distance measured from its base, the vessel's opening being lifted into a sealed filling position below the filler spout. The vessel is filled up to a predetermined filling level by opening a valve associated with the filler spout, whereupon the supply of liquid is terminated, and a volume of liquid still present between the valve and the filling level flows into the vessel. This after-flowing liquid volume is controlled as a function of the vessel height so that in the case of a vessel having a height smaller than a mean vessel height there is an afterflow of a larger volume of liquid than in the case of a greater vessel height where the afterflow is of a smaller volume of liquid.

Abstract: A rotary face valve for beverage filling machines provides a housing assembly defining a closed chamber. The stationary valving surface is provided open to the chamber, and a valve rotor is journaled in the chamber in engagement with the stationary valve surface. The chamber is pressurized to a pressure closely approaching the pressure of the beverage being valved so that a low differential pressure exists between the chamber and the port through which the beverage flows. This minimizes the tendency to encounter leakage. The rotor is supported by a shaft which is journaled in spaced bearings so that eccentric force applied to the operating shaft is absorbed by the bearings and is not transmitted to the rotor. Further, the rotor is connected to the operating shaft with sufficient freedom to ensure that the rotor properly engages the valve surface in a uniform manner.

Abstract: A rotary face valve for beverage filling machines provides a housing assembly defining a closed chamber. The stationary valving surface is provided open to the chamber, and a valve rotor is journaled in the chamber in engagement with the stationary valve surface. The chamber is pressurized to a pressure closely approaching the pressure of the beverage being valved so that a low differential pressure exists between the chamber and the port through which the beverage flows. This minimizes the tendency to encounter leakage. The rotor is supported by a shaft which is journaled in spaced bearings so that eccentric force applied to the operating shaft is absorbed by the bearings and is not transmitted to the rotor. Further, the rotor is connected to the operating shaft with sufficient freedom to ensure that the rotor properly engages the valve surface in a uniform manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling containers with a liquid material. The filling machine has a plurality of filling elements that form filling stations. At least one filling station is provided with a flowmeter that cooperates with a control device. On the basis of measurement data delivered by the flowmeter, the control device forms a control value that is used to control the filling stations that do not have a flowmeter.

Abstract: A gas flow check valve for a bottle filling device employs a piston received within a bore which is maintained at the bottom of the filling head vent tube. The piston has a head thereon which is interposed within the flow path of escaping gas during the filling operation. The escaping gas impinges upon the underside of the head and urges the same toward a sealing position. An opposite end of the piston extends downwardly into the bottle being filled. When the level of the beverage within the bottle reaches the bottom of the piston, the buoyancy of the piston, coupled with the forces of the escaping gas impinging upon the piston head urge the piston into sealing engagement, terminating the escape of gas and similarly terminating the inward flow of beverage or liquid, terminating the filling operation.

Abstract: A hollow tube attachable at one end to a container of fluid is provided at the other end with an end cap in which is formed a fluid discharge opening through which to transfer fluid. The end cap includes a first portion inserted into the tube, while a second portion remains exterior thereto. A slide valve on the exterior of the tube is biased into a closed position, precluding fluid transfer until the discharge opening is inside a receiving vessel. An air vent passageway in the form of an air vent recess in the outer surface of the first portion of the end cap communicates between the interior of the container and the exterior of the fluid conduit. When the receiving vessel is filled, fluid in the receiving vessel closes entry to the air vent passageway, terminating air flow into the container and stopping fluid flow through the conduit. Capillary sections of reduced cross-sectional area relative that of the air vent passageway are located at either end of the air vent recess.

