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 orifice (40) for allowing liquid to flow therethrough. A valve element (13) is located within and movable through the housing (11) and includes a valve seal (36) 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. The orifice (40) is aerodynamically shaped and has an annular enlarged portion (72) smoothly feeding into a narrowed venturi area (76) to continually compress the liquid, and then into an expanded area (70) to the walls of the container (50). A container seal (110) forms part of the expanded area (70) to enhance the laminar flow.

Abstract: The head is determined by a valvular body defined by a housing (4) inside of which there is a sealer bushing (5) of the annular discharge outlet (7), which is crossed through by a vertical tube (8) whose bottom end can penetrate into the bottle (1) to be filled. The bushing (5) is axially connected to another segmented one (11) which pressed on the tube (8) by means of peripheral elastic rings (13). Both bushings incorporate both elastic inside rings (14-15), one of the non-slip type (14), which adjusts into the cylindrical periphery of the tube (8). Between the annular bed joint (6) of the sealer bushing (5) and the discharge outlet (7) there are two radial ducts (16-17) one (17) of which is connected to a discharge valve and the other (16) bifurcates to connect to both pressure (18) and vacuum (19) units of temporary and alternate operation. The bottle is pushed along its base in order to adjust hermetically to the discharge outlet (7) provided with an elastic bushing (3).

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: 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: Method and apparatus for dispensing carbonated liquids into a container under counterpressure. The introduction of liquid under a filling pressure into a container that is in a sealing position with a filling element is effected during a filling phase that follows pressurizing of the container. Return gas displaced by incoming liquid is at least briefly withdrawn from the container via a return gas passage of the filling element. After termination of the filling phase, with the container still in a sealing position with the filling element, first a pre-relief of pressure in the container to a pre-relief pressure is effected, and subsequently a relief to atmospheric pressure is effected.

Abstract: In a method for filling bottles or other containrs under the influence of counterpressure by means 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: Counterpressure valves for filling cans with liquids under pressure such as carbonated beverages are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a filing 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 snift valve or similar relief valve is eliminated. Sealing valves utilizing radially expandable gaskets are also disclosed. In these embodiments, the gasket expand radially under counterpressure to form a seal with the inner surface of the can.

Abstract: A method and filling element for dispensing a liquid into a bottle or some other container. A filling element is provided with a liquid flow valve and a delivery opening via which, in a filling phase, with the liquid flow valve open, the liquid that is to be dispensed flows into a container that is to be filled through an opening thereof. In a rinsing phase that precedes the filling phase, the interior of the bottle is supplied with a rinsing gas via a tubular member that extends through the container opening into the interior thereof. The rinsing gas is discharged into the container from a gas conduit opening provided at the bottom of the tubular member. This discharge opening is in the form of an annular opening that extends concentrically about the filling element axis. By introducing the rinsing gas into the interior of the container via this annular opening, the quantity of residual air that remains after rinsing is considerably reduced despite a short rinsing time.

Abstract: A filling valve assembly (10) is provided for use in filling containers ( with a carbonated liquid or other type of liquid. The assembly (10) includes a housing (11) having a filling orifice (40) for allowing liquid to flow therethrough. A valve element (13) is located within and movable through the housing (11) and includes a valve seal (36) movable against the housing (11) for selectively opening and closing the filling orifice (40). A capillary screen (38) is connected above the valve seal (36) and is moveable therewith. The orifice (40) is aerodynamically shaped and has an annular enlarged portion (72) smoothly feeding into a narrowed venturi area (76) to continually compress the liquid, and then into an expanded area (70) to the walls of the container (50). A container seal (110) forms part of the expanded area (70) to enhance the laminar flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers, under counterpressure, with carbonated liquids. The return gas that is to be withdrawn from a container that is being filled is conveyed, accompanied by a pressure differential, into a return gas chamber via a connection that is provided with a flow control mechanism. In this return gas chamber a pressure is regulated that is adjustable within a range that is between the filling pressure and the critical pressure of the flow control mechanism. In this way, the flow velocity with which the dispensed liquid flows into a container that is being filled can be smoothly adapted in an infinitely variable manner to the filling characteristics of a respectively dispensed liquid, and/or to the respective output requirements of the filling apparatus.

