EP0042896A1 - Aseptic container filler apparatus - Google Patents
Aseptic container filler apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0042896A1 EP0042896A1 EP80302221A EP80302221A EP0042896A1 EP 0042896 A1 EP0042896 A1 EP 0042896A1 EP 80302221 A EP80302221 A EP 80302221A EP 80302221 A EP80302221 A EP 80302221A EP 0042896 A1 EP0042896 A1 EP 0042896A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- nozzle
- valve
- container
- piston
- cavity
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
- B65B39/001—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers with flow cut-off means, e.g. valves
- B65B39/004—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers with flow cut-off means, e.g. valves moving linearly
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
- B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
Definitions
- This invention relates to aseptic filling of containers used to package flowable material such as orange juice, apple juice, applesauce and the like.
- containers used to package flowable material such as orange juice, apple juice, applesauce and the like.
- Such containers ordinarily are formed in a cuplike configuration of plastic, paperboard, metal, glass or other material and are closed in a sealed condition by a suitable lid.
- Known container filler mechanisms include nozzle means which is disposed above a container to be filled so that flow of material into the container frequently is accompanied by undesirable splashing and spraying or misting and closure means for such nozzles is sometimes not entirely effective and permits dripping of the flowable material following the completion of a container filing operation.
- Such splashing and dripping is highly undesirable because it affects the accuracy of fill and also interferes with the sealing of the container by a sealing lid and may result in a defective seal which leads to contamination of the contents of the container.
- Known arrangements include reciprocating mechanisms in which a piston rod is exposed to atmosphere during some portion of the cycle with obvious potential for contamination. Other known devices simply utilize a continuous flow of product which introduce product directly to the container and which may thus interfere with sealing.
- sterile flowable material in a sterile reservoir under sterile inert gas pressure is supplied through check valve means into a static measuring cylinder which is isolated from atmosphere by a rolling seal between the interior of the cylinder and a part of the movable piston therein and inert gas at a pressure above atmospheric pressure is supplied to the interior of the measuring cylinder between the rolling seal and the piston.
- Discharge of flowable material is effected from the measuring cylinder to a transfer cavity defined by an outer fixed housing and an inner movable nozzle.
- a rolling seal forms a fluid tight junction between the housing and nozzle.
- sterile inert gas under slight pressure above atmospheric pressure is supplied to the transfer cavity which is in communication with the interior of the nozzle.
- An operating rod is reciprocable within the nozzle and controls a nozzle valve.
- a diaphragm seal is interconnected between the operating rod exterior and the interior of the nozzle so that sterile inert gas under pressure in the transfer cavity is sealed against atmosphere and the interior of the nozzle is maintained under aseptic conditions whereby flowable material may be dispensed from the nozzle into a container to be filled which itself is disposed in an aseptic environment as disclosed in European Patent Application Ser. No. 79301525.6.
- Means are provided for elevating the nozzle after the nozzle is opened during a filling operation thereby to inhibit any tendency to splash and the undesirable results of splashing.
- the nozzle is constructed so that the inner surface of its lower end is outwardly bevelled and the closure member at its upper part is of cone shaped configuration complimentary to the outwardly bevelled part of the nozzle.
- the lower part of the closure element is provided with a groove in which a suitable sealing element of resilient material such as an O-ring is mounted thereby to provide means for preventing leakage following engagement of the O-ring with the inner outwardly bevelled surface of the lower end of the nozzle.
- the area below the O-ring groove is straight sided and is inside the tapered seat thereby leaving an annular cavity or annular opening to restrain drops of liquid by capillary action.
- the nozzle is supplied with a charge of material to be dispensed into the container by means including a transfer cavity disposed about a part of the nozzle together with a measuring cylinder arranged to communicate with the transfer cavity and provided with a measuring piston coupled mechanically with the nozzle so that during a nozzle charging operation by the measuring cylinbr, the nozzle is mechanically moved upwardly until its lower end occupies a position slightly above the container to be filled.
- the measuring piston moves upwardly to a cylinder charged position.
- the nozzle itself is uncoupled mechanically from the measuring cylinder and is arranged to move downwardly.
- the nozzle is free to occupy a lowermost position at the beginning of a filling operation at which time the nozzle valve is opened.
- the filling operation as explained is accompanied by upward splash free movement of the nozzle to its uppermost position which is mechanically linked to the measuring piston.
- FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram which represents the major components of the invention
- FIG. 2A is a side view of a mechanism constructed according to the invention and which represents the nozzle in its uppermost position and the measuring piston in its lowermost position upon completion of a nozzle charging operation
- FIG. 2B is a view similar to FIG. 2A but which shows the parts in the positions which they occupy with the nozzle in its lowermost position at or shortly after the beginning of a container filling operation and with the measuring piston in its uppermost position at the beginning of a nozzle charging operation
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the measuring cylinder and piston which are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle and its closure element and operating means
- FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a fragmentary portion of FIG. 4.
- FIG. 1 the schematic arrangement of FIG. 1 includes a reservoir R the interior of which is isolated from atmosphere and in which flowable material is contained as well as sterile inert gas under pressure.
- a conduit 7 and a check valve V interconnect reservoir R and measuring cylinder 1 the interior of which is isolated from atmosphere and which contains sterile inert gas under pressure.
- Conduit 8 interconnects the interior of nozzle housing 2 and the interior of measuring cylinder 1 which is isolated from atmosphere and which is maintained under pressure of sterile inert gas so that flowable material may be supplied under aseptic conditions from reservoir R to cup C which itself is disposed in enclosure 3 in an aseptic environment of a sterile inert gas under slight pressure.
- the numeral 1 generally designates a measuring cylinder and its associated structure and the numeral 2 generally designates the nozzle and associated structure formed according to this invention.
- the container to be filled is designated at C..
