Abstract: A process station (1) for a parison or a container (2) made of thermoplastic material, comprising: a concave shell (3) configured to be applied onto the mouth (2b) of the individual parison or container (2) in such a manner as to enwrap at least partially the neck (2a) of the parison or container (2) so as to delimit a volume for treatment (4) of the neck (2a) subjected to plasma balls immersed in a carrier gas stream.

Abstract: A method of forming and filling a container with an end product. Accordingly to the method, a preform is located within a mold assembly that defines the shape of the container and a nozzle assembly is moved so as to engage with at least one of the preform and the mold assembly forming a liquid tight seal. The end product is injected into the preform to simultaneously form a container from the preform and fill the container with the end product. After forming and filling the container, the nozzle assembly, which was used to inject the end product, is disengaged from the preform and/or mold assembly. After the nozzle assembly is disengaged, the filled container is removed from the mold assembly and residual end product is purged from the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A method for handling at least sectionally sterile workpieces having a filiable inner volume, wherein the workpieces are each connected to a closure device, and by which the workpieces are guided through a plurality of treatment stations. One of the stations is a sterilization unit, wherein in at least one of the treatment stations, a treatment member is moved through a passage opening of the closure device all the way into the inner volume of the workpiece. The passage opening of the closure device is closed off by a closure element, which opens when the treatment member moves through and closes again upon removal of the member, wherein the closure device sealingly closes the inner volume of the workpiece with respect to an external region.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of simultaneously blowing and filling a container from a thermoplastic polymer preform with a carbonated liquid at ambient temperature having, said carbonated liquid having a defined quantity of dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) depending on the carbonated liquid beverage, comprising: —stretching the thermoplastic polymer preform (16) placed within a mold (12) during a stretching phase, —starting an injection phase for injecting said carbonated liquid into the preform, the injection phase starting after the stretching phase has started, characterized in that prior to starting the injection phase the carbonated liquid is at a predetermined pressure (P1) equal or greater than the partial pressure (P2) of the carbon dioxide (CO2) defined for said carbonated liquid beverage in the container. The invention also concerns related system.

Abstract: In blow mold apparatus, the emergence of a parison from an extruder may be controlled (the parison supported), such as by pulling on the parison or resisting gravity pull to tailor parison wall thickness, overall and locally. The process may proceed discontinuously, such as by stopping extrusion before a parison has achieved its full desired length and continuing pulling. After molding the parison, it may be filled with a material (solid, liquid or gas). A subsequent parison may be molded onto a previously formed parison. Various elements or devices (such as needles, caps, stoppers, valves, plungers) may be incorporated into the part during the molding process.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus (10) for simultaneously blowing and filling a plastic container from a preform, the apparatus comprising: a mold (14) for enclosing a preform, so as to leave access to the mouth of the preform, stretching means (42) for stretching the preform within the mold, an injection head (16) for injecting a liquid through the mouth so as to cause expansion of the preform within the mold, thereby obtaining a blown and filled container (12) that comprises a dispensing opening (22), characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a capping head (18) for fixing a cap (40) on the dispensing opening of said blown and filled container, the capping head being permanently arranged between the injection head (16) and the mold (14).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of blowing and filling a container from a thermoplastic polymer preform, comprising: stretching a thermoplastic polymer preform (16) placed within a mould (12) during a stretching phase, starting an injection phase for injecting a liquid into the preform, the injection phase starting after the stretching phase has started, characterized in that prior to starting the injection phase the liquid is at a predetermined pressure above the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A balloon and method of making a balloon catheter is provided. The balloon for the balloon catheter may be made by slicing through an integral dilation element on a parison (10). The parison may then be stretched to spread the slices to form wider gaps (20). The gaps define separate dilation element segments (14), which may make the balloon more flexible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a plurality of tiered containers from a single parison. Two or more parisons can be arranged next to each other. A molding apparatus of this invention can have one or more mold sections that can be operated in a controlled fashion to form a stacked or tiered arrangement of containers from a single parison or can be arranged to form an array of containers including two or more columns of containers each having two or more tiered containers, all during a single cycle of the molding apparatus. Each container formed by the method and apparatus of this invention can be blow molded and/or vacuum formed and/or filled and/or sealed. Each seal can be a hermetic seal or any other suitable seal formed through a molding step.

Abstract: Device (1) for blowing and stretching a plastic parison (3) for obtaining a container, comprising: a blowing nozzle (4) having a first end (4a) to be applied to an inlet (3a) of said parison (3), said first end (4a) emerging in a controlled-contamination environment (5) wherein said parison (3) is blown; a stretching rod (2); means for injecting mid and high pressure air in said parison (3); a non-magnetic tube (7) secured to a second end (4b) of the blowing nozzle (4) and defining a chamber (8) for housing, at least partially, the stretching rod (2), said chamber (8) being tight-sealed relative to a contaminated area (22) from which said controlled-contamination environment (5) is isolated; a first magnet arrangement (9) and a second magnet arrangement (10) coupled together, said first magnet arrangement (9) being located outside said chamber (8) and said second magnet arrangement (10) being integral to said stretching rod (2) and located within said chamber (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and a device for delivering a predetermined volume of beverage into a thermoplastic container formed from a preform positioned in a mould having an opening opposite an injection head (18), characterized in that the method includes a prior step of exposing the preform to a sterilizing fluid supplied by a first circuit connected to the injection head (18) and a step of injecting, into a recess of the preform, at least some of the beverage supplied by a second circuit connected to the injection head (18) so as to promote expansion of the preform inside the mould, the mould defining the shape of the container.

Abstract: A process for pressurization of a thin-walled plastic container having a container weight to wall surface ratio on the order of 150 g/m2 to 250 g/m2, designed to contain a flat liquid, comprising the following stages: providing a container; filling the container that has residual stresses under cold conditions with said flat liquid; sealing the container after filling; and, heating the container, without raising the temperature of the liquid, to reach the temperature of the container's glass transition point so as to generate a pressurization of the interior of said container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a sterile package (1, 1?) integrally housing a contents-pouring device (5, 5?) which has improved contents pourability and tamper evidence. According to the present invention, the sterile package (1, 1?) can be efficiently produced by adopting the following steps of: (1) disposing a parison (27) in a mold (32) for a plastic container main body, (2) blowing sterile air from a nozzle (24) inserted in the parison (27) to blow-mold the plastic container main body, (3) filling the plastic container main body (2) with contents through the nozzle (24) and retracting the nozzle (24), (4) inserting a contents-pouring device (5, 5?) in the parison located above the plastic container main body (2), (5) clamping a mold (31) for a protective case, and (6) forming a protective case (6) with the parison located above the container main body (2).

Abstract: A device for molding a container from a thermoplastic material in which a heated parison is pre-blown by supplying low-pressure blowing air from a low-pressure air supply and then the blow molding is completed by subsequent supply of high-pressure blowing air and in which the high-pressure blowing air flowing out of the container that has been completely blow molded is supplied to the low-pressure air supply via a reversing mechanism during a transitional phase. A pressure monitoring is performed in the area of the low-pressure air supply and in which, after the transitional phase, the container is vented with respect to an ambient pressure whereby the pressure in the low-pressure air supply is controlled by varying the duration of the transitional phase.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously forming and filling a plastic container is provided. A mold cavity defines an internal surface and is adapted to accept a preform. A pressure source includes an inlet and a piston-like device. The piston-like device is moveable in a first direction wherein liquid is drawn into the pressure source through the inlet and in a second direction wherein the liquid is urged toward the preform. A blow nozzle may be adapted to receive the liquid from the pressure source and transfer the liquid at high pressure into the preform thereby urging the preform to expand toward the internal surface of the mold cavity and creating a resultant container. The liquid remains within the container as an end product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously forming and filling a plastic container is provided. A mold cavity defines an internal surface and is adapted to accept a preform. A pressure source includes an inlet and a piston-like device. The piston-like device is moveable in a first direction wherein liquid is drawn into the pressure source through the inlet and in a second direction wherein the liquid is urged toward the preform. A blow nozzle may be adapted to receive the liquid from the pressure source and transfer the liquid at high pressure into the preform thereby urging the preform to expand toward the internal surface of the mold cavity and creating a resultant container. The liquid remains within the container as an end product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing polyethylene aseptic squeezable pouches. The invention also covers said pouches and their use for medical packaging applications.

Abstract: In a method for the production and filling of containers (12), at least one tube (3) of plasticized plastic material is extruded into an open mold (6). The tube (3) is bonded at its advancing end on closing the mold (6) to form the container base. The tube (3) is severed above the mold, by a separating element (21) to form a filling opening. The mold (6) having the tube (3) with a filling opening is moved to a filling position in which the container is filled after the tube (3) formed in the mold by generating an expanding pressure gradient acting on the tube (3). During the movement of the mold (6) into the filling position, the filling opening of the tube (3) is covered by a sterile barrier (23).

Abstract: A moulding method, in particular a blowing or vacuum moulding method produces a dispensing container filled with a medium for dispensing. A moulding method for production of a dispensing container (1), filled with a medium for dispensing, involves introduction of an extruded plastic tube (6) into an open mould with moving main mould sections (8) and mould sections (10), cutting the plastic tube (6), spreading the plastic tube (6) into contact with the mould walls of the main mould sections (8), filling the container (1) in the mould with the medium for dispensing, introduction of a sealing unit (3), closure of the secondary mould sections (10) and subsequent moulding of the section of plastic tube (6) running through the secondary mould sections (10) to form a protective sleeve (5) which encloses a cannula (11) in the sealing unit (3) as second component of the securing device (5, 17).

Abstract: The invention relates to a moulding method, in particular a blowing or vacuum moulding method for production of a dispensing container filled with a medium for dispensing. A moulding method for production of a dispensing container (1), filled with a medium for dispensing, comprises the following steps: introduction of an extruded plastic tube (6) into an open mould with moving main mould section (8) and mould section (10), cutting the plastic tube (6), spreading the plastic tube (6) into contact with the mould walls of the main mould section (8), filling the container (1) in the mould with the medium for dispensing, introduction of a sealing unit (3), closure of the mould section (10) and subsequent moulding of the section of plastic tube (6) running through the mould section (10) to give a protective sleeve (5) which encloses a cannula (11) in the sealing unit (3) as second component of the securing device (5, 17).

Abstract: A container made without employing a mold release agent, comprised of halogenated polymeric material provides an extended shelf-life for 1,1-disubstituted ethylene adhesive monomer compositions.

Abstract: A process of molding thermoplastic preforms into bottles and similar containers wherein pressurized liquids, such as water, are used in the stretching and shaping process instead of pneumatic gases, such as heated air. The result is greater control over the crystallization of the thermoplastic material and economies of scale. Addition of peroxides, or similar materials are used for sterilization can be added to the liquid thereby conditioning the container for immediate filling with sterile product and eliminating the need for an additional sterilization step following completion of the molding step. As an added step, dry, sterile air can be used to vent and dry the container just prior to introduction of product. Also use of liquid, rather than heated air, provides a washing or cleansing of actealdehydes or ethanol, which may be present in the extruded preform, from the finished container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production and filling of containers (12), whereby at least one tube (3) of plastified plastic material is extruded into an open mould (6), the tube (3) is bonded at the advancing end thereof on closing the mould (6) to give the container base and the tube (3) is severed above the mould, by a separating element (21) to give a filling opening. The mould (6) with the tube (3), comprising a filling opening, is moved to a filling position, in which the container is filled after the above is formed in the mould by means of generating an expanding pressure gradient acting on the tube (3). During the movement of the mould (6) into the filling position the filling opening of the tube (3) is covered by means of a sterile barrier (23).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a sterile packaging container from a thermoplastic blank or preform which, during stepwise displacement between different processing stations (A-H), is subjected to a first heating to a temperature suitable for a subsequent sterilization with the aid of a chemical sterilization agent in gas form. A subsequent, additional heating stage imparts to the blank the desired moulding temperature, whereafter the blank, after displacement to a blow moulding station, is blow moulded to the desired configuration with the aid of mould halves (9) surrounding the blank. Hereafter, the blank is displaced to a filling station (E) in which it is filled with the desired contents in order thereafter finally to be sealed with the aid of a wafer (17) and discharged out of the apparatus according to the present invention.

Abstract: A blow molding machine and method for blowing sealed aseptic bottles includes a blow pin having separate blow air and exhaust passages. The retracted blow pin is dwelled in a pin housing filled with sterile air. The housing is connected to the pin by two thin rolling diaphragm seals. Sterile air in the chamber maintains the sterility of the sides and end of the blow pin. The separate blown air and exhaust passages maintain sterility of the machine despite possible rupture of a parison or bottle.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of producing and servicing insulating glass units. Methods are provided for reducing the pressure differential on an IG unit, for changing the interior pressure within an IG unit, and for changing the gaseous interior composition within an IG. These methods can be practiced by forming a hole through at least one of the panes of an IG unit, and flowing gas through the hole. One method includes forming a hole through one of the panes of an IG unit, flowing gas through the hole, and sealing the hole with an optically clear sealant (e.g., a transparent resin). A number of methods for producing IG units are also provided. Further, several kits are provided for servicing IG units. There is also provided a method for detecting leaks in an IG unit by flowing an opaque gas into the unit and observing the unit to detect leaks of the opaque gas therefrom.

Abstract: A blow molding machine and method for blowing sealed aseptic bottles includes a blow pin having separate blow air and exhaust passages. The retracted blow pin is dwelled in a pin housing filled with sterile air. The housing is connected to the pin by two thin rolling diaphragm seals. Sterile air in the chamber maintains the sterility of the sides and end of the blow pin. The separate blown air and exhaust passages maintain sterility of the machine despite possible rupture of a parison or bottle.

Abstract: In the production of hollow plastic receptacles from two areas of a strip of starting material, all of each receptacle can be formed from the strip, or half of each receptacle can be formed from the strip with the halves welded together to complete the receptacles. Outside of part of at least one of the fusion seams, a marginal piece of waste segment forms at least one hollow body.

Abstract: To provide a plastic vessel containing an albumin preparation which completely restrains formation of thermally denatured albumin, a plastic molded member in a cylindrical shape is extruded in a molten state into opened dies, one end of which is closed in the dies, and a vessel is molded by blowing a compressed gas into the molded member in the dies or by bringing inner portions of the dies into a vacuum state. While the vessel is still disposed in the dies, an albumin preparation is introduced from an opening portion into an inner portion of the vessel and, therefore, the albumin preparation can be filled into the vessel in a sterilized state without being brought into contact with the atmosphere. Then, an opening portion of the vessel filled with the albumin preparation is hermetically sealed at an internal temperature of the opening portion of about 40 to 70° C. Thus formation of thermally denatured albumin can be completely restrained.

Abstract: Stretch blow molded containers are made from a preform made of a plastic material suitable for stretch blow molding such as, e.g., PET. The preform is heated to a temperature suitable for stretch blow molding and is introduced into a mold. An explosive gas mixture is introduced into the preform with a stretching pressure and the preform is axially stretched with the help of a stretching rod. After stretching, the explosive gas mixture is ignited, the explosion creating a blowing pressure which presses the wall of the preform against the inner wall of the mold so as to impart to the container its definite form. Due to the temperature shock generated by the explosion, the inner surface of the container is simultaneously sterilized.

Abstract: A method of molding and filling aseptic containers comprises the steps of sterilizing preforms, heating the sterilized preforms to a temperature appropriate to orientation, molding the heated preforms into containers by an orientation blow molding process, filling the molded containers with an aseptic liquid and hermetically closing the filled containers each with an aseptic closure. The sterilizing step is performed by bringing a sterilizing gas into contact with surfaces of the preforms.

Abstract: A cross head mounted at an end portion of an extruder for extruding a parison between a pair of elements of a metallic mold and a filling nozzle lifting apparatus having a filling nozzle are provided in parallel, and opening and closing of the metallic mold by a mold clamping apparatus, back and forth movement of the mold clamping apparatus between a parison receiving position and a filling position by a metallic mold feeding apparatus, upward and downward movement of the filling nozzle and back and forth movement of a parison cutter of a parison cutting apparatus are electrically operated. Further, a metallic mold body of the metallic mold is formed from a ventilation material, through which air in the metallic mold is sucked by vacuum to expand the parison. Furthermore, a clean air box is constructed so that it can accommodate the filling nozzle, and clean air is jetted from a jetting hole provided in a lower wall of the clean air box so that a clean air atmosphere may be provided above the metallic mold.

Abstract: To provide a plastic vessel containing an albumin preparation which completely restrains formation of thermally denatured albumin, a plastic molded member in a cylindrical shape is extruded in a molten state into opened dies, one end of which is closed in the dies, and a vessel is molded by blowing a compressed gas into the molded member in the dies or by bringing inner portions of the dies into a vacuum state. While the vessel is still disposed in the dies, an albumin preparation is introduced from an opening portion into an inner portion of the vessel and, therefore, the albumin preparation can be filled into the vessel in a sterilized state without being brought into contact with the atmosphere. Then, an opening portion of the vessel filled with the albumin preparation is hermetically sealed at an internal temperature of the opening portion of about 40° to 70° C. Thus formation of thermally denatured albumin can be completely restrained.

Abstract: A cross head mounted at an end portion of an extruder for extruding a parison between a pair of elements of a metallic mold and a filling nozzle lifting apparatus having a filling nozzle are provided in parallel, and opening and closing of the metallic mold by a mold clamping apparatus, back and forth movement of the mold clamping apparatus between a parison receiving position and a filling position by a metallic mold feeding apparatus, upward and downward movement of the filling nozzle and back and forth movement of a parison cutter of a parison cutting apparatus are electrically operated. Further, a metallic mold body of the metallic mold is formed from a ventilation material, through which air in the metallic mold is sucked by vacuum to expand the parison. Furthermore, a clean air box is constructed so that it can accommodate the filling nozzle, and clean air is jetted from a jetting hole provided in a lower wall of the clean air box so that a clean air atmosphere may be provided above the metallic mold.

Abstract: In an apparatus for extruding plastic into a length of parison in the form of a vertically oriented hollow tube, molding a container from the parison and for filling the container with liquid product, the apparatus having a extruder, with a parison head, for forming the parison, a hot knife for cutting the parison to a selected length with concomitant release of plastic particulates, gripping apparatus for maintaining an opening at a top of the cut parison, a sealer for sealing a bottom of the cut parison, vacuum apparatus for molding the container with a temporary top opening, an extendable and retractable nozzle for filling the molded container through the temporary top opening with the liquid product and a sealer for sealing the filled container, the improvement including an outer shroud for surrounding the extruder, including the parison head, with H.E.P.A.

Abstract: A disposable thermoplastic hypodermic syringe having a hollow metallic needle and thermoplastic body portions at least part of which are formed of temperature calibrated thermoplastic having a full flow liquefaction temperature corresponding to point on the time-death curve for microbial life at which the most resistant spore forms are killed within the time the thermoplastic can be liquefied and resolidified. Heat resistant indicia can be applied to the syringe in a manner to reappear on the solidified thermoplastic mass.

Abstract: A method of producing an interiorly sterile package possessing superior barrier properties, in which method a package is produced by blow moulding by means of gaseous blow moulding medium, whereafter the blow-moulded package is provided on its inner walls with a coating of a silicon compound by vacuum deposition, the coating acting as a barrier. According to one preferred embodiment of the method, the vacuum deposition is carried out in accordance with conventional chemical plasma deposition by means of a process gas which is identical with the gaseous blow moulding medium employed in the blow moulding operation. As gaseous blow moulding medium and process gas, respectively, use is made of a gas mixture containing oxygen gas and vaporized organic silicon compound, the mixing ratio between the gas components being controlled in such a manner that the coating which is formed in the chemical plasma deposition process consists of a silicon oxide of the general chemical formula SiO.sub.

Abstract: A process for forming a container of acrylonitrile polymers by biaxial-orientation blow-molding a preform. A preform of thermoplastic resin, mainly acrylonitrile polymers, is irradiated with an electron beam or a gamma-ray. Immediately after the irradiation, the preform is heated at 40.degree. C. or higher to reduce residual acrylonitrile monomer in the preform to 0.1 ppm or less. Then, the preform is biaxial-orientation blow molded to form a container.

Abstract: A parison is blow molded to form a sealed aseptic bottle for subsequent opening and filling. The pressure of the gas in the interior of the bottle when sealed is sub-atmospheric to prevent distortion of the bottle.

Abstract: A blow molding machine having a mold cavity, a blow needle bore opening into the cavity with a blow needle in the bore, a vacuum source for drawing blow air from a molded article and an exhaust passage extending from the blow needle bore to the source for reducing pressure within the blown article.

Abstract: Blow molding apparatus including a pair of mold halves, a sealing blade mounted in one mold half and extendable into the mold cavity to seal the blown bottle, a drive member and an angled force multiplying drive connecting the drive member and blade.