Abstract: A method for filling containers, under counterpressure, with carbonated liquids. The return gas, that is to be withdrawn from a container that is being filled, is conveyed, accompanied by a pressure differerntial, into a return gas chamber via a connection that is provided with a flow control mechanism. In this return gas chamber a pressure is regulated that is adjustable within a range that is between the filling pressure and the critical pressure of the flow control mechanism. In this way, the flow velocity with which the dispensed liquid flows into a container that is being filled can be smoothly adapted in an infinitely variable manner to the filling characteristics of a respectively dispensed liquid, and/or to the respective output requirements of the filling apparatus.

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: Substance loss is minimized in a station for loading a container with cryogenic substance stored in a tank. A throttle vent valve is provided at the outlet vent of a container being loaded for controlling the differential pressure between the storage tank and the container. The throttle vent valve is adjusted to maintain the differential pressure at a value equal to the optimum differential pressure for minimizing substance loss. The optimum differential pressure is selected by determining the filling loss for a plurality of values of differential pressure and selecting the differential pressure which produces the minimum filling loss.

Abstract: A natural gas storage and retrieval system which comprises natural gas storage means adapted to receive and store natural gas under pressure and a natural gas displacing liquid under pressure; means for feeding natural gas under pressure to said natural gas storage means whereby said stored displacing fluid is displaced; means for feeding said displacing liquid under pressure to said natural gas storage means whereby said stored natural gas is displaced; and means for collecting said displaced natural gas. The system provides a fast fill compressed natural gas station in which the storage inventory is significantly reduced with consequent improvement in environmental safety.

Abstract: A filling apparatus operating by counterpressure and intended for use on bottling or filling machines for a barrel 1 equipped with an electric sensor 2 for controlling the fill level of the containers, and connected to a solenoid valve E and supply tank B filled with liquid under gaseous pressure, as well as to a detector P that senses the proximity of the container C to be filled. Barrel 1 of filling apparatus A contains a chamber 11 which, when no container C is being applied against the filling apparatus, is divided by two flexible membranes 5, 6-72 into three successive annular chambers 69, 70, 71 separated by the dividing walls 58, 62-621 of the two membranes 5, 6-72.

Abstract: Liquid from a supply tank B flows into a container C via outer and central annular chambers 14, 8 of filling apparatus A. Communication between the chambers is controlled by a flexible diaphragm 5 selectively urged against an annular seat 15 on a wall 10 separating the chambers in response to air pressure supplied to a chamber 23 on an opposite side of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Inert gas is supplied to a closed reagent reservoir for reagent dosing in producing gaseous measuring samples according to the "hydride method". Thereby, reagent is pressed into a sample vessel through a reagent dosing conduit. A manometric switch is provided at the inert gas connecting conduit to produce a defined reagent flow, by means of which manometric switch a valve located in the connecting conduit is driven into its closed position, if a preset pressure has been reached.

Abstract: A filling valve mechanism for cans is presented. The valve includes a sleeve slidably mounted on a pair of pins and limited in downward motion by means of a stop. The sleeve carries an O-ring circumferentially thereabout for engaging within the throat of a container or can to be filled. The O-ring is of slightly greater diameter than the throat of the can such that sealing engagement is achieved. Also carried on the sleeve is a resilient compressible stripping member adapted for engaging the mouth of the can. The stripping member compresses against the mouth of the can, short of full compression by virtue of the limited downward movement of the sleeve against the stop. After the can is filled, the stripping member urges the O-ring from the throat of the can while holding the can in place.

Abstract: A filling valve fills liquid from a filling machine vessel into containers. When the filling valve is opened a complete pressure equalization takes place between the vessel and the container to be filled. The container is held in the filling position by a vertically movable centering member. At the end of the filling operation, with the centering member still holding the container, a return gas tube extending into the container can be emptied and the volume of the container above the liquid level can be relieved without any inflow of atmospheric air. Further, the usual expansion below the liquid level is avoided. The centering member along with the filling valve can be lowered into the filling position by a cam disc and a pressure spring and/or assisted by the overpressure within the filling machine vessel. After movement by the cam disc the centering member and filling valve can be pressed against the container opening by the pressure spring and/or the pressure in the vessel.