- the measuring apparatus 1 and the nozzle structure 2 are mounted on and supported by a suitable base plate 3 to which a plurality of vertically disposed posts 4 and 5 are secured and at the upper ends of which a cover plate 6 is secured. Only two vertical posts 4 and 5 are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. It will be understood that a corner post is provided at each corner of the generally rectangular base 3 and of cover 6, the front corner posts being omitted for clarity.
- Base 3 defines the upper boundary of a sterile environment therebelow.
- Generally speaking material to be dispensed into container C is supplied from a gas tight temperature controlled sterile reservoir R through an inlet conduit 7 into the measuring cylinder 1 as the measuring piston moves upwardly and thence through conduit 8 to nozzle structure 2 from which the flowable material is discharged into container C.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are provided with a cross pin 20 which is inserted through the opening 21 in the connecting block 22 threaded securely at 23 to the piston rod 24 which is secured at its lower end to the measuring piston 9 as is obvious from FIG. 3.
- the arm 12 swings about its fixed center 13 and vertically reciprocates turnbuckle 16,17, rod 18, and cross pin 20 and in turn the piston block 22, the piston rod 24, and piston 9.
- a check valve V having a housing 25 is connected with conduit 7 and includes a cavity 25a in which a cylinder 25b is slidable. Cylinder 25b is closed at its right hand end as indicated at 25c and includes a plurality of apertures 25d. A compression spring 25e biases the cylinder 25b toward the left as viewed in FIG. 3.
- This check valve is arranged to allow flow from left to right and to be sealed against flow in the opposite direction.
- measuring cylinder 10 is secured in fluid tight fashion by sealing means such as O-ring 26 to the base structure 27 and piston rings 9a provide a sliding seal between measuring..piston 9 and measuring cylinder 10.
- measuring cylinder 10 The upper end of measuring cylinder 10 is provided with a flange 28 which cooperates with the flange portion 29 of tube 30 which is clamped in place by a two part clamping device 31 which is of conventional construction.
- a rolling seal is provided and comprises a diaphragm membrane 32 having a central aperture through which the threaded stud 23 projects. From FIG. 3 it is apparent that the inner portions of membrane 32 are clamped between piston rod 24 and piston block 22 which is screwed down via the threads 23a into firm contact with the upper end of piston rod 24. The outer edge of membrane 32 is clamped between flanges 29 and 28 in fluid tight relation.
- the interior of the upper portion of measuring cylinder 10 above measuring piston 9 and below the rolling seal 32 is supplied with a sterile inert gas such as sterile nitrogen through the inlet conduit 3.3. Pressure of this gas above piston 9 and below the rolling seal 32 is maintained at a level somewhat above atmosphere so as to preclude the entry of contaminating material from ambient atmosphere into the interior of measuring cylinder 10 above piston 9.
- a sterile inert gas such as sterile nitrogen
- the stroke of measuring piston 9 and the quantity of flowable material drawn into the measuring cylinder 10 is determined by the length adjustment of pivot arm 12 via its threaded portions 15 so that the greater the upward travel of piston 9 the greater the quantity of material drawn into the measuring cylinder 10 through conduit 7 and check valve 25 as is obvious.
- Downward motion of measuring piston 9 forces the flowable material disposed therebelow outwardly through conduit 8 and its associated conduit 34 which is interconnected by clamping couple 35 with conduit 8 and which is arranged to discharge material to be dispensed into the nozzle structure 2.
- Nozzle structure 2 is shown in cross section in FIG. 4 in a discharging condition during which upward movement of the nozzle takes place in order to prevent splashing of the material dispensed into the container C.
- the lost motion relationship between the left hand end of operating arm 38 and cross pin 20 permits upward movement of the nozzle structure 2 which is independent of but coupled with the movement of measuring piston 9 as is apparent from FIGS. 2A and 2B.
- housing structure 45 is provided with a lower flange 46 which is secured by bolts 47 to base 3. Housing 45 thus is fixed in position while the nozzle structure is slidable vertically inside housing structure 45.
- nozzle structure is a composite assembly made up of a number of parts.
- lower nozzle element 48 is provided with an outwardly bevelled outlet indicated at 49 and a cone shaped upper portion 50 of closure element generally designated at 51.
- a peripheral groove 53 is formed in a cylindrical lower portion 52 of the closure element 51 and a yieldable sealing element such as an O-ring 54 is mounted in groove 53 and during closed condition engages the outwardly bevelled inner surface 49 of the hollow tube 48.
- O-ring 54 is mounted in groove 53 and during closed condition engages the outwardly bevelled inner surface 49 of the hollow tube 48.
- Closure element 51 is secured to vertically reciprocable rod 55 so that when the closure element is in its down position as represented in FIG. 4 material may be dispensed into container C.
- the closure element 51 When the closure element 51 is in its up position with the O-ring 54 in engagement with the lower portion of the bevelled surface 49 the lower end of the nozzle is closed in a leak proof fashion because of the engagement of the O-ring with the lower portion of the bevelled surface 49 which provides an annular cavity immediately below the O-ring for accumulation of any excess flowable material by capillary action thereby to prevent dripping.
- Surface 50a slidably engages surface 48a to shear any solid pulp or other material which might tend to foster dripping of liquid or to cause opening of the valve.
- Flowable material fed into conduit 34 enters transfer cavity 56 formed about the portion 48 of the nozzle and defined by the somewhat enlarged inner surface of housing 45. Apertures 57 and 58 are provided in the nozzle tube 48 and allow the passage of flowable material from the transfer cavity 56 to the inside of tube 48 and about the operating rod 55. When the valve is open this material flows into container C in the direction indicated by the arrows 59. Ribs 60 and 61 are formed along the upper surface of the cone shaped portion 50 so as not to form an umbrella as the material flows outwardly in the direction of the arrows 59. Such an umbrella causes the capture of gas which could agitate and possibly splash the flowable material.
- the nozzle tube 48 occupies its lowermost position and the closure element 51 is open as shown in FIG. 4.
