GB1580939A - Valve for isobarometric racking machines - Google Patents

Description

(54) VALVE FOR ISOBAROMETRIC RACKING MACHINES (71) We, NOUVELLES USINES VAND- ERGEETEN SOCIETE ANONYME a Belgian corporate body of Rue de Birmingham 253-257 a Brussels, Belgium do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The present invention relates to isobarometric racking machines.

These isobarometric racking machines are generally used for the racking of liquid such as beers, lemonade, mineral waters, natural fruit juices, etc., and include filling units having piping which passes through the layer of liquid under charge in order to reach the gaseous region which is maintained under pressure in the upper part of the tank or the reservoir.

In the field of bottling, taking into account modern requirements, which are the production and the cost price, there is a need to improve the means which make it possible to fill a maximum number of containers per unit of time, with a minimum of material and a minimum of wastage, while taking into account the quality of the product which is being racked.

Generally, it is at the time of its introduction into the bottle, i.e. during the final manipulation, that the liquid is badly treated in such a way as to cause it to lose some of its qualities which have been obtained as a result of the extended and numerous careful measures which have been observed during its manufacture.

Whatever type of device for filling is used, the operating mechanism always consists of one or more moveable pieces which are translated or rotated to connect the pipes to the bottle in a definite order while the sequential movements are controlled using a lever or a follower which is operated by exterior means such as cams.

It is appropriate to mention the principle difficulties which are: Sealing which is difficult to ensure and to maintain; Sterilisation which is difficult to carry out; The movements which takes place at a very rapid speed,bring about in the short term wear and inaccuracies due to friction of the moving parts.

In accordance with the invention there is provided an isobarometric racking machine comprising a tank for the storage of liquid under the pressure of a gas occupying the upper region of the tank, and a liquid discharge valve comprising a valve body fixed to the tank and extending downwardly from the base of the tank, the body having three conduits extending upwardly through the valve body and into the tank to the upper region thereof, the first conduit serving to convey gas from the tank and the second to convey liquid from the tank and the third to return excess gas to the tank, wherein a tube is slidably mounted within the first conduit for axial movement relative thereto and carries at its lower end a slide valve extending downwardly beyond the lower end of the tube for co-operation with a valve closure member carried by the valve body, the tube being mechanically coupled within the upper region of the tank to an element which controls opening and closing of a liquid flow control valve in the second conduit and wherein mechanical actuating means are coupled to the said tube to effect raising and lowering thereof to control opening and closing of the first conduit and of the liquid flow control valve.

The filling valves described in detail below are of simple construction and reliable in operation. Furthermore, each of the valves occupies a small space which makes it possible to locate a larger number of valves on one tank and is adaptable to existing machines and to the particular cases of lateral flow or flow by nozzle.

In order to aid the understanding of the invention, two embodiments will be described below which are given by way of non limiting examples and with reference to the drawing in which: Figure 1 is a sectional view of the whole of a racking apparatus using a nozzle.

The figures 1A (a section along A-A in figure 1) and 1B are detailed views.

Figures 2A and 2B are partial sectional views which are intended to show the operation of the apparatus of figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the whole of a racking apparatus using lateral flow.

Figures 3A and 3B are partial sectional views which are intended to show the operation of the apparatus according to figure 3.

Figures 4 and 5 show details of the apparatus of figure 3.

in figure 1 of the drawing the reference numeral 1 shows the tank of the racking apparatus containing the liquid which is to be racked shown at 3 which reaches to a level 2, as well as the gas which is under pressure shown at 3 in the upper region of the tank.

In the case of a large capacity apparatus, the tank 1 has the shape of a hollow annulus, on which there are mounted a series of discharge valves such as that shown in figure 1.

Each valve comprises a valve body 5 of cylindrical shape which extends downwardly from the base of the tank 1 and which is fixed by appropriate means (clamps, flanges, etc.) to the underside of the tank.

Centering of the body 5 on the tank 1 is obtained by means of a peripheral shoulder 6 on the upper part of the body 5 and sealing is provided for by a seal 7.

The body 5 has three conduits or channels 8, 9, 10 passing vertically through it; the first 8 for the purpose of conveying gas from the tank, the second 9 for conveying liquid from the tank; and the third 10 for return of excess gas to the tank.