Abstract: A counterpressure liquid filling device for a container (1) comprises a gas discharge passage (9a) for discharging the pressurized gas of the container (1) into the atmosphere, the gas discharge passage (9a) being branched into a first branch discharge conduit (12), one end of which is communicated with the neck of the container (1), and a second branch discharge passage (13), one end of which is communicated with the container at a position where the quantity of the liquid to be filled is determined, the other ends of both the first branch discharge conduit (12) and the second branch discharge passage (13) being communicated with a valve operating chamber (11). A gas flow control valve (10) is housed in the valve operating chamber (11).

Abstract: In a filling machine for filling liquid into containers, such as bottles or the like, the lower end of a return gas tube inserted into the container determines the filling height. Rapid adjustment of the position of the lower end of the return gas tube can be provided when different sized containers are used in the filling machine. Two different adjustment devices are used, one for the movement of the return gas tube with a centering device which holds the container during the filling operation and another one for producing precise adjustment of the lower end of the return gas tube with respect to the desired filling height and with such movement being relative to the centering device in the container holding position.

Abstract: An electrically controlled filling element, for filling machines, having one or more actuating devices for one or more shutoff valves, which are disposed in the gas-conveying systems of the filling element and are actuated for control of the various filling processes, and/or for the valve actuating device of one or more liquid flow valves. These actuating devices are made insensitive to the penetration of moisture, for example cleaning liquid, by providing one or more of the actuating devices with a diaphragm which is operated by pressure medium, and by disposing the respective pressure medium control valves which control the supply of pressure medium separate and at a distance from the other parts of the filling element at a location of the filling machine which is protected from the entry of liquid. An additional shielding of the pressure medium control valve can be undertaken by providing a housing therefor.

Abstract: Containers such as bottles, which are to be filled with liquid from a tank pressurized with non-oxidizing gas, are coupled to a filling device and evacuated of air that is discharged to the atmosphere. Next gas from the tank is fed to the bottles. When gas pressure in the tank and bottle equalize, the liquid flows by gravity into the bottle to displace the gas and return it to the tank. After filling with liquid is cut off a charge of pure non-oxidizing gas is injected in the bottle to fill it to the top with pure gas. Excess pure gas is fed back into the tank to make up for the dilution of the gas that results from the evacuation of air from the bottles being necessarily imperfect. The bottles are uncoupled from the device after they are filled with pure gas and they are then sealed.

Abstract: In a rotating machine for filling liquid into bottles in similar containers, a centering member including the filling valve is vertically movable between a lower centering or holding position and an upper release position. The centering member in the lower position seals the bottles during the filling operation. Accordingly, a large number of centering members and filling valves are located next to one another on the periphery of the machine. When the filling operation takes place under counterpressure, there is the danger of bottles breaking and damaging the centering members. Accordingly, a control support block on the machine includes a guide bushing laterally enclosing the centering member in its upper position. The lower section of the centering member projects from the guide bushing in the lower centering position.

Abstract: In the containing filling device the tank for the liquid to be dispensed into containers has gas somewhat over atmospheric pressure applied to the liquids surface. Each filling station has an outlet leading to the container being filled, a gas valve coupling the tank to the container and a fluid valve coupling the tank to the conveyor. The liquid above the tip of the tube that leads from the gas valve is forced back into the tank by means of gas pressure injected into the outlet after the filling operation is ended. In which case the fluid valve is forced closed and the gas valve is forced open. Because of the forced open gas valve the injection of gas takes place at very low pressure differential, causing neither disturbance of the liquid in the container and in the tank nor blow out of liquid below the level of the tank of the gas return tube.

Abstract: A filling element for single-chamber and multi-chamber counterpressure filling machines. The filling element includes a controlled pressurized gas valve arrangement, a liquid flow valve which is closed by an actuating device, an electrical switching member comprising a rod-shaped probe formed over its entire length of electrically conducting material for generating a closure-control signal for the actuating device of the liquid flow valve, and a filling element body, which is made of electrically insulating material from that end of the liquid guidance conduit closest to the container or bottle as far as to at least beyond an electrical connection for the switching member, and which is provided with the holder or mounting for the switching member, which can be fixed therein and can make contact engagement with the electrical connection.

Abstract: A device for removing air from hermetically sealed, automatically emptying centrifuge drums and consisting of an air-removal valve atop a reservoir with a manometric switch and a level-sensitive switch and connected to controls. The controls open the valve when the pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined level and close it when the pressure drops below that level. The valve closes however, as soon as the level of the liquid in the reservoir reaches the level-sensitive switch. The device, which is preferably mounted in the product intake of a hermetically sealed, automatically emptying centrifuge, allows air to be removed automatically without allowing product to escape, foam to form, or oxygen to enter. The reservoir can be thoroughly cleaned automatically.