- nozzle tube 48 is elevated while the closure element 51 remains open.
- Pressure fluid disposed above the piston of the fluid motor 63 drives the nozzle tube 48 and the closure element 51 downwardly in unison. Elevating motion is imparted to the nozzle 48 by the down stroke of the piston 9 and of rods 18, cross pin 20 and element 38.
- valve opening motion is effected by valve opening piston 65 which is secured to the rod 55 and which is vertically slidable within valve opening cavity 66 formed within tube 67 which is threadedly secured at 68 within the upper portion of nozzle tube 48.
- Pressure fluid for valve opening piston 65 is introduced into opening cavity 66 through a conduit 69 and the hollow interior portion 70 of valve rod 55 through ports 71 and 72 to the upper working face of piston 65.
- O-ring 73 facilitates the seal between the periphery of valve opening piston 65 and the interior surface of valve opening cavity 66.
- a flexible diaphragm having a central aperture 75 is provided with a central opening clamped between lower part 55a of rod 55 and upper part 55b of rod 55 while the outer periphery of flexible seal or membrane 75 is securely gripped between the shoulder 76 of tube 48 and the lower end of tube 67 due to the threaded relationship as indicated at 68 whereby tube 67 is screwed firmly into contact with the periphery of membrane 75.
- valve closing cavity 78 is formed within tubular element 79 which is threaded at 80 to the outer upwardly extending portion of tube 67 and fluid pressure is supplied to valve closing cavity 78 through conduit 81.
- Valve closing piston 82 is threadedly related as indicated at 83 with the upwardly extending outer hollow portion of the valve rod 55 and is provided with a piston ring such as an 0-ring 84 so that pressure fluid supplied through conduit 81 to valve closing cavity 78 effects upward movement of valve closing piston 82 and of the rod 55 which in turn effects closing of the closure element 51.
- an adjustable stop 85 is threaded as indicated at 86 with the exterior surface of the upper part 82a of piston 82.
- the valve closure element 51 may move downwardly a greater distance than such element can move if the stop element 85 is lowered or screwed downwardly relative to part 82a so as to engage the upper end 79a of tube 79 and thus to allow a lesser degree of downward opening movement of valve closure element 51.
- a rolling seal 91 having. a central aperture disposed about the upper end 67a of tube 67 is arranged so that the inner periphery of this rolling seal 91 is clamped between the shoulder 67b of tube 67 and the lower end of tube 79, such clamping action being effected by the threads 80 as is obvious from FIG. 4.
- the outer edge portion of the rolling seal 91 is clamped between flange 45a of tube 45 and flange 95a of tube 95 by a conventional two-part clamp device 96.
- Rolling seal 91 and diaphragm 75 serve to isolate the transfer cavity from atmosphere.
- suitable control mechanism may include solenoid actuated pneumatic valves. If desired such pneumatic valves may be mechanically actuated.
- an operating rod 102 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is pinned at 103 with operating arm 38 and thus is reciprocated vertically through an opening formed in top cover plate 6 so as to come into engagement with a switch element schematically represented at 104 and mounted on suitable support structure 105 disposed atop the cover plate 6.
- nozzle structure 48 and its operating arm 36 move downwardly and operating arm 38 is rotated in a clockwise direction about the pivot 39 to cause upward movement of operating rod 102.
- Actuation of device 108 actuates an electric solenoid or other suitable device such as a pneumatic valve so as to allow pressure fluid to enter through the conduit 81 into the valve closing cavity 78 so that pressure on the lower surface of piston 82 imparts upward valve closing movement to valve rod 55 and to closure element 51 relative to nozzle tube 48 so that this element closes the outlet end of the nozzle as the nozzle reaches its uppermost position.
- an electric solenoid or other suitable device such as a pneumatic valve so as to allow pressure fluid to enter through the conduit 81 into the valve closing cavity 78 so that pressure on the lower surface of piston 82 imparts upward valve closing movement to valve rod 55 and to closure element 51 relative to nozzle tube 48 so that this element closes the outlet end of the nozzle as the nozzle reaches its uppermost position.
- the apparatus is self draining since liquid material in cylinder 10 may flow through conduit 8, transfer cavity 56, parts 57 and 58 and outwardly through tube 48 when the closure element 51 is open.
- the device may be sterilized with steam, hot water or other aqueous liquid sterilant.
- this invention is primarily intended for use in filling containers such as plastic, paperboard, glass, metal or other containers with flowable material such as orange juice, apple juice, and the like and that the invention is particularly adapted to ensure aseptic conditions for packaging a product due to the concept of isolation of product areas from actuating means by the sealing arrangement 91 and 75 and in part to the isolation of the open container and its contents from ambient atmosphere and also due to the fact that during filling, spraying, splashing and dripping following closure of the nozzle by the valve closure means are prevented so that a proper seal can be achieved between the open upper end of the container and its lid.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to aseptic filling of containers used to package flowable material such as orange juice, apple juice, applesauce and the like. Such containers ordinarily are formed in a cuplike configuration of plastic, paperboard, metal, glass or other material and are closed in a sealed condition by a suitable lid.
- Known container filler mechanisms include nozzle means which is disposed above a container to be filled so that flow of material into the container frequently is accompanied by undesirable splashing and spraying or misting and closure means for such nozzles is sometimes not entirely effective and permits dripping of the flowable material following the completion of a container filing operation. Such splashing and dripping is highly undesirable because it affects the accuracy of fill and also interferes with the sealing of the container by a sealing lid and may result in a defective seal which leads to contamination of the contents of the container. Known arrangements include reciprocating mechanisms in which a piston rod is exposed to atmosphere during some portion of the cycle with obvious potential for contamination. Other known devices simply utilize a continuous flow of product which introduce product directly to the container and which may thus interfere with sealing. Other known arrangements utilize a nozzle which is lowered into a container to be filled and is raised during filling to minimize splashing. It is also known to raise the container during filling to prevent splashing. European patent application Ser. No. 79301525.6 published under No. O 008 870 and owned by the applicant of this application discloses a sealing mechanism for applying a cover to a container in an aseptic environment which is isolated from atmosphere.