A mechanically actuated control unit 12 is located in a lateral opening 11 of the body 5.

The channel 8 for pressurisation and that 10 for the retum of gas are extended upwardly into the tank 1 through the layer of liquid by the tubes 13 and 14 which are pressed into and secured to the body 2.

The extent to which the tube 13 is sunk in is limited by a peripheral shoulder 15.

One or more cross pieces 16 keep the tubes 13 and 14 parallel with respect to each other and provide for their rigidity.

The position of the upper cross piece 16 is determined by a shoulder 17 of the tube 13.

Inside the tube 8 a tube 18 is mounted for axial movement. At its lower end, the tube 8 carries an extension in the form of a slide valve 19 which surrounds the lower end of the tube 8. Sealing members 20-21 provide for sealing respectively between the slide valve 19 and the valve body 5, and between the slide valve 19 and a valve closure member 22 which is carried on a block 23 which is rigidly fixed to the body 5.

The closure device 22 is shaped to have two spaced cylindrical land portions with a piston 221 of reduced cross-section between them.

Holes 24, for example four in number, are provided in the wall of the slide valve 19 slightly above the seal 20 in order to allow the circulation of gas through the wall of the slide valve.

Above the slide valve 19, an abutment member 25 in the shape of an anvil is slipped freely around the tube 18, and its upper face is engageable by a stud 50 whose function is discussed below.

The tube 18 has fixed on it, in the tank 1, by means of a keeper pin 26, an arm 27 which is subject to the action of a spring 28 which is coiled around the tube 13 and is compressed between the arm 27 and the cross piece 16.

A bush 30 provided with a shoulder 31 which is capable of coming into contact with the lower face of the arm 27 is able to slide freely in a hole 29 which is provided in a central part of this arm (Figure 1 A).

This bush 30 is capable of axial motion along an elongate control stem 32 which extends downwardly through the tank and in to the body 5, and which carries at its lower end a liquid flow control valve 33. The upper part of stem 32 is formed above the arm 27 with a groove in which there is located a sprung abutment ring 34 on which an interior shoulder on which an interior shoulder 35 of the bush 30 may act.

The stem 32 carries a ring 36 which is fixed to the stem by a screw 37 between the arm 27 and the upper cross piece 16. On both sides of this ring springs 38 and 39 are compressed which are situated around the stem 32.

The end lateral edge of the arm 27 forms a guide 40 which engages partially around the tube 14 (Figure lA) The tube 14 for return of gas is closed at its upper end by a stopper 41 and is pierced in the region of the latter with a lateral opening 42 which allows the exit of gas.

The unit 12 includes a cover 43 fixed on the body 5 by means of screws 45 and is provided with a hole in which a bush 44 is housed.

The handle 46 of the unit is fixed by means of a screw 47 and a washer 471 on a shaft 48 which isjournalled in the bush 44.

At its inner end, the shaft 48 carries a plate 49 provided with an eccentric 50 which cooperates with the abutment 25 (figure 1 B).

Sealing between the cover 43 and the body 5 is provided for by a seal 51; a second seal 52 provides for sealing in the region of the bush 44.

The action of the handle 46 as regards the effort for regulation may be controlled by means of a ring 53 of synthetic material and a ring 54 in the form of a friction lining, both of these being arranged around the shaft 48.

The orientation of the handle 46 with respect to the shaft 48 is determined by two flats 55. A surface 56 for the friction lining is driven by the handling 46 by means of a keeper pin 57.

The action of the control mechanism can be adjusted by tightening of the screw 47 in order to increase the braking action of the friction lining 54 by compression of the ring 53 and a washer 58 synthetic material which is arranged between the sleeve 44 and the plate 49.

Centering of the block 23 is obtained using a small peripheral collar 59 which is provided on its upper edge while sealing with respect to the body 5 is provided for by a seal 60.

The channels 8, 9, 10 of the body 5 are extended by corresponding channels 81, 91, 101 in block 23.

On its upper face and laterally with respect to the channel 81, the block 23 carries the closure device 22 which allows the passage of a gas by the slide valve 19 only when the seal 21 is positioned at levels 0 (zero) (figure 2A). When this seal 21 is positioned at levels 'p' or 'q ' it is in contact with the cylindrical lands of the Closure member 22 and the sealing of the slide valve 19 is ensured.

