Abstract: A device for preventing condensation of water vapor on a filling nozzle in the form of a vertical tube, included in a filling apparatus and positioned above a path of transport of containers comprises a downwardly open dry air chamber having the filling nozzle accommodated therein and permitting the container to be moved into and out of the chamber when the container is lifted by a lifter, an injection nozzle disposed as oriented downward above the path upstream from the dry air chamber for injecting dry air into the container to replace air therein, and a cover extending from a position downstream from the injection nozzle at least to the dry air chamber and covering the path from thereabove for preventing the dry air in the container from flowing out.

Abstract: In order to automatically carry out the emptying and rinsing of non-recoverable bottles or flasks (78) made from a perforatable material such as polyethylene and e.g. containing a low activity solution (88), an apparatus is proposed making it possible to pass the inverted bottles under a double-walled needle (44). The needle (44), operated by a jack, perforates the bottom (82) of the flask (78). Compressed air is then injected into the bottle above the solution (88) through the annular passage formed between the walls of the needle (44), so as to discharge the solution through the central passage of the needle. The flask is then rinsed by injecting pressurized water in place of the compressed air. Finally, the rinsing water is discharged by a further compressed air injection. The emptied and rinsed flasks are then passed to a station, where they are directly discharged into a storage drum.

Abstract: A closed transfer apparatus for transferring liquid from a container to a dilution tank in measured volume includes an actuator moveable to a first position that energizes an electric pump to pump liquid from the container into a transfer tank and moveable to a second position which energizes the pump to pump liquid from the transfer tank to the dilution tank; the actuator being biased to a center position in which the electric pump is de-energized and the tanks and the container are all isolated.

Abstract: An improved filling system for containers of mixtures of liquid and solid material where the liquid/solid ratio is critical is disclosed. A prior art problem was that sticky solid material would adhere to the receptacle or bucket in which it was delivered to a filling chute or funnel and it would also stick to the funnel. This problem is solved by putting the sticky solid in the buckets and by using the liquid to flush the funnel and by using an air jet to remove any remaining particles from the buckets which are upturned over the funnel. Alternately, a part of the liquid may be placed in the delivery bucket and when it is tilted or turned upside down to fill the container the remaining part of the liquid is used to rinse the receptacle. The filling system is especially useful for soups containing noodles or other pasta products.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for evacuating refrigerant for recovery from a conventional refrigeration sytems, e.g. automobile air conditions, preferably by attachment to a manifold having multiple evacuation devices, e.g. compressor, vacuum pump, transfer pump with the evacuation devices discharging through self-closing quick connect valves into at least one flexible accumulator, e.g. a bag mounted onto a manifold, and with an additional transfer pump evacuating the bag gradually to a recovery system which can be a conventional refrigerant recovery condensing unit with purification. Facilities for receiving bags filled from refrigeration systems which are remote from the system, e.g. home refrigerators, can be provided to weigh the contents into the manifold for recovery.

Abstract: A device for transport of material between chambers at different pressures, comprises a feed chamber, a main chamber having an upper housing with an inlet and a lower housing with an outlet. The feed chamber is coupled to the main chamber at the inlet, and a first slide valve opens and closes the inlet. A second slide valve for opening land closing the outlet may be provided. At least one hollow gasket with an essentially closed wall, preferably an inflatable gasket, is provided between the upper housing and the first slide valve for sealing the inlet; and, at least one gasket with an essentially closed wall, preferably an inflatable gasket, may be provided between the lower housing and the second slide valve for sealing the outlet. Alternatively, a first flap valve for opening and closing the inlet is provided which is pivotally coupled to the upper housing at one side.

Abstract: Remote delivery system for potentially toxic moisture sensitive process gas to a point of use (e.g. CVD system).

Abstract: The device serves to sterilize the filler neck and stopper associated with non-rigid bags of the type utilized for packaging tomato juice and similar foodstuffs. The neck is inserted into a heated and temperature-regulated cylindrical housing provided internally with an array of nozzles from which sterilizer (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) is sprayed into the encompassed enclosure; sterilization is achieved as the atomized fluid condenses uniformly on contact with the colder surfaces of the mouth and stopper.

Abstract: A filling head apparatus for filling a pack aseptically has a steam inlet valve and passage and a steam outlet and emptying valve and passage connected to a filling head space for delivery of sterilizing steam to and for removal of sterilizing steam and residual fluid from the filling head space. The steam inlet and outlet valves and passages are positioned to have longitudinal axes which form an angle of from 70.degree. to 110.degree.. A valve which is displaceable in the filling head controls delivery and regulates the flow of fluid to the filling head space.