- According to this invention in one broad aspect, sterile flowable material in a sterile reservoir under sterile inert gas pressure is supplied through check valve means into a static measuring cylinder which is isolated from atmosphere by a rolling seal between the interior of the cylinder and a part of the movable piston therein and inert gas at a pressure above atmospheric pressure is supplied to the interior of the measuring cylinder between the rolling seal and the piston. Discharge of flowable material is effected from the measuring cylinder to a transfer cavity defined by an outer fixed housing and an inner movable nozzle. A rolling seal forms a fluid tight junction between the housing and nozzle. In order to prevent contaminant from atmosphere from entering the transfer cavity, sterile inert gas under slight pressure above atmospheric pressure is supplied to the transfer cavity which is in communication with the interior of the nozzle. An operating rod is reciprocable within the nozzle and controls a nozzle valve. A diaphragm seal is interconnected between the operating rod exterior and the interior of the nozzle so that sterile inert gas under pressure in the transfer cavity is sealed against atmosphere and the interior of the nozzle is maintained under aseptic conditions whereby flowable material may be dispensed from the nozzle into a container to be filled which itself is disposed in an aseptic environment as disclosed in European Patent Application Ser. No. 79301525.6.
- Means are provided for elevating the nozzle after the nozzle is opened during a filling operation thereby to inhibit any tendency to splash and the undesirable results of splashing. In order to prevent dripping following a filling operating and closure of the nozzle valve, the nozzle is constructed so that the inner surface of its lower end is outwardly bevelled and the closure member at its upper part is of cone shaped configuration complimentary to the outwardly bevelled part of the nozzle. The lower part of the closure element is provided with a groove in which a suitable sealing element of resilient material such as an O-ring is mounted thereby to provide means for preventing leakage following engagement of the O-ring with the inner outwardly bevelled surface of the lower end of the nozzle. The area below the O-ring groove is straight sided and is inside the tapered seat thereby leaving an annular cavity or annular opening to restrain drops of liquid by capillary action.
- The nozzle is supplied with a charge of material to be dispensed into the container by means including a transfer cavity disposed about a part of the nozzle together with a measuring cylinder arranged to communicate with the transfer cavity and provided with a measuring piston coupled mechanically with the nozzle so that during a nozzle charging operation by the measuring cylinbr, the nozzle is mechanically moved upwardly until its lower end occupies a position slightly above the container to be filled. During a container filling operation the measuring piston moves upwardly to a cylinder charged position. During this operation the nozzle itself is uncoupled mechanically from the measuring cylinder and is arranged to move downwardly. The nozzle is free to occupy a lowermost position at the beginning of a filling operation at which time the nozzle valve is opened. The filling operation as explained is accompanied by upward splash free movement of the nozzle to its uppermost position
which is mechanically linked to the measuring piston. - In the drawings FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram which represents the major components of the invention; FIG. 2A is a side view of a mechanism constructed according to the invention and which represents the nozzle in its uppermost position and the measuring piston in its lowermost position upon completion of a nozzle charging operation; FIG. 2B is a view similar to FIG. 2A but which shows the parts in the positions which they occupy with the nozzle in its lowermost position at or shortly after the beginning of a container filling operation and with the measuring piston in its uppermost position at the beginning of a nozzle charging operation; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the measuring cylinder and piston which are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle and its closure element and operating means; and in which FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a fragmentary portion of FIG. 4.
- In the drawings the schematic arrangement of FIG. 1 includes a reservoir R the interior of which is isolated from atmosphere and in which flowable material is contained as well as sterile inert gas under pressure. A
conduit 7 and a check valve V interconnect reservoir R and measuringcylinder 1 the interior of which is isolated from atmosphere and which contains sterile inert gas under pressure.Conduit 8 interconnects the interior ofnozzle housing 2 and the interior of measuringcylinder 1 which is isolated from atmosphere and which is maintained under pressure of sterile inert gas so that flowable material may be supplied under aseptic conditions from reservoir R to cup C which itself is disposed inenclosure 3 in an aseptic environment of a sterile inert gas under slight pressure. - In the drawings the
numeral 1 generally designates a measuring cylinder and its associated structure and thenumeral 2 generally designates the nozzle and associated structure formed according to this invention. The container to be filled is designated at C.. Themeasuring apparatus 1 and thenozzle structure 2 are mounted on and supported by asuitable base plate 3 to which a plurality of vertically disposedposts cover plate 6 is secured. Only twovertical posts rectangular base 3 and ofcover 6, the front corner posts being omitted for clarity.Base 3 defines the upper boundary of a sterile environment therebelow. - Generally speaking material to be dispensed into container C is supplied from a gas tight temperature controlled sterile reservoir R through an
inlet conduit 7 into themeasuring cylinder 1 as the measuring piston moves upwardly and thence throughconduit 8 tonozzle structure 2 from which the flowable material is discharged into container C. - Upward charging motion of the