Abstract: In an apparatus for filling liquid into containers subject to counter pressure, parts of the apparatus which could initiate turbulences are located out of the path of liquid flow. The displacement of the part out of the path of flow is significant in beverages containing fruit pulp and in other beverages. The apparatus includes springs providing weight compensation for a movable valve body and a gas valve. These springs are located above the liquid level in the vessel and bear against an abutment face on the valve body and on the gas valve.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring the filling elements of a filling machine that, for filling containers with a liquid filling material, has a plurality of such filling elements disposed on a rotating rotor. Each filling element has a closeable bell-shaped portion for accommodating a container that is to be filled. The bell-shaped portion is designed to operate at a processing pressure of a gaseous or vaporous medium, with the processing pressure being other than ambient pressure. To monitor a satisfactory operation, a respective pressure gauge is provided on each filling element and is responsive to the pressure in the pertaining bell-shaped portion of that filling element. At least one sensor is provided via which the pressure gauge produces an electrical signal if the processing pressure in the bell-shaped portion deviates from the ambient pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for admitting metered quantities of a pressurized liquid into successive containers, such as cans or bottles, has a housing which stores a supply of pressurized liquid and carries one or more combined container sealing and centering units. Each such unit has a vertically reciprocable at least partially elastomeric tubular member movable between a lower end position and an upper end position. The external surface of the annular upper end portion of the tubular member sealingly engages a cylindrical internal surface which surrounds the outlet of the housing when the tubular member assumes its lower end position, and an end face of the annular lower end portion of the tubular member is then in sealing engagement with the open top of a container to be filled. The open lower end of a conduit for compressed gas is located at the upper end of the passage within the tubular member to ensure that the upper end portion of the tubular member can be expanded into sealing engagement with the internal surface.

Abstract: A counterpressure type container filling apparatus typically includes a housing defining an annular liquid feed passageway therein, a valve for opening and closing the liquid feed passageway, a holding member externally fitted to the housing in a slidable manner and provided with a sealing element for sealing a container to be filled, and a gas pipe for introducing gas into the container or for allowing gas to escape from the container. The gas pipe is detachably mounted to the holding member and is projectable into the container in cooperation with the holding member. The improvements offered by the present invention act to apply an appropriate sealing pressure to the container, to facilitate the replacement of the holding member and the gas pipe, and to prevent the application of an excessively large pressure to the side wall of the container.

Abstract: A filling valve apparatus (10) includes a housing (12) having a passage (20) for receiving an actuated shaft (56) extending partially therethrough connected to a charging cap (84) and in turn to the valve stem (118) and vent tube (64). An isolator member (32) is connected about the shaft (56) and to the valve stem (118) for allowing gas to flow freely therein. The apparatus (10) provides for a shortened valve stem (118) and vent tube (64) to a height less than the apparatus (10) height to decrease the amount of gas requiring snifting while allowing unrestricted gas to flow therethrough when open.

Abstract: An automated liquid holding tank and method for automatically filling a liquid holding tank. The tank comprises a holding tank with dispensers for filling the tank with liquids and a pressure sensor attached to the tank for measuring the liquid level within the tank. The pressure sensor also provides a tank liquid level indicator output signal which is sent to a controller that compares the output signal with a pre-set value. When the output signal matches the pre-set value the controller closes the dispensers. The pressure sensor includes a gas bubble within a connecting tube to communicate the tank liquid pressure to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A filling element for filling machines is provided and includes a liquid flow valve, which comprises a valve body that can be moved back and forth in a filling element axis between a position that closes the liquid flow valve off and a position that opens this valve. Also provided is an electrical probe for determining filling heights of liquid material in containers. The probe includes a first probe element that projects beyond the underside of the filling element and has an electrode, and a second probe element that at least partially surrounds at least part of the first probe element. The lower end of the second probe element is spaced further from the underside of the filling element than is the first probe element.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus to aseptically dispense liquid under counterpressure into a container. In a sterilization phase that precedes the filling, the inner surfaces of a container, the container mouth, as well as an outer surface of the container adjacent to the mouth thereof, are acted upon by a hot, pressurized, gaseous or vaporous sterilization medium. During both the sterilization and filling phases, the respective container is thereby completely disposed in a chamber in such a way that the interior of the container communicates via the mouth thereof with the interior of this chamber. The sterilization medium is introduced into the container at a distance from the mouth thereof via a filling tube that later serves for filling.