Abstract: A safety gas and liquid containment unit is provided with sealing for retaining the hazardous gas therein until treated. The containment unit can be placed on a transport carrier and rotated from a vertical position to a horizontal position thereon. The gas cylinder may be brought to the containment unit by placing it on a wheeled cart. By aligning the cart with the horizontally positioned containment unit, the container is then transferred from the cart to the containment unit, which can in turn be transported to an appropriate area for treatment. Upon removal of the toxic or other gases, the container can be withdrawn from the containment unit by a winch mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing containers using hydrogen peroxide vapor is disclosed. The apparatus for aseptically filling a container comprises a housing, a source of liquid hydrogen peroxide, means for providing a flow of heated gas, means for causing the hydrogen peroxide to mix with the heated gas thereby vaporizing the hydrogen peroxide, means inside the housing for dispensing the vaporized hydrogen peroxide, the means for dispensing the vaporized hydrogen peroxide including means for dispensing the vaporized hydrogen peroxide into the container, fill tube means extending into the housing for dispensing product into the container, means within the housing for sealing the container, and means providing for the passage of the container between the interior and exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A transportable, sealable container, for example a SMIF pod, has a box and a box door. The box has a first sealing surface and the box door has a second sealing surface which forms a seal with the first sealing surface when the box door is moved in a sealing direction with respect to the box. A latch mechanism provided in the box door is operable in two stages. The first stage of operation moves latch members from a retracted position to an extended position, in the retracted position the latch members are contained in the box door to allow movement of the box door with respect to the box, and in the extended position the latch members are adjacent to latch surfaces of the box. Movement from the retracted to the extended position is performed without contact between the latch members and the latch surfaces to avoid any scraping or rubbing action which would create particles in the "clean" interior region of the box.

Abstract: A sanitary packaging system and method of using the same for the packaging of a sanitary product comprising a sanitary housing portion, a product bag, a sliding adjustment tube and a product tube. The product tube extends inside the sanitary housing portion and is flexibly attached to the sliding adjustment tube to which the product bag is attached. The sanitary product under pressure passes through the product tube, sliding adjustment tube and into the product bag to complete packaging. Sanitized air is blown through the sanitary housing enclosure to create a positive pressure therein, whereby in the case of a leak within the product bag, sliding adjustment tube or product entry tube, sanitary product leaks outwardly therefrom rather than allowing contaminates to be pulled inwardly and contaminate said sanitized product.

Abstract: A sterilizing method is provided for use with a container filling machine having components defining passages through which a fluid product flows. In one method aspect, sterilizing steam is passed through the components unitl the components have been sterilized. As the system cools and the steam condenses, the system is pressurized with gas to prevent the internal pressure in the system from decreasing below the ambient atmospheric pressure. In a further method aspect, the sterilizing process is controlled in response to sensing the temperature of one or more of the components. In yet another aspect, a common source of sterilizing steam is provided for being directed into the product filling system and simultaneously into an associated process gas supply system to sterilize both systems generally concurrently in a single pass.

Abstract: The plant comprises a conveyor (1) above which are disposed a device (3) for injecting liquefied gas into the containers and, on the downstream side of the device relative to the direction of travel of the conveyor, a device (4) for closing the containers, and a tunnel (5) for protecting the containers against the surrounding air and extending between the injecting device (3) and the closing device (4). Application in the packing of non-gaseous beverages and organic products in cans or bottles.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery and purification system particularly applicable to automotive air conditioning systems employs a centrifugal separator connected directly to the disabled automotive air conditioning system and which connects to a slack-sided accumulator and to a condenser chamber, all operating at near atmospheric pressure in a low pressure section. Oil and contaminants are separated by centrifugal action from the incoming refrigerant vapor stream and removed by gravity from the separator chamber. Condensing of the refrigerant vapor in the condenser produces a vacuum pressure for causing vapor to flow from the slack-sided accumulator to the condenser. A conventional refrigeration system supplies refrigerant liquid under pressure to a first evaporator coil within the condenser. The conventional refrigeration system also supplies high pressure liquid refrigerant to a second evaporator coil surrounding a liquid receiver connected by a conduit in series with the condenser and the accumulator.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling fluid products into container which comprises at least one feed line connectable with a reservoir for fluid products and a filling valve connects to the feed line. The filling valve comprises a tubular portion connected with the feed line. The tubular portion comprises, at its free end, a lateral end wall and an aperture. A slide sleeve is reciprocated by a positioning device and is movable coaxially of the tubular portion between open and closed positions. In its closed position, the slide sleeve sealingly engages the end wall to closed the aperture of the tubular portion. In its open position, the slide sleeve opens the aperture for product flow. Means are provided to lower the filling valve into a filling opening of a container positioned underneath the filling valve.