measuring piston 9 and downward discharging motion ofpiston 9 within measuringcylinder 10 is imparted by vertically reciprocable operating rods 11 which are driven by suitable crank means which is not shown in the drawings. Operating rods 11 are connected by means ofpin 14 toarm 12 which is oscillatable about fixedpivot 13 as is obvious from FIGS. 2A and 2B. Set screw 15-is used to adjust the effective length ofarm 12 for purposes of adjusting the amount of fill. Turnbucklestructure 16 is provided with threadedportion 17 and is interconnected with verticallyreciprocable arms 18 bypin 19. The verticallyreciprocable elements 18 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are provided with across pin 20 which is inserted through the opening 21 in the connectingblock 22 threaded securely at 23 to thepiston rod 24 which is secured at its lower end to themeasuring piston 9 as is obvious from FIG. 3. As operating rods 11 reciprocate up and down as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, thearm 12 swings about itsfixed center 13 and vertically reciprocates turnbuckle 16,17,rod 18, andcross pin 20 and in turn thepiston block 22, thepiston rod 24, andpiston 9. - As is best shown in FIG. 3, a check valve V having a
housing 25 is connected withconduit 7 and includes acavity 25a in which a cylinder 25b is slidable. Cylinder 25b is closed at its right hand end as indicated at 25c and includes a plurality ofapertures 25d. Acompression spring 25e biases the cylinder 25b toward the left as viewed in FIG. 3. This check valve is arranged to allow flow from left to right and to be sealed against flow in the opposite direction. Thus aspiston 9 moves upwardly, flowable material to be dispensed into container C is drawn inwardly throughconduit 7 intocavity 25a and causes cylinder 25b to move to the right against the force exerted byspring 25g. This establishes communication fromcavity 25a throughports 25d withcavity 25e and the lower portion of measuringcylinder 10 so that whenpiston 9 occupies its uppermost position the portion ofcylinder 10 disposed belowpiston 9 is filled with material to be dispensed intocontainer C. Housing 25 is secured in fluid tight fashion by an O-ring 25f tobase structure 27. - As is apparent from FIG. 3
measuring cylinder 10 is secured in fluid tight fashion by sealing means such as O-ring 26 to thebase structure 27 andpiston rings 9a provide a sliding seal between measuring..piston 9 and measuringcylinder 10. - The upper end of measuring
cylinder 10 is provided with aflange 28 which cooperates with theflange portion 29 oftube 30 which is clamped in place by a twopart clamping device 31 which is of conventional construction. - For the purpose of providing means for isolating the interior of measuring
cylinder 10 from atmosphere, a rolling seal is provided and comprises adiaphragm membrane 32 having a central aperture through which the threadedstud 23 projects. From FIG. 3 it is apparent that the inner portions ofmembrane 32 are clamped betweenpiston rod 24 andpiston block 22 which is screwed down via thethreads 23a into firm contact with the upper end ofpiston rod 24. The outer edge ofmembrane 32 is clamped betweenflanges cylinder 10 is free of contamination from ambient atmosphere, the interior of the upper portion of measuringcylinder 10 above measuringpiston 9 and below the rollingseal 32 is supplied with a sterile inert gas such as sterile nitrogen through the inlet conduit 3.3. Pressure of this gas abovepiston 9 and below the rollingseal 32 is maintained at a level somewhat above atmosphere so as to preclude the entry of contaminating material from ambient atmosphere into the interior of measuringcylinder 10 abovepiston 9. - The stroke of measuring
piston 9 and the quantity of flowable material drawn into the measuringcylinder 10 is determined by the length adjustment ofpivot arm 12 via its threadedportions 15 so that the greater the upward travel ofpiston 9 the greater the quantity of material drawn into the measuringcylinder 10 throughconduit 7 andcheck valve 25 as is obvious. Downward motion of measuringpiston 9 forces the flowable material disposed therebelow outwardly throughconduit 8 and its associatedconduit 34 which is interconnected by clampingcouple 35 withconduit 8 and which is arranged to discharge material to be dispensed into thenozzle structure 2. - As is apparent in FIGS. 2A and 2B downward movement of operating rods 11 and associated structure including
cross pin 20 is accompanied by upward movement of connectingrods 36 and the nozzle structure interconnected therewith throughpin 37 due to the fact that operatingarm 38 is pivoted at 39 to fixed support means 40 and is arranged with itsleft hand portion 41 underneath thecross pin 20 and with its right hand end rotatably pinned at 42 to vertically disposed operatingrods 36. While a downward movement ofcross pin 20 and of measuringpiston 9 is accompanied by positive mechanically coupled upward movement of operatingrods 36,pivot 37, and of the nozzle structure associated therewith, it is apparent that downward movement of operatingrods 36 and of the nozzle may occur which is free of thecross pin 20 and which is accompanied by clockwise rotation of operatingarm 38 aboutpivot 39. -
Nozzle structure 2 is shown in cross section in FIG. 4 in a discharging condition during which upward movement of the nozzle takes place in order to prevent splashing of the material dispensed into the container C. The lost motion relationship between the left hand end of operatingarm 38 andcross pin 20 permits upward movement of thenozzle structure 2 which is independent of but coupled with the movement of measuringpiston 9 as is apparent from FIGS. 2A and 2B. - As is apparent from FIG. 4,
housing structure 45 is provided with alower flange 46 which is secured bybolts 47 tobase 3.Housing 45 thus is fixed in position while the nozzle structure is slidable vertically insidehousing structure 45. - In order to provide for various seals and to provide mechanism for operating the closure element of the nozzle, the structure generally described as nozzle structure is a composite assembly made up of a number of parts. For example
lower nozzle element 48 is provided with an outwardly bevelled outlet indicated at 49 and a cone shapedupper portion 50 of closure element generally designated at 51. Aperipheral groove 53 is formed in a cylindricallower portion 52 of theclosure element 51 and a yieldable sealing element such as an O-ring 54 is mounted ingroove 53 and during closed condition engages the outwardly bevelledinner surface 49 of thehollow tube 48. When the valve is closed the O-ring is compressed somewhat which creates capillary action so that any drop is retained in the annular cavity.Closure element 51 is secured to verticallyreciprocable rod 55 so that when the closure element is in its down position as represented in FIG. 4 material may be dispensed into container C. When theclosure element 51 is in its up position with the O-ring 54 in engagement with the lower portion of the bevelledsurface 49 the lower end of the nozzle is closed in a leak proof fashion because of the engagement of the O-ring with the lower portion of the bevelledsurface 49 which provides an annular cavity immediately below the O-ring for accumulation of any excess flowable material by capillary action thereby to prevent dripping. Surface 50a slidably engagessurface 48a to shear any solid pulp or other material which might tend to foster dripping of liquid or to cause opening of the valve. - Flowable material fed into