An important characteristic of this embodiment is that the channel 101 is closed off by a ball 61 which rests on a seat 62 in a synthetic material located in the block 23.

A seal 63 provides a sealed seating for the valve 33. Guiding of the valve stem 32 is obtained using the holes which are provided in the cross pieces 16.

The bush 30 with its shoulder is capable of sliding freely in the central hole of the arm 27 and also allows the sliding of the valve stem 32.

The spring 39, which is compressed between the ring 36 and the cross piece 16, urges the stem 32 and valve members 33 upwardly; however, as a result of the greater force of the spring 38, which is compressed between the bush 30 and the ring 36, the valve 33 is normally maintained on its seat 63.

When the bush 30 moves upwards, it raises the valve 33 when the shoulder 35 touches the spring washer 34.

A nozzle holder 64 is fixed on the block 23 with a flanged screw 65.

A seal 66 ensures sealing between the block 23 and the nozzle holder 64. The latter is pierced with three channels 82, 92, 102 corresponding to the channels 81, 91, 101 which are formed in the block 23. At the upper part the channels 82 - 102 open into pipes 67 and 68 which are assembled by brazing on the nozzle holder 64 and provide for good orientation of the latter with respect to the block 23.

The channel 102 is closed off towards the outside by a stopper 69; in this region the channel 102 is formed in the shape of a bayonet.

A nozzle 70 and a tube for return of gas 71 are mounted on the nozzle holder 64 and are kept in position by brazing.

A pipe 72 is brazed on the upper opening of the nozzle 70 and completes the assembly; centering of the whole unit is hence provided for with respect to the block 23.

A bell shaped piece (not shown) is suspended from the nozzle holder 64 using a set of straps 73 which hinge on a socket (not shown).

Sealing between the nozzle holder 64 and the bush of the bell shaped piece is provided for by a seal 74.

Another seal which is not shown, provides for sealing between the mouth of the bottle and the bell shape piece.

Figure 1C1 shows as a variation an accessory fitting for the valve with the nozzle in which the channel 82 of the nozzle holder 64 is connected with a venting valve 76 for bringing it to atomspheric pressure (known as 'snift') which may be of the type shown in figure 4.

The gas which is able to escape from the bottle through this valve when the latter is operated (for example using a supplementary cam) is advantageously recovered by a pipe 77 in a suitable reservoir 78 arranged on the outside of the racking machine.

When a bottle is raised into position, its neck is automatically centered with respect to the nozzle by the conical entrance of the bellshaped piece. In its rising motion, the bell shaped piece and the bottle are guided by the nozzle up to the point where the bell-shaped piece contacts the seal 74 which is located at the lower part of the nozzle holder 64.

The bottle is hence in the position for racking and its sealing is provided for by the seal 74 and the seal between the bell-shaped piece and the neck of the bottle.

The pressurising takes place using a gas under pressure which is located in the gas chamber which is above the level 2 of the liquid in the tank 1. It is controlled by a swinging of the handle 46 with the aid of a cam (not shown) which is placed at the periphery of the tank 1 and which causes a slight rotation of the shaft 48 and of the eccentric stud 50 in such a way that the slide valve is freed from the action of this stud.

Under the action of the spring 28, the tube 18 and the slide valve 19 may then move slightly in the upward direction until the seal 21 takes up a position at level 0 of the closure device 22. The gas under pressure may from this point pass freely along the channel 8 and through the neck the inside of the bottle (figure 2A).

On the other hand, due to the rising of the tube 18 and of the arm 27, the effect of the spring 38 is cancelled out but the valve 33 remains on its seat due to the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid in the tank 1.

In this position, the bush 30 is also raised and the shoulder 35 comes into contact with the spring washer 34.

This opening is controlled by a second cam (not shown) which is situated at the periphery of the tank 1 and acts on the handle 46 so as to rotate it so that the stud 50 completely frees the anvil 25 and allows the tube 18 and the slide valve 19 to continue to rise under the action of spring 28.

This second stage of movement of the slide valve 19 is limited with precision by the lower edge of the tube 13 in such away that the seal 21 becomes immobilised at level p of the closure device 22 (figure 2B).