Abstract: A service valve (10) is provided to provide an apparatus and method for filling a constant speed drive without overfilling and for preventing gas entrapment in the oil circuit of the drive. The valve (10) has a spool (12) movable in response to pressure from a filling fluid so as to connect the filling fluid with the drive circuit until a predetermined level has been reached at which point a signal is generated to allow the operator to remove the source of filling fluid. An air vent float valve (44) and a pressure switch (28) in the oil circuit allow the trapped gas to be vented from the oil circuit.

Abstract: A filling head apparatus is provided which has an elongated housing which contains valves for regulating flow of a sterilizing medium and for regulating flow of a fluid to be filled in a pack to a filling head space, the filling head space being defined by one end of the housing, and for regulating emptying of sterilizing medium and residual fluid from the filling head space. A first elongated valve which is centrally disposed within the housing and is longitudinally displaceable for regulating the flow of the sterilizing medium to the filling head space. A second elongated valve for regulating the fluid flow to the filling head space circumscribes the centrally disposed first vavle and is capable of coaxial movement with respect to the first valve. An emptying pipe containing the valve for regulating emptying of sterilizing medium and residual fluid from the filling head space is arranged laterally to the housing at the filling head space.

Abstract: For the manufacture of packing containers, and the packing inside such containers of long-lasting fluid products, such as liquids, semi-liquids or products containing solid particles, the product delivering and metering devices are an integral part of the packing machine. They condition and influence the structure and the operation thereof. An aseptic-filling unit according to the present invention is a modular element interposed between the packing machine and the product feeding line, and can be isolated from both of them.

Abstract: The cylinder cabinet piping system of this invention has a system to supply a purge gas continuously to the main line, or to the main line and the branch line, thereby to prevent stagnation of gas in the purge gas line and to supply a super-high-purity gas to a process unit.

Abstract: A sealable transportable container for use with processing equipment having a port plate and port door sealably mating to the port plate, the transportable container including a box having an interior space for containing the articles. The box including a conduit for communicating between the interior space and the environment external the box. The conduit including a filter for filtering fluids passing through the conduit. The box including a box top having sealing surfaces and a box door sealably mating with the box top. The port plate also includes sealing surfaces and is sealably mated to the box top. The port door includes a sealing surface and is sealably mated to the port plate. The box door includes a latch for mechanically opening and closing of the box and the port door includes a device for activating the latch.

Abstract: An improved ball inflation apparatus is provided wherein inflation pressure is injected through a coaxial needle where sensed pressure is also passed to a dual diaphragm pressure sensing device which generates a control signal to terminate the inflation pressure flow at the proper inflation level.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for dosingly filling of fluent or pasty filling material into a container. The arrangement has a housing in which a control element is rotatably mounted. A feed and outlet passage for the filling material is alternately unblocked and a reciprocating dosing piston is provided in the housing. For purposes of achieving a compact and simple construction and a simple assembly, as well as for achieving a good cleaning, the housing is hermetically sealed on all of its sides and the control element is in the form of a rotational cylinder operatively mounted in the region of the feed and outlet passages for the filling material. The dosing cylinder is coaxially mounted with respect to the rotational cylinder and is provided with a piston rod so that the dosing piston is slidably movable within the housing.

Abstract: For the metered filling of bulk material, especially liquids, into receptacles, especially glass receptacles, there is provided a filling station to which a conveying device leads the receptacles, which are to be filled, individually or in groups. A weighing device determines before the start of the filling operation the tare of the receptacles which are to be filled, and blocks the feeding of bulk material when a specified gross weight has been reached. The conveying device moves the receptacles preferably by means of worm conveyers which are lifted off the receptacles during the weighing and filling operation.