conduit 34 enterstransfer cavity 56 formed about theportion 48 of the nozzle and defined by the somewhat enlarged inner surface ofhousing 45. Apertures 57 and 58 are provided in thenozzle tube 48 and allow the passage of flowable material from thetransfer cavity 56 to the inside oftube 48 and about the operatingrod 55. When the valve is open this material flows into container C in the direction indicated by thearrows 59.Ribs portion 50 so as not to form an umbrella as the material flows outwardly in the direction of thearrows 59. Such an umbrella causes the capture of gas which could agitate and possibly splash the flowable material. - At the beginning of a filling operation, the
nozzle tube 48 occupies its lowermost position and theclosure element 51 is open as shown in FIG. 4. As the filling operation begins,nozzle tube 48 is elevated while theclosure element 51 remains open. Pressure fluid disposed above the piston of thefluid motor 63 drives thenozzle tube 48 and theclosure element 51 downwardly in unison. Elevating motion is imparted to thenozzle 48 by the down stroke of thepiston 9 and ofrods 18,cross pin 20 andelement 38. - Since the
closure element 51 and itsoperating rod 55 are movable independently relative tonozzle tube 48, any suitable actuating means may be provided for effecting such motion. Valve opening motion is effected byvalve opening piston 65 which is secured to therod 55 and which is vertically slidable withinvalve opening cavity 66 formed withintube 67 which is threadedly secured at 68 within the upper portion ofnozzle tube 48. Pressure fluid forvalve opening piston 65 is introduced into openingcavity 66 through aconduit 69 and the hollowinterior portion 70 ofvalve rod 55 throughports piston 65. O-ring 73 facilitates the seal between the periphery ofvalve opening piston 65 and the interior surface ofvalve opening cavity 66. - For the purpose of isolating the
valve opening cavity 66 from thetransfer cavity 56 and the interior of the lower portion ofnozzle tube 48, a flexible diaphragm having acentral aperture 75 is provided with a central opening clamped betweenlower part 55a ofrod 55 and upper part 55b ofrod 55 while the outer periphery of flexible seal ormembrane 75 is securely gripped between theshoulder 76 oftube 48 and the lower end oftube 67 due to the threaded relationship as indicated at 68 wherebytube 67 is screwed firmly into contact with the periphery ofmembrane 75. - In order to impart upward closing movement to
closure element 51 relative tonozzle 48, avalve closing cavity 78 is formed withintubular element 79 which is threaded at 80 to the outer upwardly extending portion oftube 67 and fluid pressure is supplied tovalve closing cavity 78 throughconduit 81.Valve closing piston 82 is threadedly related as indicated at 83 with the upwardly extending outer hollow portion of thevalve rod 55 and is provided with a piston ring such as an 0-ring 84 so that pressure fluid supplied throughconduit 81 tovalve closing cavity 78 effects upward movement ofvalve closing piston 82 and of therod 55 which in turn effects closing of theclosure element 51. - For the purpose of determining the lowermost position of the
closure element 51, anadjustable stop 85 is threaded as indicated at 86 with the exterior surface of theupper part 82a ofpiston 82. Thus withadjustable stop 85 screwed upwardly relative to theupper end 82a ofpiston 82, thevalve closure element 51 may move downwardly a greater distance than such element can move if thestop element 85 is lowered or screwed downwardly relative topart 82a so as to engage theupper end 79a oftube 79 and thus to allow a lesser degree of downward opening movement ofvalve closure element 51. - Due to the relationship between the
stop 85 and theupper end 79a oftube 79, it is apparent that predetermined upward motion of thenozzle structure 48 necessarily is accompanied by upward motion of thevalve rod 55 and of theclosure element 51. This upward motion of thenozzle structure 2 due to the action ofpiston 9 which in its downward travel causes crosspin 20 to engagearm 38 which in turn moves counterclockwise aboutpivot 39 to raisepin 42 and thenozzle 48 and associated parts. - For the purpose of isolating the
transfer cavity 56 from atmosphere, a rollingseal 91 having. a central aperture disposed about theupper end 67a oftube 67 is arranged so that the inner periphery of this rollingseal 91 is clamped between theshoulder 67b oftube 67 and the lower end oftube 79, such clamping action being effected by thethreads 80 as is obvious from FIG. 4. The outer edge portion of the rollingseal 91 is clamped betweenflange 45a oftube 45 andflange 95a oftube 95 by a conventional two-part clamp device 96. Thus by means of the rollingseal 91 movement of thenozzle tube 48 and parts associated therewith relative to thehousing 45 may be effected without contamination from the atmosphere above the rollingseal 91, pressure being maintained within thehousing 45 and below the rollingseal 91 by sterile inert gas supplied throughtube 97 to the interior ofhousing 45. This pressure is maintained at a level slightly above atmosphere so as to preclude any possibility of contamination from atmosphere. O-rings - Rolling
seal 91 anddiaphragm 75 serve to isolate the transfer cavity from atmosphere. - For the purpose of properly coordinating opening and closing of
closure element 51 relative tonozzle 48 and for effecting lowering movement of thenozzle 48, suitable control mechanism is provided and may include solenoid actuated pneumatic valves. If desired such pneumatic valves may be mechanically actuated. - In order to effect opening movement of the