Abstract: An apparatus provides for the addition of a predetermined amount of a second liquid (metering liquid) to a first liquid contained in a vessel, with a predetermined final fill level of the vessel being attained. By introducing a pressurizing gas into the vessel an amount of the first liquid is forced out of the vessel through a riser tube until the liquid level reaches a first opening in the tube to cause the expulsion of the first liquid to cease. The predetermined amount of the second liquid is then introduced in the vessel. Some of the first liquid is then returned to the vessel while expelling gas from a second opening in the tube until the liquid level covers such second opening to cause the further introduction of first liquid to cease. Thus, the desired final fill level is automatically obtained.

Abstract: An improved liquid filling valve for filling containers with carbonated liquid such as soft drinks is disclosed which features concentric valves for introduction of counterpressure gas and product into the container. The container is moved into sealing engagement with the valve which movement is continued to open the valve for admission of counterpressure gas. After counterpressurization is completed the valve for admission of product opens automatically allowing product to fill the container. After filling is completed, motion of the container away from the valve automatically closes it. In the bottle filling embodiment, motion of the bottle away from the valve additionally uncovers a snift port. The counterpressure filling and snifting of containers with carbonated liquids is thus accomplished without use of external valve operating cams or the like.

Abstract: A container filling device having an arrangement of liquid and gas flow control valves in a common body that separates the flow of the liquid and gas without need for seals, and incorporating in the filling device a valve element in a cage supported from a gas flow vent tube, whereby turbulence is minimized and filling is speeded up.

Abstract: A method of recovering inert gas used during a filling process for pressurizing containers which are to be filled with a liquid. The method includes the steps of expelling the air found in the container, and pressurizing the container, with a mixture of air and heavy inert gas; filling the container with the liquid and thus expelling the pressurizing gas mixture; centrally collecting the expelled mixture from a plurality of containers and conveying the mixture to at least one accumulator; subjecting the pressurizing gas mixture in the at least one accumulator to at least one gravity effect for partially separating off the lighter gas components and producing a mixture of predominantly inert gas; adding additional inert gas to a mixture of predominantly inert gas; and returning the resulting mixture to the filling process, at least as a pressurizing gas mixture, for use with subsequent containers which are to be filled.

Abstract: A rotating single or multi-chamber counterpressure filling machine is provided and has filling elements respectively provided with a controlled pressurized gas valve arrangement having a valve- and control-unit, and with a centering device comprising a centering tulip on guided rods which are movable up and down, said centering device including a holder to fix the centering device in an upper position, and a releasor for releasing this holder. The holder and releasor are in the form of a controllable arresting device for arresting and releasing the centering device; the arresting device engages, or meshes in, at least one of the rods of the centering device.

Abstract: A filling element for single- and multi-chamber counterpressure filling machines. The filling element includes a filling tube which projects downwardly from a filling element body into a pressed-on bottle or container to be filled. The filling element also includes a switching member installed in the region of the filling tube for controlling the liquid flow valve, arranged inside the filling element, to close this valve when the desired filling level of liquid in the container is obtained. The filling tube is provided with a filling tube head installed from below into a suitable recess in the filling element body, and the filling tube head, with a downwardly directed shoulder, is stepped relative to the actual filling tube part. The switching member is an electrical conductor which is electrically insulated relative to the filling tube, and is placed on the outer side of the filling tube.

Abstract: A filling element, for single- and multi-chamber counterpressure-filling machines, with a filling tube held in a filling element body for introducing liquid into a container pressed into engagement against a container sealing region on the lower part of the filling element body; the filling tube extends through the container sealing region and is surrounded by an annular gap-like hollow chamber. A pressurized gas system is provided and has a pressurized gas valve arrangement controlled by devices installed on the filling machine, and conduits opening into the annular gap-like hollow chamber for introduction and discharge of pressurized gas. Also provided is a liquid flow valve, controlled at least for closing, and a control element arranged on the filling tube and responding at a predetermined filling height or level of the liquid in the container for terminating the inflow of liquid thereto.