Abstract: The known liquid filling apparatus of the type including a housing, an annular liquid feed passageway, a liquid valve, a holding member and a gas pipe, is improved so as to facilitate cleaning of the interior of the apparatus, so as to be applicable to a container having a small mouth diameter, and so as to facilitate replacement of a gas pipe. The improvement resides in that, on the inner circumferential side of the holding member disposed slidably along the housing, are disposed a circular ring provided slidably along the same inner circumferential surface and a spring for normally biasing the circular ring in the downward direction.

Abstract: The filling valve in a counterpressure filling apparatus for admission of liquids into bottles or other types of containers having open upper ends is provided with a sleeve which can descend toward an empty container below the valve and carries a deformable internal annular sealing element which is movable into sealing engagement with the external surface of the open end to center the container. The sealing element is thereupon acted upon by a gaseous fluid to bear against the external surface and to establish a reliable seal during subsequent or simultaneous admission of a pressurized gaseous fluid which precedes the admission of a metered quantity of liquid whereby the liquid expels the gaseous fluid along the same path which serves for admission of pressurized gaseous fluid into the container.

Abstract: Counterpressure valves for filling cans with liquids under pressure such as carbonated beverages are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a filling valve in which the seal between the valve and a can is created by an O-ring seal disposed about a valve member. Preferably, two concentric, axially-spaced O-rings are used; a first O-ring serves as a guide, while the second, slightly larger O-ring creates a seal. Since the sealing O-ring may be moved axially along the can to permit the head space volume to expand, the need for a shift valve or similar relief valve is eliminated. Sealing valves utilizing radially expandable gaskets are also disclosed. In these embodiments, the gaskets expand radially under counterpressure to form a seal with the inner surface of the can.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling large bottles with a beverage has a rotating vessel which contains a supply of pressurized beverage and admits the beverage into a series of metering chambers forming part of container filling modules at the underside of the vessel. The outlet opening of each metering chamber is controlled by a valve which can permit or prevent the flow of beverage into a casing having an inlet for reception of beverage from the metering chamber, an outlet which is radially and vertically offset relative to the inlet, and a helical swirling channel which extends from the inlet to the outlet and surrounds the central vertical axis of the outlet along an arc of approximately or exactly 360.degree.. The cross-sectional area of the channel decreases proportionally with the distance from the inlet, and the intermediate portion of the channel communicates with the outlet by way of a conical passage.

Abstract: Apparatus for admitting metered quantities of a liquid into discrete containers in the form of bottles, cans or the like has a rotary annular tank which carries at its underside a ring-shaped set of filling units each of which has a discrete metering vessel serving to receive a metered quantity of liquid from the interior of the tank for admission into a container which is placed into alignment with a centering and sealing sleeve movably mounted on each metering vessel. If the liquid is to be admitted into the containers at an elevated pressure, the supply of liquid in the tank is disposed beneath a plenum chamber and each filling unit is designed to admit compressed gas from the plenum chamber into the aligned container prior to admission of a metered quantity of liquid. The liquid which flows into a container expels the compressed gas which is returned into the plenum chamber or into a separate receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling cans with a liquid such as beer or soft drinks. The filling machine includes a turntable having a surface to support a plurality of open top cans and a reservoir containing a liquid is spaced above the supporting surface. A plurality of filling heads are mounted on the reservoir and serve to dispense the liquid into the individual cans. Each filling head includes a spring loaded cylindrical tulip adapted to seal against the upper edge of the can and a vent tube and fill tube are disposed concentrically within the tulip. The lower end of the vent tube communicates with the can while the upper end is sealed against the surface of the reservoir and when the sealing engagement is released the vent tube communicates with the headspace of the reservoir. The lower end of the fill tube carries a valve that controls flow of liquid from the reservoir into the can.

Abstract: A bottle filling apparatus is provided in which a non-contact choke valve is employed. The choke valve comprises a disc having an outer cylindrical wall which is received within a valve seat having an inner cylindrical wall. The cylindrical walls have a close tolerance fit, preventing flow therebetween by molecular action and surface tension. Additionally, the bottom surface of the seal and the top surface of the seat have similar tapers such that, with the seat below the seal in a normal dispensing operation, beverage flow is directed into the bottle without turbulence and the resultant foaming action.

