Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning delivery probes used for dispensing protein-containing reagents. The apparatus includes: a bath of a cleaning solution for a protein-containing reagent; a device for lowering the probe into the cleaning solution for aspirating cleaning solution into the probe and for coating the outside of the probe; a device for raising the probe from the cleaning solution; a device for forcing primer liquid through the probe for expelling aspirated cleaning solution followed by primer liquid from the probe for washing the inside of the probe; and a device for deflecting cleaning solution and primer liquid expelled from the probe onto the outside of the probe for washing the outside of the probe.

Abstract: The art field is that of bottling equipment, and more especially, filling machinery in which each valve is fitted permanently with a dummy bottle (2) that can be positioned under the filler outlet for the purposes of sanitization, a periodic operation consisting in successive flushing cycles designed to cleanse all such internal spaces and external parts of the valve as come into contact with the bottled product, in the interests of hygiene; the flushing liquid generally used is water and soda.

Abstract: A liquid packaging machine includes a filler containing a non-return valve spring-biased closed. The valve includes a closure member to a stem of which is fixed a centering spider, the spokes of which contain iron members. Distributed around the valve housing are horseshoe, permanent magnets. During production of filled cartons, the magnet device is positioned so as not to interfere with the movement of the closure member. However, when air is to be bled from the filler and/or the filler is to be steam-sterilized, the magnet device is positioned to attract the iron members to open the valve against the spring bias.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning delivery probes used for dispensing protein-containing reagents. The apparatus includes: a bath of a cleaning solution for a protein-containing reagent; a device for lowering the probe into the cleaning solution for aspirating cleaning solution into the probe and for coating the outside of the probe; a device for raising the probe from the cleaning solution; a device for forcing primer liquid through the probe for expelling aspirated cleaning solution followed by primer liquid from the probe for washing the inside of the probe; and a device for deflecting cleaning solution and primer liquid expelled from the probe onto the outside of the probe for washing the outside of the probe.

Abstract: A system for hermetically dispensing and diluting a concentrated chemical from a container into a dilution tank which includes (i) a first portion for attachment to the container which includes a valve for controlling fluid flow from the container through the first portion, (ii) a second portion for attachment to a source of pressurized water and a measuring receptacle which includes a valve for controlling fluid flow from the source of pressurized water through the second portion and a valve for controlling fluid flow through the second portion into the receptacle, (iii) a coupler for attaching the first and second portions so as to provide fluid flow from the container to the measuring receptacle, and (iv) a valve over an outlet orifice in the receptacle for controllably releasing the contents of the receptacle into a dilution tank.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an annular vessel for holding radioactive soions which contain solids. The vessel has an inclined bottom and a discharge at the lowest point of the vessel. A plurality of pulsators charged with air are mounted in the ring-shaped interior of the vessel so as to extend into the solution. The pulsators operate to completely and evenly discharge the undissolved solids out of the vessel with the flow of solution and to prevent sedimentation. At their bottom ends, the pulsators have respective outlet nozzles which are arranged parallelly to the vessel bottom and are directed toward the lowest point thereof.

Abstract: A packaging machine for forming a web of packaging material into a vertical tube, filling contents into the tube, dividing the tube into lengths each corresponding to one container and forming each length into a baglike container. The machine comprises a filling device for filling a liquid into the tube to a specified level with the lower end of the tube closed, and a cleaning device for cleaning a required portion of the filling device. The filling device has a vertical filling pipe to be covered with the tube. The cleaning device has a vertical tubular jacket having a top wall and covering the upper portion of the filling pipe, a bottomed tubular cleaner removably connectable to the jacket for covering the lower portion of the filling pipe, and a cleaning liquid collecting duct removably connectable to the jacket. A cleaning liquid is supplied to the filling pipe with the duct connected to the jacket to clean the pipe and is thereafter collected through the duct.