Abstract: A filling valve arrangement for a counter-pressure container filling apparatus in which the filling valve arrangement is mounted in a bottom outlet opening in the usual bowl which holds the liquid under gas pressure, and an extension on the filling valve supports a filling head to receive the neck of a container in operative position so that a gas vent control carried by the vent tube is located in the container to admit gas into the container and to vent gas from the container as liquid replaces the gas in a rapid exchange of liquid for the gas up to the desired liquid level.

Abstract: A filling element for counterpressure filling machines. The element has a controlled pressurized gas valve arrangement for generating a gas pressurization in a pressed-on container, which is to be filled, prior to introducing liquid into the container. The filling element also includes a liquid flow valve, which opens under the effect of a spring upon termination of pressurization, a valve actuating device, which closes the liquid flow valve against the effect of the opening spring, and an electrical switching member for generating a closure-control signal for the valve actuating device to occupy the closed position upon contact with the liquid rising in the container.

Abstract: A filling valve for filling a container from a pressurized liquid filled bowl is disclosed. The filling valve includes a housing with a liquid filling orifice through it and a liquid flow valve for opening and closing that orifice. A gas flow tube extends through the liquid flow valve element and projects both above and below it. A pressure responsive piston is supported on the gas flow tube. A cover is located over the gas flow opening at the top of the gas flow tube and includes a closure element ball. A sleeve supports the closure element above the top opening of the tube. A spring holds the closure element off the top opening of the tube. A guide sleeve outside the supporting sleeve is connected with the gas flow tube. A spring biases the supporting sleeve out of the guide sleeve.

Abstract: A filling element for counterpressure container-filling machines. The filling element includes: a filling tube, open at the bottom, for the liquid to be bottled; a liquid valve, arranged ahead of the inlet into the filling tube, which includes an axially displaceable valve body and a filling valve outlet chamber which leads to an inlet in a filling tube; a connecting passage extending from the front surface of the body of the filling element closing the opening of a container pressed on for filling, to the interior of the filling tube, especially the inlet region thereof; and a control valve for opening and closing the connecting passage. The control valve is capable of being actuated in common with the liquid valve in such a manner that, with the liquid valve open, it is closed in the connecting passage, and is open when the liquid valve is closed.

Abstract: The filling valve arrangement for carbonated beverages includes a head part and a lower part movable in two opposite vertical directions with respect to the head by means of a cylinder piston unit, the lower part enclosing a liquid controlling valve chamber with a valve member, the bottom of the lower part being provided with a liquid discharge passage supporting a sealing ring compressable by the cylinder piston unit against the rim of a container to be filled, and liquid inlet conduit arranged in lateral wall of the lower part to communicate with the liquid controlling valve chamber. An air return pipe is slidably supported by the filling valve the vertical position of which is controlled by a separate driving mechanism.

Abstract: The filling device for use in connection with a rotary filling machine, includes a housing enclosing an air-return chamber, a vertically reciprocating air-return pipe projecting with its upper part into the air-return chamber, a rack-and-pinion drive rotatably supported in the air-return chamber and having a rack secured to the upper part of the pipe and a pinion supported for rotation on a shaft passing through the housing and driven via a lever by a cam secured to the non-rotating part of the filling machine.

Abstract: A device for use in filling bottles with liquid stored in a reservoir is disclosed. The device utilizes a short gas conduit for venting the bottle to be filled. When the level of liquid reaches the level of the conduit, the outflow of gas displaced during the filling process ceases and the filling process is greatly slowed. Liquid which is drawn into the conduit is blocked by a check valve which does not impede gas flow. After such blockage, the device is so constructed as to allow the liquid to drain back into the bottle. This single conduit is used for both the intake and exhausting of gas, as may be required during the filling process.

Abstract: A filling machine for filling of liquids into a container has a vessel and filling elements operatively connected with the liquid vessel and including a liquid input conduit, an advance and return gas conduit, and a pressure relief conduit. Elements for establishing a pressure difference between the interior of the container and the interior of the liquid vessel are provided, including a channel adapted to be maintained at a pressure which is lower than that in the liquid vessel and higher than that of the outer atmosphere, and a branch conduit communicating the interior of the container with the interior of this channel. A one-way valve is arranged in the branch conduit and is operative for closing the same when the pressure in the channel increases and opening the same when the pressure in the channel decreases relative to the pressure in the interior of the container.