closure element 51 by pressure fluid supplied toconduit 69, an operatingrod 102 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is pinned at 103 with operatingarm 38 and thus is reciprocated vertically through an opening formed intop cover plate 6 so as to come into engagement with a switch element schematically represented at 104 and mounted onsuitable support structure 105 disposed atop thecover plate 6. Thus as the operating elements 11 move upwardly,nozzle structure 48 and itsoperating arm 36 move downwardly andoperating arm 38 is rotated in a clockwise direction about thepivot 39 to cause upward movement ofoperating rod 102. When thenozzle 48 and itsoperating rods 36 reach their lowermost position, theupper end 102a of operatingrod 102 engages theswitch mechanism 104 and thus opens the valve supplying pressure fluid throughconduit 69. As already explained, this action results in pressure being supplied tovalve opening cavity 66 and the resulting downward movement ofrod 55 and ofclosure element 51 relative tonozzle 48. - With the
closure element 51 in the open position flow of material into container C is initiated while thenozzle 48 is in its lowermost position. Upward movement accompanied by filling of container C results when operating rods 11 move downwardly causing thecross pin 20 to move downwardly thereby to swing theoperating arm 38 in a counterclockwise direction about fixedpivot 39 which in turn moves thenozzle 48 upwardly. This downward movement ofcross pin 20 and ofrods 18causes operator element 107 to move downwardly into engagement withswitch actuating element 108. Operation of this element occurs as the operatingrods 18 and themeasuring piston 9 arrive at their lowermost positions and as thenozzle 48 and parts associated therewith arrive at their uppermost position. Actuation ofdevice 108 actuates an electric solenoid or other suitable device such as a pneumatic valve so as to allow pressure fluid to enter through theconduit 81 into thevalve closing cavity 78 so that pressure on the lower surface ofpiston 82 imparts upward valve closing movement tovalve rod 55 and toclosure element 51 relative tonozzle tube 48 so that this element closes the outlet end of the nozzle as the nozzle reaches its uppermost position. - Following the completion of upward movement of
nozzle tube 48 and downward movement of operating rods 11 and measuringpiston 9, operating elements 11 begin their upward travel accompanied by downward movement ofnozzle element 48 and parts associated therewith. When the operatingrods 18 arrive at their uppermost positions theoperating element 107 engages theswitch operator 110 which in turn by solenoid or pneumatic means admits fluid pressure to the upper portion of the cylinder comprising a part offluid motor 63. Such pressure drives the operatingarms 36, thepivot 37, and thenozzle tube 48 and parts associated therewith toward their down positions. When the down position is reached, measuring pistcn9 is in its uppermost position following which operatingarms 11, 18, andcross pin 20 begin their downward movement which in turn by the mechanical interlock throughbar 38 andpivot 42 initiates upward movement ofnozzle 48 and the cycle is repeated. - The apparatus is self draining since liquid material in
cylinder 10 may flow throughconduit 8,transfer cavity 56,parts tube 48 when theclosure element 51 is open. - Thus with the apparatus in assembled condition the device may be sterilized with steam, hot water or other aqueous liquid sterilant.
- There are no flexible hoses and their attendant connections for the flow of flowable material such as orange juice so that accumulations of microorganisms are eliminated.
- The fact that the flow of flowable material is by positive displacement insures that the quantity of material supplied to container C can be maintained constant and may then be supplied to many containers with minimum variation in amount supplied.
- It is apparent from the above description that this invention is primarily intended for use in filling containers such as plastic, paperboard, glass, metal or other containers with flowable material such as orange juice, apple juice, and the like and that the invention is particularly adapted to ensure aseptic conditions for packaging a product due to the concept of isolation of product areas from actuating means by the sealing
arrangement
Claims (30)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AT80302221T ATE19034T1 (en) | 1980-07-01 | 1980-07-01 | DEVICE FOR STERILE FILLING. |
EP80302221A EP0042896B1 (en) | 1980-07-01 | 1980-07-01 | Aseptic container filler apparatus |
DE8080302221T DE3071533D1 (en) | 1980-07-01 | 1980-07-01 | Aseptic container filler apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP80302221A EP0042896B1 (en) | 1980-07-01 | 1980-07-01 | Aseptic container filler apparatus |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0042896A1 true EP0042896A1 (en) | 1982-01-06 |
EP0042896B1 EP0042896B1 (en) | 1986-04-09 |
Family
ID=8187206
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP80302221A Expired EP0042896B1 (en) | 1980-07-01 | 1980-07-01 | Aseptic container filler apparatus |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0042896B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE19034T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE3071533D1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1988002722A2 (en) * | 1986-10-14 | 1988-04-21 | Metal Box Public Limited Company | Filling packaging containers |
EP0532123A1 (en) * | 1991-09-12 | 1993-03-17 | COBERT S.p.A. | Filling machine with device for stopcock emptying and sterilizing |
EP0894723A1 (en) * | 1997-07-18 | 1999-02-03 | Techpack S.r.l. | Bag filling valve for viscous fluids |
CN108715433A (en) * | 2018-06-13 | 2018-10-30 | 重庆阿罗网络科技有限公司 | The filling apparatus of thermal insulation coatings |
Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2492873A (en) * | 1948-09-04 | 1949-12-27 | C M Ambrose Company | Valved nozzle |
US3020689A (en) * | 1959-04-08 | 1962-02-13 | Allgauer Alpenmilch A G | Method and apparatus for the continuous filling of plastic tubing with sterile liquids |
GB1016360A (en) * | 1963-06-20 | 1966-01-12 | Graham Enock Mfg Company Ltd | A method and apparatus for bottling completely sterile liquids particularly milk |
GB1027597A (en) * | 1961-12-18 | 1966-04-27 | Owens Illinois W C | Improved process and apparatus for packaging a liquid-containing food product |
US3334668A (en) * | 1965-08-30 | 1967-08-08 | Ex Cell O Corp | Filler for charging containers |
DE1251204B (en) * | 1967-09-28 | Ex Cell O Corporation, Detroit Mich (V St A) | Machine for the continuous filling of containers | |
AT263561B (en) * | 1963-08-13 | 1968-07-25 | Jagenberg Werke Ag | Method and device for filling liquids |
DE1532536A1 (en) * | 1966-12-16 | 1970-01-15 | Hesser Ag Maschf | Device for filling liquids |
DE1782482A1 (en) * | 1967-09-08 | 1971-09-02 | Chelle S A Ets | Device for filling containers |