Abstract: An ice cream filling apparatus for simultaneously filling multiple ice cream containers as they move along a predetermined path of travel extending between a receiving station and a discharge station and a method of operating the filling apparatus in a manner controlling the volumetric fill of each container as a function of the speed that the container moves along its predetermined path of travel. The filling apparatus includes a transport and filling mechanism which quickly and easily adapts to different size and shape containers and includes a series of cantilevered container supports. Each container support individually holds and positions an ice cream container beneath a filling nozzle in a manner facilitating clean operation of the filling apparatus and such that board caliper and bouncing of the container have an inconsequential effect on volumetric fill accuracy of the filling apparatus.

Abstract: A process for the sterilization of pumps for liquid or pasty pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, foodstuffs or similar products, preferably for pumps in which the piston can be driven to slide longitudinally in a cylinder and, at the same time, to rotate about its own axis. The piston contains a recess that reaches as far as the circular cylinder wall and the working face of the piston and communicates with a suction connection in the cylinder wall during a suction stroke and with a pressure connection in the cylinder wall during a pressure stroke and where, further, a closable drainage aperture is preferably provided in the bottom end of the cylinder. A sterilization medium is fed to a pump connection while the pump is being driven. Consequently, the pump does not have to be dismantled for sterilization purposes.

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: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning delivery probes used for dispensing protein-containing reagents. The apparatus includes: a bath of a cleaning solution for a protein-containing reagent; a device for lowering the probe into the cleaning solution for aspirating cleaning solution into the probe and for coating the outside of the probe; a device for raising the probe from the cleaning solution; a device for forcing primer liquid through the probe for expelling aspirated cleaning solution followed by primer liquid from the probe for washing the inside of the probe; and a device for deflecting cleaning solution and primer liquid expelled from the probe onto the outside of the probe for washing the outside of the probe.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and means for lid sterilization and temporal sealing. With the lid sterilization means, a lid's whole surface is completely sterilized, while it is held and revolved, and the lid then is put on the opening of a container which is hung by a flange on a pair of rails and carried by a pushing plate. With the temporal sealing means, the lid is partially pushed on the flange by a heater and is briefly and temporarily sealed.

Abstract: In packing machines which have a filling pipe with two or more ducts, a rinsing of the filling pipe with cleaning fluid may lead to only one duct being properly cleaned. In order to prevent this, an arrangement is provided on packing machines which have a coupling part provided with valves with passages which are coupled in series with respective ducts in the filling pipe. The valve is adapted so that it is acted on towards the closed position by the cleaning fluid flowing past and thus limits the flow through the one duct so that the other duct too is assured of an adequate flow for effective cleaning.

Abstract: A filling head for a machine for automatic filling of bottles to a constant level, particularly in free air, and a filling machine equipped with such filling heads. The filling head has a circulation chamber into which the filling liquid enters via a feed orifice and from which the filling liquid leaves via a lower outlet orifice which is extended by a discharge tube for penetrating inside a neck of a bottle during filling. A membrane with a projection opens or closes the outlet orifice in response to control signals emitted by a detector of the filling level arranged on a zone of the discharge tube situated inside the bottle during filling.

Abstract: To provide a suitable filling atmosphere around a produce filling pipe on a packing machine and to make possible a rational, accurate cleaning of the filling pipe of the machine without having to dismantle and disassemble the filling pipe at a normal stoppage of the machine, the filling pipe is surrounded by a permanent tubular casing whose lower end is adapted so that it can be closed for cleaning with the aid of a detachable lid to form a container enclosing the filling pipe. The filling pipe, via a connecting means at the upper end of the casing, can be joined to an outer flow system to allow circulation of a cleansing agent.