Abstract: A filling valve assembly (10) is provided for use in filling containers (50) with a carbonated liquid or other type of liquid. The assembly (10) includes a housing (11) having a filling passage (40) for allowing liquid to flow therethrough. A valve stem (13) includes a passageway (24) therethrough and is slideable within the passage (40) wherein a first end allows gas into the passageway (29) and a second end allows gas to escape and supports a valve seal (36) thereabout. The valve seal (36) is movable against the housing (11) for selectively opening and closing the filling passage (40). A capillary screen (38) is connected above the valve seal (36) and is moveable therewith. A resilient charging cap (24) operates against the first end of the valve stem (13) for opening to allow gas therein and closing to disallow gas therein. The valve stem (13) includes a key above the liquid flow and cooperating with a groove in a guide (15 ) of the housing (11) to prevent rotation thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling bottles or other containers under the influence of counterpressure by of a filling unit, pressurized gas is led into the bottle after terminating the inflow of liquid, with the pressurized gas valve and liquid valve being closed and with a bypass of the gas return tube, and the liquid that thereby remains above the lower open tip of the gas return tube is expelled into a space having a lower pressure than exists in the bottle.

Abstract: A cock for drawing-off carbonated liquid under pressure having a body having, in an internal area, a recess communicating with an opening under which is arranged a receptacle to be filled. In this recess is integrated a seating above which vertically extends a quill valve, which emerges from the body. An upper end of the quill valve penetrates into a carbonated liquid storage tank. The flow of carbonated liquid out of the storage tank is controlled via the quill valve, outside of the body and storage tank.

Abstract: A fluid conduit formed of a hollow tube attached at one end to a container of fluid is provided at the other end with an end cap in which is formed a fluid discharge opening through which to transfer fluid. A slide valve on the exterior of the conduit is biased into a closed position, precluding fluid transfer until the discharge opening is inside a receiving vessel. An air vent tube within the conduit communicates between the interior of the container and the exterior of the fluid conduit and admits air into the container to facilitate even-flowing transfers after the transfer of an initial quality of fluid without the admission of air into the container reduces the air pressure therein sufficiently below ambient pressure to curtail further fluid transfer. Fluid filling a receiving container closes entry to the air vent tube when the receiving vessel is filled, terminating air flow into the container and stopping fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: In apparatus for filling cans with beverage the can is coupled to the filler valve and purged of atmospheric air with a mostly inert gas and air mixture derived from the space of the liquid in a storage tank. When the exhaust valve is closed, another valve opens to permit pure inert gas stored in a reservoir to flow into the can and pressurize it to slightly above atmospheric pressure but below the pressure in the storage tank. A pre-pressurization valve is then opened to let some of the inert gas and air mixture in the storage tank flow to the can which is occupied by the substantially pure inert gas so practically none of the downflowing gas and air mixture from the storage tank enters the can although it fills the chamber to which the can is connected and thereby pressurizes the can. When the can pressure and storage tank pressure become equal, a liquid control valve opens to drain liquid from the tank into the can.

Abstract: A filling valve assembly (10) is provided for use in filling containers (50) with a carbonated liquid or other type of liquid. The assembly (10) includes a housing (11) having a filling passage (40) for allowing liquid to flow therethrough. A valve stem (13) includes a passageway (24) therethrough and is slideable within the passage (40) wherein a first end allows gas into the passageway (29) and a second end allows gas to escape and supports a valve seal (36) thereabout. The valve seal (36) is movable against the housing (11) for selectively opening and closing the filling passage (40). A capillary screen (38) is connected above the valve seal (36) and is moveable therewith. A resilient charging cap (24) operates against the first end of the valve stem (13) for opening to allow gas therein and closing to disallow gas therein. A cap member (22) encompasses the charging cap (24) and includes an aperture (130) for equalizing pressure against the charging cap (24) to perfect a seal thereof against the first end.