CA2023652A1

CA2023652A1 - Method of and apparatus for filling containers with liquids

Info

Publication number: CA2023652A1
Application number: CA002023652A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Manfred Mette
Original assignee: Alfill Getranketechik GmbH
Current assignee: Alfill Getranketechik GmbH
Priority date: 1989-08-21
Filing date: 1990-08-20
Publication date: 1991-02-22
Also published as: EP0414031A1; JPH0398894A; DE3927489A1

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Successive containers are filled with liquid during advancement along an elongated path wherein the containers are internally pressurized prior, during and subsequent to admission of liquid. The containers are labelled and/or imprinted and sealed while their internal spaces are maintained above atmospheric pressure. The filling apparatus has an annulus of discrete filling devices which are located above and register with discrete containers in the course of the filling operation and each of which is associated with a discrete container sealing unit. Each filling device has a centering sleeve which engages the external surface of a container beneath the open upper end of the container and seals the inlet of the container from the atmosphere during pressurizing, filling, labelling, imprinting and sealing. The labelling and/or imprinting units act upon the containers during filling, and the sealing units apply closures to freshly filled containers while the inlets of such containers are still sealed from the atmosphere by the respective centering sleeves.

Description

-`-` 2~2~

The invention relates to methods of and to apparatus for filling bottles, jars, cans and/or other types of containers. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements in methods of and in apparatus -~
which can be utilized with advantage for filling containers with a pressurized liquid, e.g., with a carbonated beverage. Still more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in methods of and in apparatus for filling successive containers of a series 1~ of containers which advance along a predetermined path and are filled while advancing along a selected portion of such path.
It is already known to provide an apparatus for admission of pressurized liquid into successive containers with a plurality of filling devices which are caused to advance with containers along a certain portion -~
of the path for the containers and serve to admit liquid into registering containers while such containers advance along their path. It is also known to provide the filling devices with centering means for the inlets of containers which are about to receive metered quantities of a liquid.
Certain presently known apparatus of the above outlined character are known as so-called cyclically operated linear filling apparatus (or series filling apparatus). Certain other apparatus are known as continuously operating rotary filling machines wherein the filling devices orbit along an endless path which partially overlaps the path of movement of containers.
The above classification is made in dependency upon the mutual positions of filling devices and particularly in -dependency on the nature of the path which is selected ~-for movements of the filling devices. In addition, conventional apparatus are often classified (in -~
accordance with the pressure of admitted fluid) as open-, vacuum- or counterpressure type filling machines. The containers which are to receive gas-containing liquids (particularly CO2-containing beverages) can be large, small, round, unround, tall, short, cylindrical, bottle-shaped and/or otherwise configurated and can be made of any one of a variety of materials. For example, relatively stable containers can be made of glass or a ~
metallic material, and deformable containers can be made ~--of a plastic material.
It is often desirable or necessary to employ relatively large and readily deformable thin-walled -containers of the type frequently used for confinement of juices, plain water and many other beverages. Certain -~
containers of such character are known as PET bottles.
These containers can be produced at a reasonable cost and can be collapsed upon evacuation of their contents to occupy a minimum of space in a garbage can or in another collector of dispensable or non-reusable containers.
A drawback of readily deformable containers is that the application of labels to their external surfaces presents many problems. More specifically, it is difficult to apply labels to identical portions of a series of successively labelled containers because the ;
container walls are likely to yield when acted upon by conventional label applicators. Consequently, the locus 2 ~ S~J ~