Abstract: A machine for filling packaging containers with a flowable product comprises a control valve in the form of a plug valve having a body defining a bore forming a frusto-conical valve seat, a plug having a complimentary frusto-conical surface, and a valve chamber for pressurized fluid formed at the wider end of the plug. The chamber communicates with the bore. The plug is axially displaceable between a first position, in which the frusto-conical surface seals against the valve seat and in which it is rotatable to control flow through the valve, and a second position, in which it is withdrawn into the chamber to provide clearance between the mating surfaces of the plug and the seat but retaining clearance between its wider end and the opposite surface of the chamber so that all surfaces of the plug are exposed for cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for washing off the inner surface of a reaction vessel and/or of the outer surface of at least one spherodial reagent body present in the reaction vessel, the device comprising a small tube (6) connectable to a washing liquid suction device having a suction opening (2) and being pressable by means of a spring (4) in the direction of the bottom of the reaction vessel, a mantle (8) radially surrounding the small tube (6) at an axial distance from its suction opening (2), which mantle bounds between its inner surface and the outer surface of the small tube (6) a washing liquid inlet canal (10) connectable to a washing liquid supply device, holes (12) being provided in an end section of the mantle (8) facing the suction opening (2) for the exit of the washing liquid and two electrodes (14,16) arranged outside the mantle (8) at a distance from one another, axially further remote from the suction opening (2) than the holes (12) in the mantle (8), the electrodes (14,16) being

Abstract: The invention comprises a self-cleaning injection system for injecting foamable compositions into packaging applications. The system comprises an injection nozzle having an opening in one end from which mixed foam precursors which form foamable compositions may exit. The one end comprises a tip assembly which is porous to gases and to certain liquids, but which is impermeable to other materials such as the foamable compositions which may otherwise exit the housing only through said opening. A pump assembly pumps cleaning solvent from a solvent container to the injection nozzle while maintaining a constant delivery of air or a mixture of air and solvent to the injection nozzle. The pump assembly comprises a solvent container and an air compressor for sending air to the solvent container and for sending a mixture of solvent and air from the solvent container to said injection nozzle.

Abstract: A machine for transferring metered quantities of viscous materials from a source of such materials into successive receptacles has a tubular housing with inlets and outlets disposed diametrically opposite each other. The housing confines a rotary metering device having an axially extending chamber and an opening which communicates with the inlet in one angular position and with the outlet in another angular position of the metering device. A piston in the metering device draws flowable material from the source into the chamber in the first angular position and expels such material from the chamber into a receptacle in the second angular position of the metering device. The housing and the metering device have adjacent frustoconical surfaces and the metering device is movable axially to establish between such surfaces a frustoconical clearance for admission of a liquid or gaseous cleaning fluid while the metering device remains in the interior of the housing.

Abstract: In an arrangement for a filling valve on a packing machine after-dripping is prevented by providing that the outside surfaces of the valve which can come into contact with the contents are cleaned with the help of a pressure fluid during operation of the machine. An arrangement in accordance comprises a filling valve whose valve body is provided with a channel for the supply of pressure fluid and an outlet opening situated at the lower end of the valve body which conducts the pressure fluid and causes it to flow along the underside of the valve body so that any residue of the contents is effectively flushed away.

Abstract: The device for the air-free filling in particular of flexible bags (1) under counterpressure consists of a filling pipe (5) which, with a sealing cone (9), can be guided into a filling and extraction connecting piece (2) of the bag. A filling valve (13) is provided in the direct proximity of the filling-pipe delivery orifice (4), which filling valve (13) is formed from a conical surface (15) of the filling-pipe inner wall (14) and a conical mating piece (18) which is provided on the end of a valve stem (17) which is guided in the filling pipe in axially movable manner.The product to be filled flows into the filling-pipe inner space (20) through a product feed line, and, via a longitudinal bore (19) made in the valve stem, a vacuum can be applied or a protective gas and also a sterilizing agent can be fed at the area around the delivery orifice (4).

Abstract: A device is provided for cleaning a liquid sample taking needle, mounted fixedly on the frame of a sample taking apparatus, which device includes a mobile mechanism formed of a rinsing case (14) sliding over the sample taking needle (3) between a top position which it occupies during sample taking and a low position which it occupies during cleaning in which it covers the whole of the lower part of the needle, the end of this latter remaining withdrawn inside a cylindrical cleaning chamber (18) provided in the case through which the needle passes and at the lower part of which a depression is applied.