Abstract: A wine distribution method from winery to retail customer in which the wine is completely enclosed or sealed throughout until it is finally dispensed into a glass or carafe for customers in a restaurant or lounge or other retail establishment. The wine originates in a winery where it is stored in closed containers until it has been properly aged. It is then pumped through a sealed conduit from the winery vats into the closed tank of a tanker truck for shipment to a wholesale distributor. In accordance with this invention the wholesale distributor pumps the wine from the tank of the tanker truck through lines which are closed to air into large holding tanks which are also closed to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device permitting the cleaning of at least one filling head (3) containing a movable nonreturn valve (13) adapted to be held in the open position by a control rod (19) carried by a grid carrier sleeve (15), a fixed collector member (4) being disposed around each filling head, each collector member having an opening disposed plumb with the filling head and adapted to receive a closure member (9) having an annular collar (30) adapted to bear against the bottom part of the movable sleeve (15) in order to effect the opening of the valve, while an annular member (26) provides a seal against the inside wall (27) of the collector member (4). The device has application in particular to a turntable for filling by weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in filling a valve bag eliminates sifting of product during the filling process. A filling nozzle is inserted into the valve of a bag to be filled. A flow of particulate material is provided through the filling nozzle and into the bag. When the bag is full, the flow of particulate material is terminated. A blast of high pressure air is then introduced into the nozzle in order to clear the nozzle of any residual particulate material therein. A low pressure blast of air is introduced between the nozzle and the filling valve to suspend any particles present in the filling valve after the nozzle has been cleared by the high pressure blast. A vacuum is introduced into the nozzle to suck any suspended particles out of the filling valve after the low pressure blast has been introduced. A boot can be inflated around the nozzle to seal the nozzle within the bag valve before filling the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing material accumulation on processing equipment caused by electrostatic charge. By proper selection of materials, the equipment is designed to automatically develop a charge of the same polarity as that on the material being processed and thereby repel the material. The selection can be based on the relationship of the materials in the Triboelectric Series. The processing equipment is also electrically insulated from discharge paths so that the charge developed will not be dissipated or require high current generation to maintain the voltage required to repel the material particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in filling a valve bag eliminates sifting of product during the filling process. A filling nozzle is inserted into the valve of a bag to be filled. A flow of particulate material is provided through the filling nozzle and into the bag. When the bag is full, the flow of particulate material is terminated. A blast of high pressure air is then introduced into the nozzle in order to clear the nozzle of any residual particulate material therein. A low pressure blast of air is introduced between the nozzle and the filling valve to suspend any particles present in the filling valve after the nozzle has been cleared by the high pressure blast. A vacuum is introduced into the nozzle to suck any suspended particles out of the filling valve after the low pressure blast has been introduced. A boot can be inflated around the nozzle to seal the nozzle within the bag valve before filling the bag.

Abstract: Containers (such as metal, glass, plastic, fiber, but not limited thereto) are sterilized in a section of the apparatus having a helical or spiral belt conveyor within an insulated casing through which air above atmospheric pressure at up to about 500.degree. F. is circulated by means of a heater and blower, in a recirculation path. The containers then travel along a straightline encased conveyor where sterile air above atmospheric pressure prevents ingress of non-sterile ambient air. During part of the path through the straight-line conveyor, the containers are driven by a helical screw which forces the containers into close proximity (in fact the out-turned flanges of the containers preferably overlap). Pre-sterilized, preferably cooled, product is delivered into the containers preferably through a curtain, slit-type filler. Other fillers, such as rotary fillers, may be used. The speed of the containers is timed to deliver the desired product volume into the containers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for purging a vehicle tank compartment to permit access for repair, or maintenance without environmental pollution or hazard to workmen entering the tank. In accordance with the invention an elongated cylindrical storage tank is tilted about its horizontal axis, to form a reservoir for purge water. The tank is connectable as by flexible hoses to fill and drain connections for a tank compartment of a truck, rail car, or other bulk liquid vehicle. Purge water is pumped from the storage tank at a level above the lower tilted end of the elongated tank and vapor displaced from the tank compartment by the water is recovered through a vapor recovery system. Desirably, the compartment is filled until it overflows into the vapor recovery line. Water is returned to the storage tank at a position near the upwardly tilted end.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely slug feeding hazardous chemicals from conventional 55 gallon drums comprising a calibrated dip tube adapted to be moved in an up and down liquid-tight relationship through a first bung hole of the drum, a feed line adapted to remove liquid through the calibrated dip tube, check valve means adapted to prevent the flow of liquid into the drum, vacuum-producing means adapted to withdraw fluid from the drum through the dip tube, feed line, and check valve, and cleaning means adapted to be partially positioned within the drum through a second bung opening, said cleaning means including a spray nozzle positioned within the drum and air ventilation means outside of the drum, said spray means being adapted to receive a source of cleaning fluid under pressure. The dip tube may be fitted with a means for preventing its upward movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sterilization of a machine used in the formation, filling and sealing of plastic containers. A source of sterilizing agent, such as steam, is used to sterilize the various passageways, filters, and components within the machine which, if contaminated, would contaminate the liquid in the filled plastic container. Pressurized air or gas is delivered through sterilized lines having a microorganism filter. The air flowing out of each filter is sterile and free from bacteria. A series of unique, easy to sterilize, three-position, two-way valves are used to duct pressurized gas and steam to the various components. A special air drop test apparatus is used to operationally check the integrity of the filters without breaching the sterile condition of the various fluid passageways and interconnected components.

Abstract: A powdered milk dispensing device comprises a container for powdered milk having an outlet spout at the bottom through which the powder is fed by a screw conveyor. Bottles are held in place under the spout by a base assembly including an ultra-violet sterilizing lamp and push button switches for energizing the lamp and a small electric motor which drives the screw conveyor.

Abstract: For servicing grease filled valves, wherein the valve has a cavity with packing grease therein, an apparatus is disclosed which in its preferred and illustrated embodiment includes a first detachable fitting enabling injection of packing grease into the cavity. A second and companion detachable fitting is also disclosed which utilizes an elongate stinger rod driven by a rotatable stem to upset a check valve drain plug wherein the second fitting has an outlet passage extending axially therethrough and connected through a lateral port.

Abstract: A fluid-filled or inflatable article having an integral self-sealing valve formed from a pair of extensions which are sealed together along their peripheral side edges leaving an open top or mouth. One or both of the extensions is folded back upon itself to form a flap or pair of juxtaposed flaps whose free edge or edges depend inwardly from the open top or mouth of the valve. Disposed between the flaps, or between the flap and the adjacent inner surface of the opposed valve wall if a single flap is employed, is a biasing means preferably in the form of a thin layer of a tacky, grease-like substance which causes the flaps to adhere to each other or to the inner side wall of the adjacent opposed valve wall thereby biasing the flap into sealing engagement with each other or the adjacent inner wall surface interiorly of the valve.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for filling containers within a sterile chamber under aseptic conditions includes a vertically disposed nozzle (48) which forms an extension of the sterile chamber and which is arranged to have its lower outlet end inserted into an open container to be filled and which is provided with valve closure element (51) which is opened when the nozzle is at its lowermost position and which remains open during filling of the container which is accompanied by upward movement of the nozzle and of the closure element while maintained in open position so as to prevent splashing together with a drip proof seal (49, 52, and 53) for preventing dripping following closure of the valve means.

Abstract: A system for filling generally cylindrical barbell weight shells with a relatively viscous slurry of cementitious material comprises a roller conveyor which transports a plurality of carriers each supporting a plurality of barbell weight shells thereon through a plurality of stations. At a lubricating station, the exterior of the shells is coated with a light film of oil to facilitate subsequent cleaning thereof. At a filling station, a dispensing hopper having a plurality of downwardly projecting nozzles dispenses the cementitious slurry into the shells. Each of the carriers is positioned beneath the hopper, the shells thereon are aligned with the nozzles, and a lift table lifts the shells off of the roller conveyor into engagement with the nozzles. Vibratory and agitator devices induce the flow of the slurry from the hopper into the shells under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling dough and other viscous materials comprises a support having a suction tube which opens into a container for the viscous mass, e.g. dough to be portioned for use in a bakery. A movable member, e.g. a slide or turntable, is disposed on the support and is shiftable from a position in which its cylinder communicates with the duct and into a position remote from the duct in which the cylinder is adapted to deposit the viscous material. The cylinder is provided with a piston which draws a portion of the material from the duct into the cylinder, this portion being carried along with the cylinder to its remote location in which operation of the piston is reversed to dispense the portion of the material.

Abstract: A barrel filler is provided for facilitating, filling and compacting of comestibles, such as cookie dough or the like in a dispensing mechanism for extruding the comestibles. The barrel filler is designed for placing comestibles in a dispensing mechanism having a centrally located shaft with a piston thereon. The barrel filler is designed to permit sanitary cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A method of and incubator for preparing bacterial cultures, especially bacterial cultures for producing fermented milk products such as yogurt by inoculation and heat treatment of a nutrient solution with an external culture in a sterilized incubator, according to which the incubator is charged and discharged and specimens are obtained by means of a cannula which extends through a narrow aperture in the upper part of the incubator and which is covered by a heat barrier, e.g. a flame barrier or a hot gas barrier, during charging and discharging and is closed in a sterile manner with an air-permeable sterilization plug after the cannula has been removed.