:' ' ' '', of application of labels often varies from container to container which is undesirable, for example, to retailers -~
because the appearance of an array of such containers is less than satisfactory. Furthermore, it is difficult to ensure that each and every portion of an applied label - ~-actually adheres to the external surface of a deformable ~ ~
container. ~ -When the filling of a container is completed, -~
the container is advanced to or is acted upon by a -closing or capping device which serves to seal the inlet with a bung, with a cap or in any other suitable way. As --a rule, or at least in many instances, a capping or another sealing device follows the filling station, i.e., -successive freshly filled containers must cover a certain -distance on their way from the filling station to the capping or other closing or sealing station. This contributes to the bulk of the apparatus and can result in penetration of contaminants through the inlets of filled but still unsealed containers.
Freshly sealed containers are advanced to a labelling or imprinting station which is located at a greater or lesser distance from the sealing station. The next step involves removal of filled, sealed and labelled -~
or imprinted containers from the apparatus for admission into storage or into boxes or other receptacles preparatory to shipment to distributors or to retailers.
A drawback of all apparatus of the above outlined character is that their space requirements are excessive because no treatment takes place during transport of containers from the filling station to the 2 ~ 2 3 ~3 ~ r~
', ~ ' sealing station and from the sealing to the imprinting or labelling station.
One feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a method of admitting a liquid, particularly a pressurized liquid, into containers. The method comprises the steps of advancing a series of containers along a predetermined path, internally pressurizing the containers of the series during advancement along the path, admitting liquid into successive pressurized containers of the series during advancement of containers along the path, and subjecting -successive pressurized containers to at least one treatment during advancement of containers along the path.
The liquid admitting step can be carried out -during advancement of containers along a first portion of the path, and the step of subjecting containers to at least one treatment can be carried out while the containers advance along a second portion which at least partially coincides with the first portion of the path.
The step of subjecting the containers to at least one treatment can include applying labels to successive containers in at least one predetermined portion of the path. In addition to or in lieu of applying labels, the step of subjecting containers to at least one treatment can include sealing the inlets of successive containers (e.g., sealing the mouths at the tops of necks of successive bottles) in a predetermined portion of the path upon completion of the liquid admitting step.
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Another feature of the invention resides in the provision of an apparatus for admitting a liquid (particularly a pressurized liquid) into containers. The apparatus comprises at least one source of liquid, means for advancing a series of containers along a first path, a plurality of filling devices, and means for moving the filling devices along a second path having a portion in register with a portion at least of the first path so that each filling device in the aforementioned portion of the second path is aligned with a container in the aforementioned portion of the first path. Each filling device has means for centering the aligned container and means for internally pressurizing the centered container, and the apparatus further comprises means for connecting the filling devices in the aforementioned portion of the second path with the at least one source for admission of -liquid into aligned internally pressurized containers, ~ ~ -and means for treating containers in the aforementioned portion of the first path.
The treating means can include at least one label applicator. Alternatively, or in addition to at least one label applicator, the treating means can include at least one printer having means for applying printed matter to internally pressurized containers. For example, the treating means can include a plurality of treating units including a first unit having means for subjecting internally pressurized containers to a first treatment and a second unit having means for subjecting internally pressurized containers to a different or identical second treatment. The apparatus can further .:: - ~

--` ? ~ ~ C~ $ 2 comprise means for operating the first and second units independently of each other so that one of the first and second units can treat the internally pressurized containers while the other of the first and second units is idle.
The treating means can include at least one treating unit which subjects internally pressurized containers to a treatment simultaneously with admission of liquid into the respective containers.
The treating means can include at least one means for sealing the inlets of successive containers of the series of containers subsequent to admission of liquid into such containers. The at least one sealing means can include means for sealing the inlets of ;
internally pressurized containers. The arrangement may be such that the treating means includes a discrete sealing unit for each of the filling devices, and each sealing unit can be at least partially integrated into and then shares the movements of the respective filling device along the second path.
In accordance with one presently preferred embodiment, each sealing unit includes a duct or another suitable source of closures (e.g., closures in the form of internally screwed caps) for containers, a closure holder for each filling device, a turntable which is movably mounted in each of the filling devices and carries the respective holder, and means for indexing the turntables relative to the respective filling devices in order to move closures in the holders to positions of alignment with the inlets of containers which are , ', ,~ ' --::

centered by the centering means of the respective filling devices. Each such filling device comprises a housing for the respective turntable and one or more sealing elements which seal the closures in the holders of the turntable from the atmosphere.
In accordance with another presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the centering means of each filling device has a window and the sealing means comprises a discrete sealing unit for each filling -device. Each sealing unit has a source of closures (e.g., a magazine for a supply of internally screwed caps) and a plunger or other suitable means for moving closures from the source of closures through the window of the respective centering means and into alignment with the inlet of the container which is centered by the respective centering means. Each such sealing unit can further comprise a closure holder which is fixedly mounted in the respective filling device and serves to receive closures which are moved through the windows of the respective centering means.
As mentioned above, the sealing means can comprise a sealing unit for each filling device. Each such sealing unit can comprise a source of closures outside of the respective filling device and means for delivering closures from the source of closures into the respective filling device. Each filling device includes a housing, and each delivering means can include a ram which is reciprocably mounted in the respective housing and has means for sealingly engaging the respective housing. Each ram further comprises a spring-biased ,~

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arresting member (e.g., a reciprocable pin) for closures.
rhe novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The improved apparatus itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation, together with additional features and advantages thereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the following detailed description of certain specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing.
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a rotary container filling and treating apparatus which embodies -the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view as seen in the direction of arrows from the line II-II in FIG. 1 and shows a container capping or sealing unit which is integrated into an orbiting container filling device; and FIG. 3 is a similar sectional view of a -~
modified capping or sealing unit which is integrated into a modified container filling device.
FIG. 1 shows a rotary container filling apparatus 1 which is designed to (a) fill, (b) label -and/or imprint and (c) seal successive containers 2 of a short or long series of containers which are caused to ~-advance along a predetermined arcuate path extending from a point A, through points B and C, and on to a point D.
The path along which the containers 2 are caused to ~ ~
advance from A to D constitutes a major portion (e~g., ~ ~;
more than 270) of an endless circular path. The .. :' ': ': -:

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., illustrated containers 2 can constitute so-called PET
bottles one of which is shown in the left-hand portion of FIG. 2 and is in the process of receiving a metered quantity of a liquid, e.g., a carbonated beverage containing CO2 gas.
The means for advancing the containers 2 toward, along and beyond the path A-D comprises a container supplying conveyor 3 which serves to deliver empty containers into the range of a turnstile-type rotary transfer member 4 which advances successive empty containers 2 toward positions of at least substantial register or alignment with discrete filling devices 6 one of which is shown in detail in FIG. 2. The filling devices 6 are caused to advance along an endless second path the major portion of which coincides with and is located at a level above the path A-D for the containers 2. The containers 2 which are advanced by the supplying conveyor 3, by the transfer member 4 and in positions of alignment with discrete filling devices 6 are equidistant from each other. The direction of orbital movement of a complete annulus of equidistant filling devices 6 is indicated by arrow 7. Each filling device 6 is associated with a discrete container capping or sealing device or unit 8 (one such sealing unit is shown in the right-hand portion of FIG. 2). The arrangement is preferably such that each sealing unit 8 is or can be at least partially integrated into the associated filling device 6 or vice versa.
A first portion of the path A-D (namely, the portion A-B) serves to subject the internal spaces of '~'" ' ~J ~ s ~ 2 , successive containers 2 to an elevated pressure by admitting thereinto a gaseous fluid by way of conduits 19 one of which is shown in FIG. 2. The exact manner of pressurizing successive empty containers 2 with a gaseous fluid will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The containers 2 are filled with metered quantities of a liquid during advancement along the path portion B-C.
The same path portion extends along one or more treating units. FIG. 1 shows a first treating unit, namely a 10 first labelling unit 9 which is located at the upstream end of the path portion B-C, and a second treating unit, namely a second labelling unit 11 which is located downstream of the unit 9 but still well ahead of the downstream end of the path portion B-C. If desired or necessary, one of the labelling units 9, 11 can be replaced with a printing unit 400 which prints directly onto the ex~ernal surfaces of successive containers 2.
Furthermore, the printing unit 400 can be used jointly with the two labelling units 9, 11 or as a substitute for s 20 both labelling units. Thus, the labelling and/or imprinting of containers 2 can be completed before the containers reach the path portion C-D where they are -~
sealed (e.g., capped) in a manner to be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2. It will be seen that a container 2 which advances from the transfer member 4 ;~
toward a second transfer member 12 downstream of the path A-D can undergo two or more simultaneous treatments, e.g., by the aligned filling device 6 and the labelling unit 9 or 11 or the printing unit 400, and by the 30 corresponding sealing unit 8.

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The sealing unit 8 which is shown in FIG. 2 is designed to apply to successive filled and labelled and/or imprinted containers 2 closures in the form of internally threaded (screw) caps 41 which engage -externally threaded open upper end portions 2a of filled containers. The turnstile-type transfer member 12 delivers successive filled containers 2 to a removing or takeoff conveyor 13 which may but need not be identical with the supplying conveyor 3. It is preferred to employ transfer members 4, 12 and conveyors 3, 13 which ensure that the containers 2 of the series of empty and filled containers advancing toward, through and beyond the apparatus l are equidistant from each other.
The transfer member 4 delivers successive empty containers 2 into the range of a mobile carrier 26 (FIG.
21 which moves the containers in axial alignment with and at a level below the respective filling devices 6 along an endless path coinciding with that for the filling -devices 6.
Each filling device 6 comprises a valving element 16 which is reciprocable in directions indicated by double-headed arrow 14 and is located within an upright tube 6A~ The valving element 16 includes the aforementioned upright conduit l9 (e.g., a rigid metallic or plastic pipe) having or carrying an enlarged portion 18 which, in turn, carries a ring-shaped elastic sealing element 17 movable into and from sealing engagement with ,.. ~r.,,~
the adjacent hollow frustoconical seat 6B of the tube 6A.
The conduit l9 serves for admission of a gaseous fluid into and for evacuation of gases from the container 2 ~ ~ 2 ~ t;' ~

beneath the tube 6A. When the valving element 16 is maintained in sealing position (in which the sealing element 17 engages the seat 6B), a chamber 21 in the tube 6A above the valving element 16 can receive and temporarily store a metered quantity of liquid preparatory to admission of such liquid into the container 2 beneath the filling device 6. The tube 6A is temporarily connected to a source 200 (FIG. 1) of pressurized liquid during advancement along the path 10 portion s-c. ~q The filling device 6 comprises a centering sleeve 22 (also known as tulip) having an internal annular seal or sealing element 24 serving to sealingly engage the external surface of the neck of a container 2 -:;.
on the corresponding platform 32 of the mobile carrier -:-:
26. The sleeve 22 is movable up and down and is rotatable about its own vertical axis. Another annular :~
sealing element 23 is installed between the sleeve 22 and ::-:~
the tube 6A to prevent the escape of gases from the 20 conduit 19 into the atmosphere through the clearance .
between the internal surface of the sleeve 22 and the : ::
external surface of the smaller-diameter lower end .;
portion of the tube 6A.
The platform 32 for the container 2 beneath the filling device 6 forms part of the mobile carrier 26 for a series of containers. The carrier 26 is equipped with elevators 27 which can raise and lower the platforms 32 and the containers 2 on the platforms in directions which -::
are indicated by double-headed arrow 28. Each elevator -:
30 27 includes a cylinder and piston unit with a piston rod ~;

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29 which is movable up and down and rotatably supports the respective turntable 32. The latter is rotatable about the axis of the piston rod 29 by a rotating means 31.
The sealing or capping unit 8 is integrated into the filling device 6 and comprises a turntable 36 having a shaft 33 which is journalled in the housing 6D
of the device 6. The housing 6D can be integral with the tube 6A. A drive 34 is provided to rotate the turntable 36 about the vertical axis of the shaft 33. Such axis is parallel to the axis of the sleeve 22. The upper side and the underside and the turntable 36 carry annular sealing elements 37 which engage the adjacent portions of the housing 6D. -The turntable 36 is formed with an axially parallel hole or passage 38 which can be indexed into axial alignment with the tube 6A and serves to admit a metered quantity of liquid from the chamber 21 into the ::
container 2 on the adjacent platform 32. Still further, the turntable 36 is provided with a holder 39 for a closure (screw cap) 41 which is about to be applied to the open upper end portion 2a of a freshly filled container 2 on the platform 32 when the filling operation is completed. The holder 39 is equipped with or cooperates with a rotation blocking or preventing device 42 serving to prevent rotation of a cap 41 which has been indexed to a position above the freshly filled container 2 on the platform 32. The rotation blocking or :~
preventing device 42 is installed in a compartment 43 ::
which, in the illustrated embodiment of the sealing unit :~T , . .

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8, is located diametrically opposite the passage 38 with reference to the axis of the shaft 33. The illustrated caps 41 have external ribs or analogous projections (e.g., substantially axially parallel hills alternating with valleys in the external surfaces of the caps), and the blocking device 42 has one or more teeth which can engage the external protuberance or protuberances (e.g., the aforementioned hills or ribs) of the cap 41 in the compartment 43 to hold such cap against rotation about its own axis. This is desirable for predictable and rapid attachment of screw caps 41 to the open upper end portions 2a of freshly filled containers 2. FIG. 2 shows that the illustrated blocking device 42 includes two reciprocable toothed blocks 44 which are disposed diametrically opposite each other and are biased toward the cap 41 in the compartment 43 by discrete coil ~ -springs.
The means 46 for delivering screw caps 41 from -~-the upper end of an upright duct 47 into the compartment 20 43 of the turntable 36 comprises a pusher 48 which engages the lowermost cap 41 of the stack of caps in the duct 47 and is intermittently lifted to raise the uppermost cap of the stack into a tunnel or channel defined by a horizontal guide 49 at a level above the turntable 36. A horizontally reciprocable pusher 51 in the tunnel or channel of the guide 49 advances the topmost cap 41 to a position of alignment with the compartment 43 in the turntable 36, and such cap is then located beneath a vertically reciprocable plunger or ram 52 which can descend to expel the cap from the tunnel ,, . . . ~ . : . ~ . . .. ~

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into the compartment 43 and into engagement with the toothed blocks 44 of the blocking device 42. The ram 52 forms part of a cylinder and piston assembly 53 which is carried by the housing 6D of the filling device 6 adjacent the tube 6A and includes a piston rod 56 receiving motion from a cam or the like, not shown, while the capping or sealing unit 8 orbits with the associated filling device 6 along an endless path a portion of which coincides with the path A-D for the containers 2.
The ram 52 is formed with an axially parallel -blind bore or socket 57 for a spring-biased arresting pin 58 which projects downwardly beyond the lower end face of the ram 52 to serve as a stop for the cap 41 which is advanced by the pusher 51 so that the cap comes to a halt in a position of accurate alignment with the compartment 43 and ram 52. The latter descends because it is acted upon by a pressurized fluid (e.g., compressed air) which is admitted by way of a port 54 in the cylinder and piston assembly 53.
The lower end face of the ram 52 has a concentric groove for a portion of an annular sealing element 59 which can be lowered into sealing engagement with the upper side of the adjacent portion of the housing 6D of the filling device 6. The guide 49 and the duct 47 can constitute integral parts of the housing 6D.
The operation of the illustrated filling device 6 is as follows:
The platform 32 of the carrier 26 receives an empty container 2 from the transfer member 4 and lifts ; 30 the container under the action of the piston rod 29 so .' ~-'','"'''"'~
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, that the external surface of the neck portion of the container enters the sleeve 22 and engages the annular seal 24. This results in slight lifting of the sleeve 22 while the seal 24 prevents communication between the surrounding atmosphere and the internal space 61 of the sleeve. The length of the upward stroke of the piston rod 29 of the elevator 27 is selected in such a way that the sleeve 22 and its seal 24 rest by gravity on the external surface of the neck portion of the container 2 -~
which is supported by the lifted platform 32. It is desirable to ensure that the seal 24 properly engages the neck of the container 2 during the entire filling and sealing operation, i.e., at least while the container advances from the point B to the point D of the aforediscussed path A-D.
The valve including the valving element 16 and the seat 6B is closed prior to admission of liquid from the chamber 21, and the hole or passage 38 of the turntable 36 is in register with the inlet of the externally threaded open upper end 2a of the container 2 on the platform 32. A screw cap 41 is confined in the compartment 43 of the turntable 36, and such screw cap is held against turning about its own vertical axis by the toothed blocks 44 of the blocking device 42. The top lands of teeth forming part of the block 44 extend into the valleys between the ribs or hills in the external surface of the screw cap 41 in the compartment 43. The sealing elements 59 of the turntable 3G seal the compartment 43 from the atmosphere in that they engage 30 the adjacent portions of the housing 6D. -~