Abstract: The dispensing pump is intended for metering pasty products into a group of molding bowls cylically advanced under the dispensing pump. The dispensing pump comprises a plurality of commonly drivable metering piston pumps (2) corresponding in number to the number of bowls disposed in series and in side-by-side relationship, with the pumps being provided with closing and opening elements associated with dispensing nozzles (7). To provide a compact and space-saving configuration with short and rectilinear conveying distances for the feedstock to be metered and thereby to provide favorable cleaning conditions, the dispensing pump is so constructed that the closing and opening elements are disposed in a flat valve block below the metering piston pumps. Feedstock distributor channels for each pump row are provided in the valve block in parallel to rotary slide valves with feedstock carrying channels pivotal by a common drive into the dispensing and metering position.

Abstract: For use with an apparatus for performing biological fluid assays, the apparatus having a probe assembly that includes a tubular probe, a probe wash station for washing the tubular probe with a washing fluid. The probe wash station comprises a probe washing receptacle that is adapted to receive the tubular probe, the receptable having an anti-splash mechanism therein for preventing the splashing of the washing fluid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing sterilized prefilled plastic syringes avoiding plastic deformation and distortion. The plastic barrels are subjected to repeated water jet washing steps to remove contaminants and depyrogenate the barrels. Tip seals and pistons are subjected to removal of debris and pyrogens and destruction of microbial contaminants. After the tip is assembled on the nozzle of the barrel, the barrel is filled with contrast media through its open end, after which the piston is assembled in the open end to seal the syringe and its contents. The assembled and sealed syringe is then subjected to autoclaving to sterilize the syringe and its contents, without deformation of the plastic syringe or a loss of integrity to the closed media/syringe system.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a fixed volume, rotary filling apparatus. A rocking cam mechanism drives metering cylinder units. During cleaning, the rocking cam mechanism brings the individual pistons of several metering cylinder units to a common elevation, and a rotatable member lowers the corresponding cylinders so as to relatively slidably displace the pistons and the cylinders to a greater degree than during a normal filling operation, to enable seals (which normally seal the cylinder during the filling operation) to be separated from each other to define a cleaning passage therebetween. A valve mechanism selectively swtiches communication of the metering cylinder unit between a tank to be filled and the filling nozzle, during the normal filling operation, by changing paths formed in the sliding surfaces of a valve housing and a valve element by relative displacement therebetween. The valve housing and the valve element are relatively movable between a filling position, and a cleaning position.

Abstract: An improved combined washer and aspirator device comprises improved tips, tip seals, reaction well seals and a frame. The improved device reduces the amount of manual dexterity required of a laboratory technologist to wash beads in reaction wells used in diagnostic immunoassays.

Abstract: An improved carbonated beverage storage and dispensing system is disclosed which employs separate tanks for carbon dioxide and syrup. Mixing occurs during dispensing. For each type of syrup there are preferably two syrup supply tanks. Each syrup tank may be selectively connected to either a syrup filling source or to a sanitizing system for cleaning the tank. This system allows one of the syrup supply tanks to be sanitized or refilled, while another supplies syrup for dispensing, thus allowing uninterrupted beverage service.

Abstract: A rotary volumetric piston dispenser is provided which receives material from a manifold assembly, portions that material while it traverses a path to a dispensing location, and dispenses the portioned material at the dispensing location. The rotary volumetric piston dispenser is suitable for timed communication with a movable belt or the like in order to deposit the portioned material according to a predetermined sequence. A camming assembly is also provided which is suitable for use within the rotary volumetric piston dispenser, the camming assembly including a cam track assembly having an adjustable camming pathway in order to vary the radial position of a radially movable element such as a piston while the element moves in a pattern that generally corresponds to the cam track assembly. The rotary volumetric piston dispenser is especially suitable for use in dispensing condiments, whether they be wet or dry, onto a moving surface, such as a plurality of proteinaceous patties spaced along a conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid transfer apparatus. The apparatus draws a first liquid from a container to a low pressure region created when a second pressurized liquid is directed through a venturi nozzle. The first and second liquids combine downstream from the venturi nozzle to flow to a destination tank. The apparatus includes a T-shaped conduit structure wherein the pressurized liquid passes through the first or cross conduit. The first liquid in the container is drawn up the second conduit which forms the leg of the structure. A bypass conduit connects between the first conduit near the inlet end and a sleeve surrounding the second conduit. The sleeve includes openings around the periphery such that when valves are appropriately positioned, pressurized liquid is forced out the openings and may be used to flush and clean the interior of the container of the first liquid.

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: A flexible tube of uniform internal diameter extends through a peristaltic pump and has its inlet communicating with a supply of liquid to be sampled. The pump is cyclically operated first in a reverse direction to purge all liquid from the tube, and then in a forward direction to pump liquid from the supply to a collector. When the pumped liquid fills a first portion of the tube for a predetermined axial distance from its inlet, a device disposed externally of the tube senses the presence of the liquid and signals a processor, which then determines the rate of flow of the liquid, and the total time T.sub.t the pump must operate to fill the entire tube plus a desired sample volume. The cycle is completed by momentarily reversing the pump to purge the first portion of the tube, and then it is operated in its forward direction for the time T.sub.t.

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: The installation comprises a static mixer (1) connected to receive yoghurt from a yoghurt store (4) and a flavoring from a selected flavoring store (8 to 10). The amount of yoghurt and flavoring dispensed is measured by appropriate metering pumps (11 to 14). The static mixer has a bottom outlet (1a) under which a beaker (20) is placed to receive a portion of flavored yoghurt. The beaker stands over a waste funnel (19) to catch drips and spills. A wash tank (22) is provided together with various feeds for rinsing and/or cleaning materials (27 to 28). The wash tank is connected via a pump (33) and a duct (31) to a spray head (34) in the yoghurt store (4). A thorough automatic rinse-wash-rinse cycle can be performed, whenever necessary. The rinse cycles are preferable open circuit cycles, and the wash cycle is preferably a closed circuit cycle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing sterilized prefilled plastic syringes avoiding plastic deformation and distortion. The plastic barrels are subjected to repeated water jet washing steps to remove contaminants and depyrogenate the barrels. Tip seals and pistons are subjected to washing, autoclaving and rinsing steps to remove contaminants and depyrogenate. After the tip is assembled on the nozzle of the barrel, the barrel is filled with contrast media through its open end, after which the piston is assembled in the open end to seal the syringe and its contents. The assembled and sealed syringe is then subjected to autoclaving to sterilize the syringe and its contents, without deformation of the plastic syringe or a loss of integrity to the closed media/syringe system.

Abstract: Apparatus for reconditioning drums has a conveyor extending through a series of equally spaced stations. The conveyor has a series of members, each in the form of a forwardly opening V and with the members so spaced that when any one is at a station, other members will be at the other stations. Drums are placed, one at a time, and inverted, on the infeed end of the conveyor with the bung of each in a position to be caught and held centered by one of the members and pulled thereby along the center line of the conveyor. The conveyor is moved by steps with each step advancing a conveyed drum to a station at which the bung is in vertical alignment with a vertically disposed, subjacent spray nozzle. Dwells between the steps are provided of a predetermined duration during which the nozzles are elevated to an extent entering them within a drum and the drums at stations are tilted fowardly. At each station, a reconditioning fluid is discharged through the associated nozzle if a drum is in fact present.

Abstract: A method 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 micro-organism 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: There is disclosed apparatus in which an aspirating and dispensing tip is provided with liquid wherein residual liquid is left as a sheath on the exterior of the tip after aspiration. The apparatus is improved to include means exterior of the dispensing tip for separating the sheath into at least two parts without detaching residual liquid physically from the exterior surface, the two parts being separated along the axis of the tip by a dry annular portion of the exterior surface having a suitable width. Such separating means is spaced away from the tip a distance effective to prevent contact of the separating means with either the tip or the liquid of the sheath.