Abstract: Gas to be stored flows along a gas feed line and into a cylinder containing a solvent for the gas. During its passage along the gas feed line, the gas flows through a dosing device which, on the one hand, permits a substantially adiabatic expansion and concomitant cooling of the gas to occur and, on the other hand, automatically regulates the flow rate of the gas in dependence upon the pressure difference across the dosing device. The pressure upstream of the dosing device is maintained constant regardless of the pressure downstream thereof, which latter pressure is variable due to the fact that dissolution of the gas generates heat and an accompanying increase in the pressure inside the cylinder. The constant pressure upstream of the dosing device is slightly higher than the final pressure inside the cylinder when the latter has been filled.

Abstract: A method of charging into containers a liquid contained in a rotary tank of a bottling machine whereby different pressures are built up in each container during the filling process so that at the beginning the liquid is discharged by the force of gravity and thereafter the pressure in the container is reduced with respect to the tank pressure to introduce a quick filling phase; after attaining a predetermined amount of charge in the container or after a certain time interval the pressure in the container is automatically increased irrespective of the rotational is automatically increased irrespective of the rotational speed of the bottling machine or of the rate of flow of the discharged liquid. The bottling machine includes an annular channel the gas pressure of which is reduced with respect to the gas pressure in the tank but is higher than the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The pipeless filling unit for counterpressure bottling machines includes a siphon closure consisting of a bell-shaped stopper projecting with its rim portion into an annular groove. The bell-shaped stopper is fixedly held in position in the liquid discharging channel and has a central boring for guiding an axially displaceable valve tube; the bell-shaped rim portion of the stopper is provided around the whole circumference with a plurality of vertically and radially directed slits for intercepting and rinsing away particles from the discharged liquid.

Abstract: A filling unit without filling pipe has a siphon closure for defining the level of the liquid charge in the bottle being filled. The siphon closure includes a stopper bell projecting into an annular channel for retaining sealing liquid, the stopper bell has in the range above the annular channel apertures in the form of radially and vertically directed slits extending downwardly to the edge of the bell-shaped jacket so that the lower part of the stopper bell has a comb-like configuration.

Abstract: A counter-pressure type bottling valve assembly includes a vent tube and valve stem that are movably supported independently of the movable valve member of the main bottling valve and that can be displaced vertically by means of a pneumatic cylinder adapted to be driven by the counter-pressure gas. The movable valve member of the main bottling valve, operable from outside of the valve assembly between its closed and opened positions. Snifting means is provided for snifting the counter-pressure gas confined in the space delimited by the main bottling valve, a lower portion of a main body of the valve assembly, and a bottle neck portion sealing coupled to the bottom of the main body of the valve assembly. The vent tube is replaceably connected to the valve stem for varying the length of the vent tube to fill a bottle.

Abstract: A transfer pipe system for transferring particulate bed material from a fluid bed reactor includes a discharge pipe connecting the fluid bed reactor with a vertical transfer pipe, gas injection nozzles for fluidizing particulate material within the transfer pipe and a standpipe connecting the transfer pipe and the freeboard region of the fluid bed reactor to vent fluidizing gas from the transfer pipe into the freeboard region and so avoid introducing a high velocity, counter-current gas flow into the discharge pipe.

Abstract: A beer bottling operation includes pressurizing the interior of an empty bottle prior to pouring beer into the bottle in two steps. In the first step, according to a first preferred embodiment, the interior of the bottle is pressurized by air fed from a pressurized air source, while in the second step the interior of the bottle is pressurized by means of pressurized air fed from a bottling tank where the beer to be bottled is stored. According to a second preferred embodiment, in the first step the interior of the bottle is evacuated substantial to a vacuum condition, while in the second step the interior of the bottle is pressurized by means of carbon dioxide gas fed from the bottling tank, and in the subsequent step of pouring beer into the bottle the beer is poured from the bottom portion of the bottle.

Abstract: In a counterpressure filling machine for filling a liquid in bottles or the like, the filling member is provided without a feed pipe. The filling member includes a valve housing with a centering bell mounted on its lower end. A gas pipe laterally enclosed by a filling sleeve is positioned within and extends downwardly through the housing and the centering bell. The gas pipe is a fixed member and the filling sleeve is axially displaceable relative to it between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position the lower end of the filling sleeve bears against a sealing seat on a repelling shield located at the lower end of the gas pipe.