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Lifting of the container 2 on the platform 32 into sealing engagement of the external surface of its neck portion with the seal 24 in the lower portion of the sleeve 2 is completed not later than when the container reaches the point B, i.e., the upstream end of the path portion B-C wherein the filling of the container with a metered quantity of liquid takes place in response to upward movement of the valving element 16. The chamber 21 already contains a metered quantity of liquid because the upper end of the tube 6A is or can be connected to the source 200 during advancement of the filling device 6 from the point A to the point B of the path A-D. At the same time, the upper end portion of the conduit 19 is connected to a source 300 of pressurized gaseous fluid to admit such gaseous fluid into the space 61 within the sleeve 22 as well as into the interior of the container 2 on the platform 32. The pressurized fluid in the space 61 can act upon the seal 24 to bias this seal into more pronounced sealing engagement with the external surface of the neck portion of the container 2 on the platform 32. Reference may be had to commonly owned copending patent application Serial No. filed August 1990 by Mette for "Apparatus for filling bottles and the like". All that counts is to ensure that the neck portion of the container 2 cannot yield to the pressure in the space 61 around the upper portion of the container ~
within the sleeve 22. This is accomplished by relying on ~-the so-called differential pressure sealing principle, namely by raising the pressure of gaseous fluid in the ~- -container 2 simultaneously with a rise of pressure in the ~''". " ~

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space 61 around the container so that the neck portion is not crushed or collapsed and the external surface of the `~
container assumes an optimum shape for reception of a label from the unit 9 and/or 11. The establishment of internal pressure which counteracts the pressure in the space 61 is particularly important if the containers 2 -are so-called PET bottles which have thin walls and, in the absence of any undertaking to the contrary, would be likely to be dented or to buckle under the pressure of the seal 24 in the sleeve 22.
When the pressure equalizing step is completed, the entire space which is sealed from the atmosphere by the seal 24 and sealing elements 23, 37 and 59 is maintained at a predetermined pressure. The completion of this step is followed by opening of the valve including the seat 6B and the valving element 16. This enables the metered quantity of liquid to leave the chamber 21 of the tube 6A and to enter the interior of the container 2. The liquid is pressurized and expels the gaseous fluid from the container 2 via conduit 19.
The labelling unit 9 can apply labels in a highly predictable manner because the labelling operation takes place in the path portion B-C, i.e., while the internal spaces of the containers 2 are pressurized so that their walls cannot yield during application of labels by the rightmost roll of the unit 9.
Another label (or a label in lieu of those -stored in the unit 9) can be applied by the unit 11 before the respective container 2 reaches the point C.
The freshly filled container 2 is sealed by the - 19- .~