GB1276626A (en) * | 1969-02-14 | 1972-06-07 | Applic Gaz Sa | Improvements in filling apparatus for containers |
-
1980
- 1980-07-01 EP EP80302221A patent/EP0042896B1/en not_active Expired
- 1980-07-01 AT AT80302221T patent/ATE19034T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1980-07-01 DE DE8080302221T patent/DE3071533D1/en not_active Expired
Patent Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1251204B (en) * | 1967-09-28 | Ex Cell O Corporation, Detroit Mich (V St A) | Machine for the continuous filling of containers | |
US2492873A (en) * | 1948-09-04 | 1949-12-27 | C M Ambrose Company | Valved nozzle |
US3020689A (en) * | 1959-04-08 | 1962-02-13 | Allgauer Alpenmilch A G | Method and apparatus for the continuous filling of plastic tubing with sterile liquids |
GB1027597A (en) * | 1961-12-18 | 1966-04-27 | Owens Illinois W C | Improved process and apparatus for packaging a liquid-containing food product |
GB1016360A (en) * | 1963-06-20 | 1966-01-12 | Graham Enock Mfg Company Ltd | A method and apparatus for bottling completely sterile liquids particularly milk |
AT263561B (en) * | 1963-08-13 | 1968-07-25 | Jagenberg Werke Ag | Method and device for filling liquids |
US3334668A (en) * | 1965-08-30 | 1967-08-08 | Ex Cell O Corp | Filler for charging containers |
DE1532536A1 (en) * | 1966-12-16 | 1970-01-15 | Hesser Ag Maschf | Device for filling liquids |
DE1782482A1 (en) * | 1967-09-08 | 1971-09-02 | Chelle S A Ets | Device for filling containers |
GB1276626A (en) * | 1969-02-14 | 1972-06-07 | Applic Gaz Sa | Improvements in filling apparatus for containers |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1988002722A2 (en) * | 1986-10-14 | 1988-04-21 | Metal Box Public Limited Company | Filling packaging containers |
EP0265128A2 (en) * | 1986-10-14 | 1988-04-27 | CMB Foodcan plc | Filling packaging containers |
WO1988002722A3 (en) * | 1986-10-14 | 1988-05-19 | Metal Box Plc | Filling packaging containers |
EP0265128A3 (en) * | 1986-10-14 | 1988-07-06 | Metal Box Public Limited Company | Filling packaging containers |
EP0532123A1 (en) * | 1991-09-12 | 1993-03-17 | COBERT S.p.A. | Filling machine with device for stopcock emptying and sterilizing |
EP0894723A1 (en) * | 1997-07-18 | 1999-02-03 | Techpack S.r.l. | Bag filling valve for viscous fluids |
CN108715433A (en) * | 2018-06-13 | 2018-10-30 | 重庆阿罗网络科技有限公司 | The filling apparatus of thermal insulation coatings |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0042896B1 (en) | 1986-04-09 |
DE3071533D1 (en) | 1986-05-15 |
ATE19034T1 (en) | 1986-04-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US4235265A (en) | Aseptic container filler apparatus | |
US4410108A (en) | Pressure-actuated valve for use with positive displacement filling machine | |
US4750532A (en) | Device for extracting liquids contained therein and arrangement for filling the device | |
US3926229A (en) | Viscous material filling device | |
US5193593A (en) | Package filling method and apparatus | |
EP0280537B1 (en) | A dosing system | |
US2492873A (en) | Valved nozzle | |
US5295523A (en) | Adjustable stroke multiple package filling apparatus | |
EP0138234B1 (en) | Apparatus for filling fixed amount of liquid into containers | |
EP0853041B1 (en) | High-speed liquid filling machine | |
EP0334537B1 (en) | Bottom-up filler | |
JPH0129244B2 (en) | ||
US5402833A (en) | Apparatus for filling bottles or similar containers | |
EP0013132B1 (en) | Apparatus comprising a dosaging device for a liquid product and a method for it | |
US4445629A (en) | Container filling machine product dispensing cylinder | |
US2820579A (en) | Combined valve and measuring chamber | |
EP0042896A1 (en) | Aseptic container filler apparatus | |
US4402461A (en) | Fluid-handling apparatus | |
US4903740A (en) | Method and apparatus for minimizing foam in filling cartons | |
SU1355116A3 (en) | Arrangement for feeding liquid to packing machine packages | |
US4838325A (en) | Method and an arrangement for a filling valve in a packing machine | |
US3313326A (en) | Filling apparatus for dispensing measured amounts of liquid into rigid or non-rigid containers | |
US2776785A (en) | Valve mechanism for container filling apparatus | |
US2614742A (en) | Apparatus for charging containers with measured quantities of liquid | |
US3334668A (en) | Filler for charging containers |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19820706 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Effective date: 19860409 Ref country code: CH Effective date: 19860409 |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 19034 Country of ref document: AT Date of ref document: 19860415 Kind code of ref document: T |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 3071533 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 19860515 |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
ITF | It: translation for a ep patent filed |
Owner name: SOCIETA' ITALIANA BREVETTI S.P.A. |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19860731 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed | ||
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Payment date: 19900611 Year of fee payment: 11 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Payment date: 19900615 Year of fee payment: 11 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Effective date: 19910701 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Effective date: 19910702 |
|
ITTA | It: last paid annual fee | ||
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 19940609 Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 19940620 Year of fee payment: 15 Ref country code: BE Payment date: 19940620 Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 19940627 Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Payment date: 19940731 Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
EUG | Se: european patent has lapsed |
Ref document number: 80302221.9 Effective date: 19920210 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Effective date: 19950701 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Effective date: 19950731 |
|
BERE | Be: lapsed |
Owner name: THE MEAD CORP. Effective date: 19950731 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Effective date: 19960201 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 19950701 |
|
NLV4 | Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee |
Effective date: 19960201 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Effective date: 19960402 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Effective date: 19960430 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST |