Abstract: A device for filling containers with free-flowing products under aseptic conditions comprises a conveyor system for intermittently conveying the containers along a conveyor path past appropriate filling stations in separate compartments inside a housing. The conveyor system comprises a guide assembly for guiding at least two carriers which interact with one another in order to position and retain containers, and a pusher mechanism with a chainless drive for displacing the carriers in the guide assembly each time, a container guide, which is arranged beneath the conveyor path of the containers, for supporting the containers, and a blocking device for temporarily blocking the movement of the carrier which is situated at the outlet of the device during operation.

Abstract: A system is used for removing catalyst from a tubular reactor vessel. A power box with a 110 volt to a 12 volt DC transformer is mounted outside the vessel and connected to a 110 volt power supply. An air manifold, also mounted outside the vessel, is connected to a high-pressure air supply and connects to several valves with a separate connection to the power box. Several workstations are placed on the tube sheet within the vessel. The workstation has a frame, a drum and reel assembly mounted on the frame along with a 12 volt DC motor. An air lance hose passes into the drum and reel assembly and, at the other end, connects to an air lance and vacuum assembly. A high pressure air hose connects the drum and reel assembly to one of the valves located outside of the vessel. A controller connects to the 12 volt DC motor to power the drum and reel assembly. The controller is also connected to the power box located outside the vessel and to a foot control. A seat is mounted on the drum and reel assembly.

Abstract: A filling nozzle cleaning device comprises an adaptor 74 having an upward socket 131 connectable to a downward discharge outlet 51 of a filling nozzle 41 disposed above a bed 11, a collecting pipe 73 having a vertical pipe portion 121 communicating with the socket 131 and extending through the bed 11 rotatably and upwardly and downwardly movably, and a drive mechanism for moving the adaptor 74 so as to advance the socket 131 to or retract the socket 131 from below the discharge outlet 51 and connect the socket 131 to the discharge outlet 51 when the socket is advanced. The drive mechanism has a rotary actuator 161 and a fluid pressure cylinder 165 which are connected to the vertical pipe portion 121 below the bed 11 for rotating and upwardly and downwardly moving the pipe portion 121.

Abstract: A container for use in a processing chamber to lessen the amount of contaminant particles found within the chamber after processing. The container fits closely within the chamber and includes ports for a gas conduit and a vacuum conduit. The container may be locked to the chamber through a locking mechanism and a recess in the container. The container may be guided into the chamber with a plurality of chamfers. The container may be used in inductively coupled plasma chambers, electron cyclotron resonance chambers, and chambers capable of receiving microwaves.

Abstract: A highly reliable bulk chemical delivery system for high purity chemicals employing a manifold that ensures contamination free operation and canister change outs with a minimum of valves and tubing.

Abstract: A system is used for removing catalyst from a tubular reactor vessel. A power box with a 110 volt to a 12 volt DC transformer is mounted outside the vessel and connected to a 110 volt power supply. An air manifold, also mounted outside the vessel, is connected to a high-pressure air supply and connects to several valves with a separate connection to the power box. Several workstations are placed on the tube sheet within the vessel. The workstation has a frame, a drum and reel assembly mounted on the frame along with a 12 volt DC motor. An air lance hose passes into the drum and reel assembly and, at the other end, connects to an air lance and vacuum assembly. A high pressure air hose connects the drum and reel assembly to one of the valves located outside of the vessel. A controller connects to the 12 volt DC motor to power the drum and reel assembly. The controller is also connected to the power box located outside the vessel and to a foot control. A seat is mounted on the drum and reel assembly.

Abstract: A fill valve assembly for use in association with a filler device. The fill valve assembly generally includes: an outer housing; a product dispensing member; a displaceable piston; and mechanisms for controllably displacing the piston to a clean-in-place position. The product dispensing member is associated with the outer housing and includes a channel having a sealing member retained therein. The displaceable piston is positioned within at least a portion of the outer housing and the product dispensing member. When the piston is in the clean-in-place position, the seal member retained within the channel of the product dispensing member is exposed which facilitates cleaning thereabout.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing, filling and sealing containers has a sterilization chamber, a cooling chamber, and a filling and sealing chamber, through which the containers are conveyed by means of an endless conveyor device. For presterilizing the chambers before the apparatus is put into operation, these chambers are acted upon by a gaseous sterilizing agent flowing through them, which is fed through an inlet or an outlet for the containers. In order that regions less affected by the flowing sterilizing agent as it flows, because they are in the lee, will also be disinfected well, the flow direction of the sterilizing agent is changed multiple times. A blower with a reversible flow direction is used for this purpose.

Abstract: A filling installation comprising a fixed frame, a tank mounted on the fixed frame so as to rotate about an axis, and a lid associated with the tank and provided with a feed pipe, positioning means being fixed to the lid, and being mounted on the fixed frame to slide parallel to the axis of rotation between a position in which the lid is applied against an edge of the tank so as to close off said tank and a position in which the lid is spaced apart from the edge of the tank.

Abstract: In the case of a machine installation for sterilizing, filling and closing containers it is provided that the above named devices are arranged together in a station, which is, with regard to drive, independent of the mechanism for feeding and removing the containers. A plurality of such stations can be provided, which preferably comprise a plasma sterilizing reactor.

Abstract: Sterile products contained in a container (10) are transferred into a sterile isolator (12) by connecting the container onto a lock (28) fitted on the outside of the isolator (12) and equipped with a pulsed light sterilization device (28). The connection between the lock (28) and the isolator (12) is made by a sealed double door transfer device. The throwaway container is equipped with a plug type closer (16), cutout from the inside of the isolator (12) after sterilizing the volume (40) inside the lock (28) and opening the double door (24, 38).

Abstract: A device for cleaning a tapping head arrangement for tapping beverages pressurized by gas, the device being able to be reused at a later time by any desired type of tapping head. The device comprises a housing (1) with a connection (3) for the cleaning agent and, with a separate connection (4) for the beverage. The device also has a tubular attachment (2) that can be inserted in the tapping tappet (5) of any desired tapping head (6). A tubular cleaning agent feed line (8) is arranged in this attachment. At its lower end, the feed line has two non-return safety valves (12, 13) arranged in an actuation housing (11). The safety valves can be actuated by an actuating pin (14, 15) attached to the lower part (16) of the flushing tube.

Abstract: The filling device comprises a delivery duct having a flow orifice associated with a plug, and a cleaning device comprising a collector pan fixed in leakproof manner to the delivery duct in the vicinity of the flow orifice and having a through orifice vertically in register with the flow orifice and a shutter member fixed to an actuator member so that together they form a rigid assembly which is mounted to move with helical motion about an axis normal to a plane containing the through orifice, the shutter member being off said axis.

Abstract: A system and method ensures that the wet lines of a bottom loading petroleum cargo tank remain free of hazardous liquid during transit. The system and method continuously monitor and automatically purge liquid that collects in the wet lines during transit, for example from a leaking emergency valve. The system includes a liquid sensor positioned at a low point in the wet line, a low pressure purge controller in electrical communication with the liquid sensor and a solenoid valve in electrical communication with the purge controller. The system further includes a one-way flow valve in flow communication with the solenoid valve and the wet line. The solenoid valve is also in flow communication with an external source of compressed gas, such as the air system of the cargo tank or an auxiliary air supply. Preferably, the system further includes a remote warning indicator for indicating to the operator of the cargo tank that a particular wet line is leaking excessively.

Abstract: A container for use in a processing chamber to lessen the amount of contaminant particles found within the chamber after processing. The container fits closely within the chamber and includes ports for a gas conduit and a vacuum conduit. The container may be locked to the chamber through a locking mechanism and a recess in the container. The container may be guided into the chamber with a plurality of chamfers. The container may be used in inductively coupled plasma chambers, electron cyclotron resonance chambers, and chambers capable of receiving microwaves.

Abstract: By providing an adapter which is mountable to a product retaining container and incorporating seal cutting means, a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers is achieved which is capable of opening the sealed container and producing the transfer of concentrated chemical products from the storage container to a dilution vessel or tank in a completely closed, spill-free manner. Furthermore, the entire contents of the container can be transferred or, if desired, repeated transfer of measured dosage can be made in order to assure the dispensing of a precise quantity of product from the storage container to the dilution vessel. In the preferred embodiment, a product dispensing valve assembly, constructed for being opened by only mating authorized equipment, is securely affixed to the adapter which is mounted to the sealed container within which the desired chemical product is retained.

Abstract: An electric motor is operatively connected to a reel for selectively storing, paying out, and rewinding an air lance of a device for unloading catalyst from tubular reactors. The electric motor powered reel provides improved on/off control of the air lance mounted on the reel, a braking force during withdrawal of the air lance from the reel, constant speed operation during rotation of the reel, and avoids the problem of lubricant contamination of the catalyst and reactor tubes.

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

Abstract: A gas supply system connected to vent a tank of a product filling system is set forth. The gas supply system comprises a high pressure/low pressure gas supply having a common outlet. The high pressure/low pressure gas supply is operable in a first mode of operation in which high pressure gas is supplied at the common outlet and a second mode of operation in which low pressure gas is supplied at the common outlet. A sterile filter having an inlet and an outlet is also provided. A steam supply system is disposed in-line between the common outlet of the high pressure/low pressure gas supply and the sterile filter. A tank valve system is provided having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the sterile filter. The tank valve system also has first and second outlets and is operable in a first mode of operation in which the inlet is placed in fluid communication with the first outlet and a second mode of operation in which the inlet is placed in fluid communication with the second outlet.

Abstract: A standard mechanical interface wafer pod gas filling system, comprising: a platform, carrying a wafer pod cover of a wafer pod; a pod hold-down latch mechanism; a port, carrying a wafer pod base, with lateral gaps between the platform and the port; a pod door lock/unlock mechanism, mounted on the lower side of the platform; a port door up/down mechanism; several nozzles, mounted on one lateral side of the platform, having widening ends, wherein the lateral gap located opposite to the nozzles is wider than the other lateral gaps; a charging box, mounted on the lower side of the platform; and a gas supply unit for supplying inert gas through the nozzles and taking out air from the wafer pod.

Abstract: A chemical fluid valve transfer (e.g., load/unload) assembly is formed from a male valve assembly and a female valve assembly. The male valve assembly is fitted with a male connector which houses a chamber that is connected to a flush inlet line, and a flush outlet line, and a chemical transport line. The female valve assembly is fitted with a female connector which mates with the male valve assembly male connector for interconnecting the male valve and female valve assemblies, and fitted with a chemical transport line. Another aspect of the present invention is a method for transferring a chemical fluid between a tanker fitted with a female coupler and a fill/unload station fitted with a male coupler and hose assembly. This method involves the connecting of the tanker hose and the fill station hose with the valve assembly described above.

Abstract: A device for filling packages (10) with flowable products in low germ level conditions in a clean room (9) is described, with a product line (26), a filler valve (11) and a filler pipe (8) projecting into the clean room (9). In order that filling, with a low level of germs, of flowable contents into packages (10) is made possible without formation of condensation on filler pipes (8) and preferably in addition cleaning of the device directly in place without a great deal of assembly, the filler pipe (8), in its inlet area on the inlet aperture (15) in the top surface (14) of the clean room (9) is surrounded by a sleeve pipe (28) fitted at a distance coaxially, with inflow apertures (29) for air which is dry and has a low level of germs, and means (2-7) for producing and supplying the air which is dry and has a low level of germs are provided in the inflow apertures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for recovering a product from a filling line being used to fill containers with the product. The filling line comprises at least a filler, a pump, a check valve, compressed air/gas, a water source, and a holding tank containing the product, all interconnected by a product line. In the method, the filling line is rinsed, and the rinse water is then evacuated from the filling line using compressed air/gas. Next, using a pump, the product is transferred from the holding tank through the filler line to the filler, and then into containers. The transfer continues until the pump is no longer primed with the product. The remaining product is then pushed with the compressed air/gas through the filler line into the filler and then into containers, thereby recovering substantially all the product remaining in the filler line. The product recovery method minimizes the amount of waste product that must be discarded from a bottling line.

Abstract: In an automatic vending machine for vending a beverage poured into a cup, a washing position is determined for a wash of a cup holder (3) which is for holding the cup. A driving unit (57,63) can move the cup holder under control of a control unit which is for controlling operation of the automatic vending machine. Before the cup holder is washed, the driving unit makes the cup holder be placed at the washing position that may be determined by a washing nozzle (80) for discharging washing water.

Abstract: A filling head apparatus for filling a container in sterile conditions. The filling head comprises a regulating valve displaceable in three positions: open position, closed position, and displacement position. The inner wall of the spout of the container is cleaned by a pushing cylinder of the regulating valve traveling from the closed position to the displacement position. In addition, the filling head can freely move in respect to a sterile filling chamber encompassing the filling tip of the filling head. Furthermore, the filling head of the present invention comprises a diversion path to minimize the "water hammer" effect.

Abstract: A product tank for a dual stream filling system is disclosed wherein the product tank has two chambers for containing different products that will be mixed within a carton during the filling process. The primary product in the primary chamber of the product tank may cool the secondary product in the secondary chamber. If the primary product is skim milk and the secondary product is cream, then products such as skim milk, one percent milk, two percent milk, four percent milk and cream may produced from the primary and secondary products. A filling complex is also disclosed wherein two product tanks are integrated with a filling system to fill cartons on two lines.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a filling nozzle comprises an adapter 32 having an upward socket 51 connectable to a downward discharge outlet 22 of the filling nozzle 21 and connected to a collecting pipe 31 to hold the socket 51 in communication with the collecting pipe 31, a cleaner 33 having a downward cleaning spout 81 connectable to the socket 51 and so disposed as to position the cleaning spout 81 at one side of the discharge outlet 22, and means for moving the adapter 32 so as to connect the socket 51 to the discharge outlet 22 and the cleaning spout 81 alternately.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotating apparatus (1) for the handling of objects, in particular containers (20), for example for the filling of the containers. The rotating apparatus comprises a stationary assembly (10) and a rotating assembly (14) which is rotatable with respect to the stationary assembly (10) and is driven by a rotary drive. According to the invention there is provided on the rotating assembly (14) at least one discharge opening (46) for the discharge of a cleaning fluid for cleaning a shielding wall (22) being stationary during the rotational operation of the rotating assembly and optionally for cleaning other stationary components (30). The at least one discharge opening (46) is connected to a stationary cleaning fluid supply via a revolving joint (42).

Abstract: In order to provide a rotary filling machine, as used for bottling liquids, by means of which high-purity bottling conditions can be maintained, an ultraclean room is provided and implemented in the area of the path on which the bottles circulate, the upper ceiling wall of said ultraclean room being defined, at least partially, by the lower surface of an annular vessel storing the liquid to be bottled and by the lower surface of the filling valves arranged immediately below said annular vessel.

Abstract: The operation of filling plants for filling drinks or other foods is subject to stringent regulations under the law on foodstuffs. In this connection, an essential aspect is the cleanness of the filling plant, which consists of a filler and a conveyor. To clean a filling plant, it is known to provide four separate cleaning systems with four separate supply stations and control systems as well as line systems.The invention provides, for all partial cleaning systems in a common central cleaning circuit (40a, 57), a common supply station (10) comprising the componentsfresh water container (12)storage containers (13-16)heating station (29)dosing station (27),which can selectively be connected to or disconnected from the cleaning circuit by means of valves and rotary valve flaps, as well as a programme control system (11) as well as a common partial line system.

Abstract: An integrated valve assembly including a valve body defining at least two separate valves is disclosed. The valve assembly can be used, for example in an interface between an aseptic or pasteurized product supply vessel, one or more product dispensing machines, and a cleaning liquid supply vessel. The valve body can optionally be made in one piece, as by casting and machining a block of suitable metal such as stainless steel. Optionally, all of the interior surfaces of the valve body can be non-pooling surfaces which self-drain through at least one of the first, second, and third ports when the valve body is in the normal orientation and the necessary valves are open. The second face of the second weir optionally can be merged with the surfaces defining the second passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing, filling and sealing containers has a sterilization chamber, a cooling chamber, and a filling and sealing chamber, through which the containers are conveyed by means of an endless conveyor device. For presterilizing the chambers before the apparatus is put into operation, these chambers are acted upon by a gaseous sterilizing agent flowing through them, which is fed through an inlet or an outlet for the containers. In order that regions less affected by the flowing sterilizing agent as it flows, because they are in the lee, will also be disinfected well, the flow direction of the sterilizing agent is changed multiple times. A blower with a reversible flow direction is used for this purpose.

Abstract: A transfer device for aseptic and automatic transfer of filled, unsealed pharmaceutical containers (2) which comprises a transport vehicle (11) with a vertically adjustable platform (12) supporting a transportable and sealable chamber (1). The chamber (1) comprises an upper part (8) provided with a protective-gas inlet (7), a lower part (9) provided with a frame (13) for supporting the containers (2), a closable opening (14), and an intermediate, substantially horizontal flow distributor (10).

Abstract: The fill system provides sterile air to the product tank and the cleaning box which creates a more hygienic environment for the forming, filling and sealing of cartons on a packaging machine. The fill system has a pair of offset reducers for facilitated positioning of the fill pipes in relation to each other. The fill system also has a tank atmospheric valve for maintaining the proper pressure in the product tank. The fill system also has a level probe for measuring the level of product in the product tank during a production cycle, and to measure the level of cleaning solution in the product tank during a cleaning cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for cleaning a liquid dispensing nozzle that is utilized in semiconductor process machines by providing a cleaning solvent reservoir tank capable of receiving a dispensing nozzle and then flowing a cleaning solvent through the nozzle under pressure, and then purging through the dispensing nozzle with a processing fluid to later be utilized such that any residual cleaning solvent is purged out of the dispensing nozzle to prevent the possible back-flow or syphoning of the cleaning solvent into a processing fluid supply and the dilution of such processing fluid. The present invention apparatus is further equipped with a cleaning solvent buffer tank for holding and feeding a cleaning solvent to the reservoir tank such that the pressure in the reservoir tank can be suitably controlled.

Abstract: A circular filling machine 10 rotates a plurality of filling units 20 through a plurality of actuator stations 30 and 32. The filling machine 10 is characterized by an adjustment valve, including a seal 38 and a positioning member 40, for determining the quantity of the material 14 to be filled into the chamber 34. The seal 38 is biased downwardly against the positioning member 40 by a spring 50 to hold the seal 38against the inside of the chamber 34 in the closed position. The seal 38 may be moved vertically out of engagement with the positioning member 40 to an open position by a cam 62 and cam follower 64 to allow cleaning material 37 to flush the entire chamber 34. In addition, the vertical operating level of the seal 38 and positioning member 40 may be adjusted vertically in unison to adjust the level to which the chamber 34 may be filled to accommodate containers 11 of various different volumes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for cleaning or sanitizing industrial filling equipment is described. The apparatus is a movable arm spray manifold which is used to position a spray manifold below a filling valve of a filling machine and a clean interior portion of the filling station. The system may couple the movable arm spray manifold with one or more stationary arm spray manifolds to provide a cleaning system for the filling station.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated pipe connection apparatus having an automated connection apparatus main body (1) capable of performing automated change-over between a group of pipelines and another group of pipelines, a washing/sterilizing utility block (2), and a drainage block (3). In particular, the automated pipe connection apparatus is provided with caps (111,112,114,115) for preventing intrusion of sundry bacteria into couplers (A1,A2,B1,B2) on standby and for performing washing and/or sterilization operation and also with washing- and/or sterilizing-purpose couplers (AWL,BWL).The apparatus according to this invention is superior in the operability for washing and sterilization and in the prevention of intrusion of sundry bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic fluid changing device with which the fluid changing and cleaning work for the fluid line of the engine can be readily performed. An exchanging circuit is disposed between the fluid line of the engine and that is provided with a metal dual power cylinder. The power cylinder is connected with a flow meter and regulating valve such that the cleaning and/or fluid changing job can be readily conducted. The automatic fluid changing device features a compact and durable configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the outside of a container to remove any adhering liquid, particularly in the region of a fill opening thereof. Adhering liquid is blown off of the container by mean of compressed air.

Abstract: A dispenser (1) for filling containers with confectionery such as ice cream includes a plurality of filler nozzles (2) with inlet openings (27, 28) and nozzle tips (3, 7), in each filler nozzle including a filler piston (9) displaceable in a filler housing (10). The filler housing and the filler piston are produced from a stainless steel with a treatment so that these surfaces can move together without tearing and at the same time are produced with such tolerances that the gap formed between the piston and the housing is impermeable to the confectionery but not impermeable to liquid. A hose/pipe arrangement (40) for detergent is connectable with the inlet openings (27, 28) and the nozzle tips (37) for flushing and cleaning, the detergent passing through the gap between the piston (9) and the housing (10) to exit through a hollow space (50) and be flushed by the detergent introduced from at least one nozzle tip (37). Owing to this, complete flushing/cleaning of the nozzle arrangement (1) is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing product to a controlled environment includes a rail top, a rail base, and a longitudinally oriented gas limiting member including two sections connected at their longitudinal ends and providing a gap between the sections. The controlled environment gas may be provided to one longitudinal end of a baffle positioned in a channel region formed in the rail top. The gas is distributed along a longitudinally oriented baffle which is aligned with a gassing element positioned in the rail base. A T-shaped port block may be attached to the rail top and engage with a bracket and adjustment member for positioning.