Abstract: A valve removal and cleaning system for flowable material filling devices includes a hopper for holding the material, a plurality of spaced-apart filling assemblies, each of which includes a cylinder mounted on the hopper and into which the material flows from the hopper, and a piston movable in the cylinder to force the material from the cylinder into containers. A plurality of valve housings interconnect the hopper with the cylinders, with each valve housing having an opening at the bottom thereof for receiving a valve element. A plurality of valve elements are provided for disposition in a respective valve housing, with the valve elements being mounted on a valve holder which in the form of a plate or a bracket located below the hopper. A frame support is positioned below the valve holder, and a locking mechanism operates to selectively lock the valve holder plate either to the frame support or to the hopper.

Abstract: A sanitizing method and a sanitizer system to be attached to a conventional circular beverage can filling machine, the system including a plurality of collector manifolds, each manifold being adapted to collect sanitizing liquid from a plurality of adjacent can filler valve centering bells, there being sufficient number of manifolds with plural bell sealing rings to accommodate every filler valve of a particular machine; the manifolds are connectable by flexible hoses to a rotating collector which is preferably permanently installed at the top of the can filler machine; the entry ports of the collector rotate with the rotating conveyor table of the machine and the exit port of the collector is from a stationary portion thereof. There is a provision for passage of carbon dioxide gas through the center of the collector to maintain carbonation in the beverage in the filler bowl. Clamps are provided for the manifolds to hold their sealing rings firmly up against the taper of the filler valve centering bells.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing the sootblowing requirements for boiler heat exchanger tubes which also reduces boiler downtime and production losses as well as energy requirements. The method involves the steps of programming the feeding of chemicals to the boiler in timed relation to a sootblowing cycle to establish a cleavage plane on the tube surfaces. The apparatus includes the feeding of a measured amount of powdered chemicals to the boiler following each sootblowing operation, which includes a storage vessel charged with a measured amount of chemical that is emptied during a chemical application cycle.

Abstract: This relates to a wash system for cleaning fillers of a multiple filler f, fill and seal machine. Multiple fillers are provided simultaneously to fill a plurality of previously formed cups, and these fillers are arranged in clusters, for example four fillers to a cluster. There is associated with the fillers a wash solution return duct through which nozzles of the fillers pass. The fillers are located within sleeves which communicate with the duct and plug elements are provided for closing the sleeves during the wash cycle, after which a wash solution may be directed through the fillers in lieu of the normal product with the system being entirely enclosed and without there being waste of the wash solution into the interior of the apparatus.

Abstract: A machine and method for filling a container through an opening therein. The machine includes a machine frame defining a container conveying zone through which a container loaded into the machine moves during a filling operation. A container sterilizing assembly is mounted on the machine frame and defines a sterilizing station in the conveying zone, the sterilizing assembly being operable to aseptically sterilize the container, at least in a region incorporating the opening, when positioned at the sterilizing station. A container filling assembly is also mounted on the machine frame and defines a container filling station in the conveying zone, the filling assembly being operable to receive the sterilized container and fill the container through the opening therein with a product while maintaining at least the opening region of the container in an aseptic condition.

