GB1194332A - Improvements in or relating to the Filling of Containers. - Google Patents

Abstract

1,194,332. Filling sterile containers. EXPRESS DAIRY CO. (LONDON) Ltd., and REED CORRUGATED CASES Ltd. 8 June, 1967 [23 May, 1966; 10 Aug., 1966], Nos. 22884/66 and 35713/66. Headings B8C and B8K. A filling tube, extending from a sterile container, of which it is part, to a filling nozzle, is temporarily closed between the container and nozzle. After a medium has been introduced through the nozzle to sterilize the nozzle and tube, the temporary closure is released and the container is filled, the tube then being heat sealed. The tube was initially sealed at its outer end before attachment to the nozzle. In one form described, the filling tube 26, Fig. 2, of a bag, is passed through, and retained by clamping jaws 102, 108. The seal at the end of the tube is cut-off and the open tube is attached to a filling nozzle 58, inside a chamber 40, by a clamping ring 62. Sterilizing steam is admitted into the filling nozzle via a pipe 76 and into the chamber via a pipe 88. Condensate may be removed by applying suction air to the pipe 76 which may be telescopic. If a gaseous sterilizing medium is used the nozzle and pipe may be purged with sterilized air prior to filling. The jaws 102, 108 are released, and a valve 74 is opened to allow sterilized milk to flow into the container. After filling, the tube is sealed and severed by pairs of jaws 120, 126 and 122, 128. Severence may be effected by a cutter 130, or by a heated wire. Flushing water may then be introduced through the pipe 76. In another form the initial seal at the end of the tube is formed from a tubular insert 151, Fig. 14, retained in the pipe by a wire tie and closed by a cap 150. The insert is held closed between clamping jaws 173, carried on a block 163, and a ram 162 further compresses the insert, so forcing the cap off, the cap then being removed by an air jet 177. The assembly is moved towards the filling nozzle 169 and after sterilization the clamp 173 is released to allow for filling. The block 163 may be heated to assist sterilization. The bag rests on a scale to control the quantity of milk introduced. If the insert is initially closed by a diaphragm, the filling nozzle may comprise a cutting edge, Fig. 9 (not shown). In alternative forms of initial seal, a tubular insert (156), Fig. 15 (not shown), may be completely disposed within the inside of the tube 26, the top of the tube being heat-sealed. The seal may be broken by the combined effect of the temperature and pressure of the sterilizing fluid issuing from the filling nozzle. The tube may be retained between the halves of a split clamping block Figs. 16 (not shown). The passage between the blocks changes from a, narrow rectangular cross-section which effects the temporary closure, to a circular cross-section to accommodate the outer end. The container may comprise an inner bag disposed within an outer bag and each may comprise a laminate of plastics and metal foil. A separate pipe for emptying the container may be provided. If the container is of cubical form when filled, the filling pipe may be attached to a corner. The container may be formed from a plastics material having a melting point lower than that of the filling pipe.