Abstract: When carrying out a method for sterile bottling of beverages, which comprises the steps of cleaning the bottles first in a cleaning station by means of lye, transporting them then to a separate filling station, filling them in said filling station with the previously sterilized beverage, and closing them finally in a closing station, the sterilization of the interior of the bottles by introducing steam and/or hot water is carried out several times successively in spatially separated stations. This fractional sterilization of the bottles achieves a very high germ destruction rate, the amount of energy consumed being low and the bottles being treated carefully. In addition, measures against a reinfection of the bottles in the area of transport between the stations can be dispensed with so that a good accessibility of the transport area is guaranteed.

Abstract: A coin-operated purified water dispensing machine has an exterior housing shaped like a kiosk for a mall. A state of the art water purification system is housed in the kiosk. A unique combination of an RO filter and a bladder type storage tank minimizes the necessary components to pump and measure the purified water. A unique tamper proof and bacteria resistant nozzle assembly includes a retractable nozzle having a shutter door to prevent access while in the passive mode. A pinch valve assembly controls the water flow in a non-invasive manner. Also a continuous flow of ozone to the nozzle assembly deters bacteria growth.

Abstract: A highly reliable bulk chemical delivery system for high purity chemicals employing a manifold that ensures contamination free operation and canister change outs with a minimum of valves and tubing.

Abstract: A dispensing system for particulate solid chemical materials is disclosed that includes a charging hopper for receiving a sealed chemical container of solid particulate material to be dispersed, a delivery pipe attached to the charging hopper for conducting materials from the hopper by gravity, a seal piercing means disposed in the charging hopper for opening the sealed container and allowing the solid particulate material to flow from the chemical container into the delivery pipe and a liquid rinsing device including a discharge pipe member for delivering rinse liquid to rinse the hopper and chemical container.

Abstract: A valve for filling liquids into packages has a housing (1) with a supply connection piece (24), a forward mouth piece and an outlet device (16) in which a large number of outlet holes (4) is arranged. A closing member (3) is movably arranged in the housing (1), and can be engaged with a valve seat (23). Rear sealing devices (5, 7, 22) are also provided. In order to make possible a high volume flow of the liquid contents at low outlet speed without relative movement occurring between the package and outlet device (16) it is provided that the outlet holes (4) distributed over the whole cross-section of the mouth piece (2) are arranged in an outlet plate (16) which is configured integrally with the mouthpiece, and penetrate it in the direction (26) of the longitudinal axis (28) of the mouth piece, that the diameter and the width of the outlet holes (4) is larger than 1 mm and smaller than 5 mm, and that the length of the outlet holes (4) is greater than double their diameter and their width.

Abstract: In a device for sterile filling of containers, especially before removal of the container from the mold of a blow molding machine used for its manufacture, a sterile filling chamber housing is constructed to be pressure-resistant and is provided with connections for feeding and discharging of cleaning fluid, vapor and sterile air. Each opening present in the floor of the sterile filling chamber housing for the passage of a filling tap can be closed tightly by a movable shutter. The shutter engages tightly on the outside of the housing floor.

Abstract: A system for facilitating a clean-in-place operation of a filling station of a packaging machine is set forth. The system comprises a fill pipe assembly having a discharge end through which the liquid product may flow into a container disposed therebelow during a production cycle of the machine. A clean-in-place manifold is provided and is adapted to engage and seal with the discharge end of the fill pipe during the clean-in-place operation. A lift mechanism is utilized in a dual function role. The lift mechanism is operated during a container-filling cycle to lift and lower a container toward and away from the discharge end of the fill pipe assembly for filling with product and is operated during the clean-in-place operation to engage the clean-in-place manifold and to secure the clean-in-place manifold in engagement with the discharge end of the fill pipe assembly.

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