Abstract: A blow pin assembly for use in blowing aseptic bottles includes a hollow blow needle and a sterile air system for maintaining the sterility of the needle tip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aseptic, particle-free production of articles. A shroud is placed around at least a portion of the device which produces the articles to substantially isolate that portion from the external environment. The device for producing the articles and the shroud are sterilized and the air inside the shroud is filtered and sterilized. A laminar or other type of flow of filtered, sterilized air is imparted through the shroud over the articles being produced. A secondary shroud encloses the corridor or work area adjacent the shroud and device which produces the articles. The corridor and secondary shroud are sterilized, and sterilized and filtered air is continually introduced therein. The articles therefore are particle-free and sterilized for further use. The apparatus and method can be used for any component production process employing high temperatures and/or pressures, including, but not limited to, blow molding, injection molding, and production of semiconductor electronic components.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed unitary liquid container of a thermoplastic material suitable for use in inhalation therapy is disclosed. The humidifier container comprises a body portion defined by an upstanding walled chamber having a bottom, a gas inlet duct unitary with the container body portion and defining a sealed gas inlet, and a sealed humidified gas outlet duct, both unitary with the container body portion. The container body portion constitutes a liquid reservoir and contains a predetermined amount of an aqueous aseptic or sterile aqueous liquid for humidifying a breathable gas. The gas inlet duct extends alongside the walled chamber, and has upper and lower end portions which are respectively situated above the container body portion and below usable liquid level in the container. The gas outlet duct communicates with the walled chamber above the usable liquid level. The gas inlet duct communicates with a gas diffuser defined by the container wall above the container bottom.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of a filled and closed container made of a heat-sealable plastic hose, particularly polyethylene, in one work operation, the plastic hose is expanded to become a container body, the body is filled and the upper part of the container is shaped when the container is closed. So that it will be possible to manufacture filled and closed containers with rubber stoppers in one work operation, after the filling process and before the closing process, the upper or head part of the container is closed by a rubber stopper, closing off the body so that a part of the rubber stopper projects into the part of the plastic hose which is still to be shaped, which is then shaped to conform to the outer circumference of the rubber stopper and, after the shaping process, the upper part of the container is closed off outside of the rubber stopper.

Abstract: In a process for making a filled and closed container of heat-sealable plastic hose, in one work operation, the hose is expanded to become a container body, the body is filled and the upper part of the container is shaped when the container is closed. After the filling process and before closing, the upper part of the container is closed by a rubber stopper.

Abstract: In an in-molding process of forming plastic containers wherein a label is located inside the blow mold and then a parison is blown outwardly in the mold so that the heat from the parison and the pressure generated by the blow medium activates adhesive on the label to bind the label on the blown container side wall, the method of eliminating undesirable label panel deformation which comprises controlling the moisture of the label such that the shrinkage of the label matches the shrinkage of the plastic side wall against which the label is placed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for molding, forming and filling a container having an insert at the container top are disclosed. According to the preferred form of the method and apparatus, a length of a hollow tube parison is extruded and then cut, molded, and filled while positioned between main mold halves. A stopper or like insert is tranferred to a holding and insertion member and when a blowing and filling nozzle has been completely removed from the top opening of the filled container, the blowing and filling nozzle and the insertion member that is carrying the stopper are moved together to position the insertion member and stopper over the container. The insertion member is then moved downwardly to deposit the stopper within the upwardly extending portion of the parison tube. Upper sealing molds are then closed to form the upper portion of the parison around the stopper to partially encapsulate the stopper.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for filling a molded container and includes an inner filling tube provided with a valve member disposed for sliding engagement within the filling tube. A system is provided for supplying the filling tube with liquid product under pressure and includes a liquid product pressure vessel, a pump for supplying the pressure vessel with liquid product, pressurization means for pressurizing the pressure vessel with a gas such as air, nitrogen, or the like, associated interconnecting conduits, means for controlling the flow of the liquid product under pressure to the filling tube, and means for maintaining a desired amount of liquid product in the pressure vessel. A steam sterilization system and a system integrity testing means are also provided with the liquid product supply system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming, filling and hermetically sealing a blowmolded container having a sterile integral inner dispensing outlet, all in a single sterile operation. The method is directed toward establishing a preferably hermetic seal between the inner dispensing outlet and the container neck, by establishing the seal early in the blowmolding cycle. This is accomplished by mounting the dispensing outlet-defining tubular member about a unique fluid supply mandrel. The supply mandrel thereby also serves as a check and the tubular member of the to-be-formed container serves as a tool in blowmolding. The dispensing outlet/container neck seal is thus formed before the blowmolding step.