Abstract: A ribbon of packaging comprises individual packages (11) adjacently and separably arranged for separation prior to filling. The ribbon is preferably drawn under tension from a reel, and the packages are linked by mechanical couplers (FIG. 11) which are separable in a direction orthogonally to the traction force. The packages have a closure (FIG. 8) which is removed and replaced to permit filling. Also disclosed are preferred package couplers, and filling and dispensing arrangements.

Abstract: A method for hot bottling of a liquid in bottles, kegs or similar containers using a filling machine that has a plurality of filling elements, each filling element has a liquid duct disposed at a dispensing opening and a valve for dispensing the hot liquid to the container, the liquid being bottled in the filling elements is substantially continuously conveyed in the hot condition in a circuit comprising a flow path that includes the filling elements and the liquid ducts from a source for the hot liquid being bottled to a reservoir during an interruption of the filling process in order to reduce the cooling of the liquid being bottled in the filling elements and/or to prevent the cooling of the filling elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for processing containers or other articles by using continuous rotation of processing heads in a circular path about a single vertical axis and controlling the processing heads to independently rotate about a swivel axis causing them to move in a straight-line path while the heads are lowered to engage a group of containers or articles arranged in parallel rows. In this manner, a higher production apparatus and method are provided which is simpler, more reliable, requires less floor space, and easy to reconfigure for different applications.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus for a container 1 has a sequentially arranged filling process path 13C for performing filling process for the container 1, a empty container infeed starwheel 12 for introducing the container 1 into the filling process path 13C, a discharge starwheel 16 for feeding out the container 1 from the filling process path 13C and a discharge conveyer 17. One of the empty container infeed starwheel 12, and the discharge starwheel 16 and the discharge conveyer 17 is arranged in an intersecting manner with respect to the filling process path 13C with a different level.

Abstract: A glass container having an upper rim for dispensing the contents thereof and a sealing membrane adapted to be applied to said rim to seal the contents of the container. The sealing surface of the container is prepared by treatment with fluorine and a metal oxide, or a sulfur oxide and a metal oxide, or with fluorine alone or a sulfur oxide alone, at an elevated temperature. To form the closure a membrane comprising a thermoplastic film is applied over the sealing surface and heated to result in a glass/plastic adhesion. The membrane may be a thermoplastic polymer/aluminum foil laminate.

Abstract: A method for preparing a glass container, and for sealing a glass mouth of a container and the seal is described. The sealing surface of the container is prepared by treatment with fluorine and a metal oxide, or a sulfur oxide and a metal oxide, or fluorine alone or a sulfur oxide alone, at an elevated temperature, in the case of fluorine employing a fluoride compound which decomposes at the temperature and, in the case of a metal oxide employing a metal oxide precursor. To form the closure, a membrane comprising a thermoplastic film is pressed over the sealing surface and heated to result in glass-plastic adhesion. The membrane may be a thermoplastic polymer/aluminum foil laminate.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling and sealing ampules has a support disc rotatable about an upright axis and provided along its outer edge with a succession of seats formed by rollers. Ampules are pressed into these seats by an endless belt spanned around the disc, or by a plurality of pressing wheels. The pressing wheels or the belt are driven so that the ampules are rotated in place in their seats during the filling and sealing operations. A tool carrier, which is pivotal about the axis of rotation of the support disc, angularly oscillates back and forth over a limited arc and the tools carried on this carrier are displaced at the same angular speed as the continuously displaced ampules so that they act on the ampules as they move in the forward direction, then return and act on the next ampule or group of ampules. These tools can be filling or sealing units.