Abstract: An improved washing device in washing a sealing portion of an apparatus for sealing a container such as a bottle includes a washing cap adapted to be detachably mounted to a bottom of a sealing plunger of the sealing apparatus, and a washing liquid circulating device for circulating a washing liquid to portions of the sealing plunger to be washed by the intermediary of the washing cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for aseptic filling of pre-sterilized non-rigid containers, especially foodstuffs containers. The said process involves taking laying hold of the container by means of air-suction, followed by sterilization of part of the container and the means holding same, then piercing of the actual container and subsequent introduction thereinto of sterile gas. This is followed by introduction of the foodstuff into the container and ultimate hermetical heat-sealing of the container thus filled. The apparatus used for carrying out the process comprises a movable workhead, positioned appropriately along a traverse overlying the conveyor bringing up containers for filling the workhead has means for taking hold of the container by suction, means for piercing the container, and for introducing sterile gas and foodstuff into the container. The workhead carries out such operations by moving into angularly distinct respective working postures.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a flowable material filling device composed of a hopper for holding the material, a plurality of spaced-apart assemblies, each of which includes a cylinder into which material flows from the hopper and a piston movable in the cylinder to force material from the cylinder into containers, and a piston support structure for causing the pistons to move in the cylinders. The apparatus includes a lifting mechanism coupled to the piston support structure and responsive to a first signal for moving the piston support structure in a first direction to thereby move the pistons out of the cylinders, and responsive to a second signal for moving the piston support structure in a second direction to thereby move the pistons back into the cylinders. Valve controlled liquid spray nozzles are positioned to spray liquid into the cylinders and against the pistons when they are removed from the cylinders in response to a third signal.

Abstract: A separable coupling for filling or emptying a bulk container of a liquid or semi-liquid food product comprises a closure on the container, and a coupling member attached to a supply or discharge conduit and which is releasably connectable with the closure. Valves on the closure and coupling member are connected in series in the product flow path when the coupling is made. They are connected mechanically together and actuated in series so that the valve of the coupling member is actuated through the agency of the valve on the closure in a fail-safe manner. Provision is made for feeding superheated steam to the part of the product flow path lying between the valves, so that the exposed surfaces of the closure and coupling member can be sterilized or purged before and after a filling or discharging operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for dropping and sealing liquefied inert gases into a can immediately before rolling of a canning can, and applying internal pressure to the can after sealed. Liquefied gases supplied from a liquefied gas main tank to a liquefied gas storage tank set in gas pressure lower than that of the main tank is controlled by a bucket or ball type float valve to maintain a constant liquid level at all times. A given amount of liquefied gases are dropped from a dropping nozzle into a can by means of a dropping valve actuated by a sensing signal of the can. Internal pressure of the storage tank is maintained constant by releasing vaporized gases within the tank through a regulating valve. This released gas shields the liquefied gases released and dropped towards the circumference of the dropping nozzle and the nozzle to prevent vaporization of the dropping gases and freezing of the nozzle. To prevent the nozzle from being frozen, it is preferred that a nozzle portion is made of a suitable synthetic resin.

Abstract: A continuous-cycle filling-machine for aseptic batching comprises a revolving basin whose floor exhibits a plurality of open-topped cylinders communicating therewith and accommodating respective sliding plungers designed to expel contents of the cylinder toward a filler-jig. A fixed obturator is in direct contact with the basin-floor under which the cylinders are brought to bear by rotation of the basin during the delivery-stroke. An annular chamber located externally and beneath the basin communicates with a source of sterilizer fluid by way of a feed-conduit within the shaft around which the basin rotates. An outer-casing has a bottom-face at least part-created by the basin-floor and an interior which receives slightly-pressurized fluid. Sterile conditions are thus maintained within the machine. Lifting gear is provided for raising the obturator from the basin-floor at will.

Abstract: A metering apparatus including a metering pump having a vertical, elongate pump cylinder tapered at one end to a point, and a piston arranged for axial movement in said cylinder, facilitates transfer of an accurately determined volume of liquid from a first vessel to a second vessel. A method of transfer involves lowering the pump into the first vessel; with the point extending into the liquid contained therein; withdrawing the piston through a first distance such that a volume of liquid substantially exceeding the volume to be transferred is drawn into the pump cylinder; raising the pump slowly, until the pointed part of the pump cylinder occupies a position above the surface of the liquid; advancing the piston through a distance which corresponds exactly to the first and second distances so that the desired amount of liquid is dispensed to the second vessel.