2~2~3~

respective unit 8 while it advances from the point C to the point D of the path A-D. The sealing operation involves indexing of the turntable 36 of the sealing unit 8 (e.g., through an angle of 1~0 degrees) so that the screw cap 41 in the compartment 43 is moved to a position of alignment with the upper end portion 2a of the container 2 on the platform 32. The indexing operation is carried out by the drive 34 which indexes the turntable 36 about the axis of the shaft 33. The valve 10 including the seat 6B and the valving element 16 can be -~
closed prior, during or after indexing of the turntable 36.
The conduit 19 is preferably a rigid pipe of metallic, plastic or other suitable material so that its lower end portion can partially expel the screw cap 41 from the compartment 43 toward abutment with the open upper end portion 2a of the container 2 on the platform 32 in an automatic response to sealing of the chamber 21 from the space 61, i.e., in automatic response to lowering of the valving element 16 into sealing engagement with the seat 6B of the tube 6A. The blocks 44 of the blocking device 42 continue to hold the cap 41 against rotation about its own axis even though the lower -~
portion of the cap 41 is already expelled from the compartment 43 and the cap is ready to be threadedly connected with the freshly filled container 2.
The threading of the cap 41 onto the upper end portion 2a of the filled container 2 takes place in response to activation of the rotating means 31 which turns the container 2 about its own axis to thereby screw - 20 ~
: , the upper end portion 2a into the registering screw cap 41 while the cap is still engaged by the blocks 44. The rotating means 31 rotates the filled container 2 by way of the respective platform 32. The filled container 2 is compelled to share the angular movement of the platform 32 because its underside bears against the platform in response to the pressure of gaseous fluid in the space 61 and because the sleeve 22 and its seal 24 are free to -turn with the container 2 relative to the tube 6A. The inability of the container 2 to rise above and away from the platform 32 compels the screw cap 41 in the compartment 43 (which is then located beneath the conduit 19) to descend at a rate which is determined by the pitch of mating threads in the screw cap and on the end portion 2a of the container 2. The extent to which ~he cap 41 descends in response to rotation of the filled container 2 about its vertical axis is selected in such a way that the upper portion of the cap continues to extend into the compartment 43 when the sealing operation is completed. -The filling device 6 and the associated sealing ~-~
unit 6 are thereupon caused to reassume their starting positions or conditions. Thus, the drive 34 must be -~
actuated to return the bore or passage 38 into register with the lower end portion of the conduit 19, and the compartment 43 must receive a fresh screw cap 41 under the action of the ram 52. Indexing of the turntable 36 by the drive 34 must be preceded by opening of the valve 6B, 16 in order to lift the lower end portion of the ;~
conduit 19 out of the way, i.e., to lift the lower end of the conduit 19 above the upper side of the turntable 36.

A ~ . , . ., . ~ ' ' . . ' ` 2.~23~

Furthermore, the elevator 27 of the carrier 26 is actuated to lower the platform 32 and the filled and sealed container 2 so that the cap 41 (which is sealingly connected to the upper end portion 2a of the container) is lowered beneath the compartment 43. The just described steps are carried out while the space 61 is still filled with a pressurized gaseous fluid and while the seal 24 continues to engage the external surface of the neck p~rtion of the container 2. Thus, even though the valve 6B, 16 is open, the source 300 of pressurized gaseous fluid continues to communicate with the space 61 -and this space continues to be sealed from the atmosphere. Lowering of the platform 32 for the purpose of permitting indexing of the turntable 36 (by causing -the applied cap 41 to descend beneath the turntable) necessitates a relatively short downward stroke of the piston rod 29 so that the sleeve 22 and its seal 24 can ~ -share such downward movement of the container and the -~
seal 24 continues to engage the external surface of the neck portion of the container.
The next step involves closing of the valve 6B, -~ -~
16 subsequent to indexing of the turntable 36 (in order to return the passage 38 to the angular position of FIG.
2). This step is followed by lowering of the platform 32 ~-with the piston rod 29 of the elevator 27 so that the cap ~;
at the upper end of the container 2 descends to a level beneath the sleeve 22. This establishes communication between the space 61 and the atmosphere as a result of lowering of the container 2 away from engagement with the ~-~
seal 24.
.

- 22 - ~
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The compartment 43 receives a fresh screw cap 41 while the space 61 is in communication with the surrounding atmosphere. The aforementioned cam and follower system lifts the ram 52 above the tunnel of the guide 49 and the pusher 51 is caused to perform a forward stroke so that the foremost screw cap 41 is moved to a position of alignment with the compartment 43. The spring-biased pin 58 extends downwardly beyond the lifted ram 52 and stops the oncoming cap 41 in a position of accurate alignment with the compartment 43. The port 54 continuously admits pressurized fluid into the cylinder of the cylinder and piston assembly 53 so that the ram 52 descends as soon as permitted by the cam and follower -~
means for the piston rod 56 and transfers the cap 41 from :
the tunnel of the guide 49 into the compartment 43 where -the cap is engaged by the parts 44 of the blocking device 42. The sealing element 59 at the underside of the ram 52 seals the compartment 43 from the atmosphere. As mentioned above, the arrangement is preferably such that the port 54 continuously admits pressurized fluid so that the ram 52 permanently tends to assume its lower end position and is lifted (such as by the aforementioned cam and follower system for the piston rod 56) only when it becomes necessary to introduce a fresh cap 41 into the compartment 43 of the turntable 36. Introduction of a fresh cap 41 into the compartment 43 is or can constitute ;~
the last step which must be completed in order to enable the filling device 6 and the associated capping or :
sealing unit 8 to proceed with the filling and sealing of :
30 a freshly supplied container 2 which is delivered by the ~:

- 23 - ~

2~23~2 turnstile-type transfer member 4. The freshly sealed and lowered container 2 is advanced into the range of the transfer member 12 which delivers it onto or into the removing conveyor 13.
The labelling unit 9 can be put to use for the application of a first type of labels to a first series of successive containers 2 which advance from the point B ~-toward the point C of the path A-D. The unit 11 can be put to use to apply identical or different labels to a next series of containers 2 which advance from the point B toward the point C. For example, if the labelling units 9 and 11 are designed or set up to apply identical labels, the unit 9 can be inspected, refilled with labels -~
and/or otherwise treated while the unit 11 is in actual -use, or vice versa. Alternatively, both labelling units can apply different labels to each of a short or long series of successive containers 2 advancing from the -point B toward the point C. The reference character 500 denotes in FIG. 1 a control unit which can operate the 20 units 9, 11 independently of or in synchronism with each ~ ~-other.
As mentioned above, the labels (issuing from ~ ~`
the unit 9 and/or 11) are applied to successive containers 2 while the internal spaces of such containers are maintained at an elevated pressure. This brings -about the advantage that readily deformable thin-walled containers can be properly labelled or imprinted even though they would normally fail to withstand the pressure -which is applied by the rollers of the units 9, 11 for the purpose of proper application of labels to 2~2~32 neighboring containers. As a rule, or at least in many instances, the interior of a container will be maintained at an elevated pressure for the purpose of admitting a pressurized liquid (particularly a beverage) which contains CO2 gas. It has been found that the so-called PET bottles can be labelled and/or imprinted and/or otherwise treated during advancement from the point B
toward the point C even though their walls are so thin that, in the absence of internal pressurizing, they would invariably collapse in response to the action of label applicators or imprinters or, at the very least, the application of labels or imprints would be highly unpredictable and the positions and the extent of adherence of labels could vary from container to container.
It is clear that the containers which advance from the point B toward the point C of the path A-D can be subjected to more than two (identical or different) treatments. Thus, the printer 400 can be installed in ~-lieu of or in addition to the labelling unit 9 and/or 11, ahead of the unit 9, between the units 9 and 11 or downstream of the unit 11. The labelling units 9, 11 are or can be of any conventional design, e.g., those presently used for the application of labels in bottle filling, can filling or like machines. The same applies for the construction and mode of operation of the imprinting unit 400.
It is further within the purview of the invention to operate two or more treating units (e.g., the la~elling units 9 and 11) in such a way that one of :. ~.

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-these units applies labels of a first type to oddly numbered containers 2 of a short or long series of containers and the other of these units applies different labels to evenly numbered containers of the same series.
Such mode of operation might be desirable if the conveyor 3 is operated to supply different types of containers in a selected sequence, e.g., in such a way that containers of a first type alternate with containers of a second type or if alternating containers receive different liquids. If the conveyor 3 supplies containers of three different types, containers of a first type can be -labelled at 9, containers of a second type can be -~
labelled at 11, and containers of a third type can be imprinted at 400.
Still further, it is within the purview of the -~
invention to position one or more treating units (such as the unit 9, 11 and/or 400) downstream of the actual -container filling station. All that counts is to ensure that the treatment takes place while the internal spaces of the containers are maintained at a pressure which is required to ensure a predictable treatment, such as labelling and/or imprinting. As a rule, or at least in many instances, it is desirable to ensure that the internal space of a container be maintained at an elevated (e.g., maximum contemplated or maximum permissible) pressure for a certain interval of time following completion of a particular treatment (such as the application of one or more labels and/or direct application of one or more imprints). This guarantees that the freshly applied labels do not shrivel and the ~ 2 freshly applied imprints are not distorted and remain ;
intact all the way to the time of uncapping the containers. Label~ are not likely to tear, even if the pressure in the containers drops subsequent to completion of the labelling operation, because a properly applied label would be likely to tear in response to further expansion (i.e., in response to more pronounced internal pressurizing) of a labelled container. Therefore, the application of labels preferably takes place while the 10 pressure in the internal spaces of the containers is maintained at a maximum value.
The incorporation of sealing or capping units 8 into the corresponding filling devices 6 contributes to compactness of the apparatus. Moreover, it is rather simple to synchronize the operation of each sealing unit ~ :
8 with that of the associated filling device 6. Still -further, incorporation of the units 8 into the respective filling devices 6 renders it possible to seal the freshly filled containers practically without any delay to thus reduce the likelihood of contamination of the contents of filled containers. In addition, the aforedescribed method of capping prevents the liquid from overflowing the open upper end of a freshly filled container because ~-the capping operation takes place while the space 61 in the respective filling unit 6 is maintained at an ;~
elevated pressure. Thus, the apparatus can remain clean for long intervals of time because the liquid cannot bubble or boil over to leave the confines of the respective container during the interval between filling and capping.

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Apparatus of the class to which the present invention pertains are disclosed in ~.S. Pat. No.
2,656,964 to Detrez and in British Pat. No. 1,027,597.
The disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein -by ref~rence.
FIG. 3 shows a portion of a portion of a modified apparatus wherein all such parts which are identical with or clearly analogous to corresponding parts of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by similar reference characters plus 100. The device 146 which delivers screw caps 141 includes a reciprocable -pusher 162 which can form-lockingly engage successive caps and can be said to constitute a piston or plunger with a piston rod 163 which extends through an annular sealing element 163a in the housing 106D.
The sleeve 122 of the filling device 106 is rotatably and axially movably mounted in the housing 106D, and the holder 139 for caps 141 (this holder forms part of the sealing or capping unit 108) is stationary -and is coaxial with the sleeve 122.
In order to transfer a fresh cap 141 into the holder 139, the sleeve 122 is provided with a window 164 which registers with the pusher or plunger 162 when the sleeve is lowered to the position shown to the left of its axis 166. Such lowering of ~he sleeve 122 takes place jointly with the container 102 which rests on a platform 32 (not shown in FIG. 3). The pusher 162 is then free to perform a forward stroke and to advance a cap 141 all the way through the window 164 of the lowered sleeve 122 and into abutment with a stop 167 of -` 2 ~ 2 , .

the holder 139 so that the transferred cap 141 is properly aligned with the open upper end portion 102a of the container 102 which extends into the lowered sleeve 102.
The elevator 27 (not shown in FIG. 3) then lifts the container 102 with the sleeve 122 so that the latter rises to the position which is shown at the right- ~ .
hand side of the axis 166. This moves the cap 141 in the holder 139 into engagement with the teeth of the blocking ~-~
device 142. Such teeth enter the axially parallel valleys or grooves between the external ribs or hills of the cap 141 which abuts the stop 167. The cap 141 is then held against rotation and can be connected with the upper end portion 102a in response to rotation of the container 102 about the axis 166, i.e., in response to :
activation of the rotating means 31 (not shown in FIG.
3).

- 29 - . ::

Claims

1. A method of admitting a liquid, particularly a pressurized liquid, into containers, comprising the steps of advancing a series of containers along a predetermined path; internally pressurizing the containers of said series during advancement along said path; admitting liquid into successive pressurized containers of said series during advancement of containers along said path; and subjecting successive pressurized containers to at least one treatment during advancement of containers along said path.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said liquid admitting step is carried out during advancement of containers along a first portion of said path and said step of subjecting containers to at least one treatment is carried out while the containers advance along a second portion which at least partially coincides with said first portion of said path.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of subjecting successive containers to at least one treatment includes applying labels to successive containers in at least one predetermined portion of said path.

4. The method of claim 1 of admitting a liquid into containers having inlets for admission of the liquid, wherein said step of subjecting successive containers to at least one treatment includes sealing the inlets of successive containers in a predetermined portion of said path upon completion of said liquid admitting step.

5. Apparatus for admitting a liquid, particularly a pressurized liquid, into containers, comprising at least one source of liquid, means for advancing a series of containers along a first path; a plurality of filling devices arranged to move along a second path having a portion in register with a portion of said first path so that each filling device in said portion of said second path is aligned with a container in said portion of said first path, each of said filling devices having means for centering the aligned container and means for internally pressurizing the centered container; means for connecting the filling devices in said portion of said second path with said at least one source for admission of liquid into aligned internally pressurized containers; and means for treating containers in said portion of said first path.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said treating means includes at least one label applicator.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said treating means includes at least one printer having means for applying printed matter to internally pressurized containers.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said treating means includes a plurality of treating units including a first unit having means for subjecting internally pressurized containers to a first treatment and a second unit having means for subjecting internally pressurized containers to a different second treatment.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising means for operating said first and second units independently of each other so that one of said first and second units can treat the internally pressurized containers while the other of said first and second units is idle.

10. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said treating means includes at least one treating unit which subjects internally pressurized containers to a treatment simultaneously with admission of liquid into the respective containers.

11. The apparatus of claim 5 for admitting a liquid into containers having inlets for admission of liquid, wherein said treating means includes at least one means for sealing the inlets of successive containers of said series subsequent to admission of liquid into such containers.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said at least one means includes means for sealing the inlets of internally pressurized containers.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said treating means includes discrete sealing means for each of said filling devices, each of said sealing means being at least partially integrated into and sharing the movements of the respective filling device along said second path.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said sealing means comprises a source of closures for containers, a closure holder for each of said filling devices, a turntable movably mounted in each of said filling devices and carrying the respective holder, and means for indexing the turntables relative to the respective filling devices to move closures in said holders to positions of alignment with the inlets of containers which are centered by the centering means of the respective filling devices.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein each of said filling devices comprises a housing for the respective turntable and means for sealing the closures in the holders of said turntables from the atmosphere.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the centering means of each of said filling devices has a window and said sealing means comprises a discrete sealing unit for each of said filling devices, each of said sealing units having a source of closures and means for moving closures from the source of closures through the window of the respective centering means and into alignment with the inlet of the container which is centered by the respective centering means.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each of said sealing units further comprises a closure holder fixedly mounted in the respective filling device and arranged to receive closures which are moved through the windows of the respective centering means.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said sealing means comprises a sealing unit for each of said filling devices and each of said units includes a source of closures outside of the respective filling device and means for delivering closures from the source of closures into the respective filling device.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein each of said filling devices includes a housing and each of said delivering means includes a ram which is reciprocably mounted in the respective housing and has means for sealingly engaging the respective housing, each of said rams further comprising a spring-biased arresting member for closures.