The pressurisation channel 8 is again closed at its lower end.

On the other hand, the raising of the tube 18 and of the arm 27 frees the bush 30 which is in contact with the spring washer 34 at its shoulder 35 and allows the valve stem 32 to rise under the influence of spring 39.

In the case where a bottle is chipped or ex plodes, the pressure in the container is not maintained, the spring 39 being suitably rated in order to become compressed; the valve 33 will be automatically maintained or brought back to its seat by the hydrostatic load which acts in the downwards direction.

In normal operation, however raising of the valve 33 allows flow of liquid through the nozzle 70 via the channel 92.

Because of the isobarometric state between the tank 1 and the bottle, the liquid will flow smoothly under the effect of the pressure caused by the column of liquid under charge along.

Moreover, as the nozzle 70 penetrates deep down into the bottle, the liquid will reach the bottom with the avoidance of turbulance which could give rise to loss of gas and the oxidation of the product.

During the flow of liquid, the gas contained in the bottle can ascend to the upper part of the tank 1 through the tube for return of gas 14, which is extended by the tube 71 via the channel 102. The ball 61 raises itself slightly with the passage of the ascending gas flow and provides for circulation, in one sense only, of the pressurisation gas by the channel 101 - 102.

The orifice 42 of the tube 14 deflects the rising flow through the channel 9 so as to avoid undesirable surges which could upset the correct operation of the pressurisation.

In order to increase the yield and in particular in the case where large containers are being filled, the flow of the liquid can be accelerated by operating the venting valve 76 (figure 1 C) for a period of time which is carefully determined and which is tinted to be between the point where the liquid has passed beyond the lower level of the nozzle 70 and the point which preceeds the entry of liquid into the tube 71 which is connected to the tube for return of gas 14.

In practice, when the inside of the bottle is brought to atmosphereic pressure during the period of time which has been indicated above, the liquid will flow much more quickly because of the difference of pressure between the tank 1 and the inside of the battle.

When the device 76 is again closed off the equilibrium of the pressures will re-establish itself and the operation will continue normally following this.

At the end of filling, due to the principle of communicating vessels, the liquid penetrates into the tube 71 and has a tendency to rise up through the channel ]02.

However, according to Archimedes principle and because of the increased resistance of the liquid flow, the ball 61 is carried upwardly and closes off the channel 10 when it comes to rest against a chamfered edge 75 of the body 5.

The ball 61 remains in this position due to the hydrostatic load which acts upwardly in the channel 101 and the flow of liquid is stopped.

Moreover, the level of liquid ill the bottle is stablised at the level of the lower orifice of the tube 71. The whole of the gas space which exists in the neck and in the bell shaped piece acts as a damper in order to provide a progressive stopping which is nevertheless precise, of the flow.

It will also be noticed that the level of the lower orifice of tube 71 makes it possible to determine precisely the level of filling of the bottle.

When flow is stopped under the conditions which have been described above, it is appropriate to close the valve before the bottle is removed.

Another cam (not shown) placed at the periphery of the tank 1 acts on the handle 46 to bring it once more back to its initial position so that the stud 50 causes the anvil 25 to descend, thus causing the tube 18 and the slide valve 19 to be pushed downwardly and the spring 28 to be compressed.

This new position of the handle 46 and the stud 50 positions the slide valve 19 such that the seal 21 comes to rest at the level q of the closure device 22, in order to maintain the sealing of the channel 8 for pressurisation.

On the other hand, the descent of the tube 18 and the arm 27 has the effect of comprising the springs 38 and 39 and thus to close the valve 33 against its seat 63.

As soon as the valve 33 has been re-closed, the bottle can be removed. Prior decompression of the gas which remains in the neck of the bottle will not be necessary; actually, under normal conditions of pressure and of filling, this volume will be sufficient in order to damp in a progressive manner the decomposition of the liquid at the time of withdrawal of the bottle.

It should be pointed out also that at the time of withdrawal of the nozzle 70, the latter carries with it its liquid content since its upper part is closed off by the valve 33 and that surface tension will prevent its drainage. It is necessary to take this into account in order to determine the level for the stopping of flow.

Figure 3 shows a valve which is adapted for racking by lateral flow (for example for lemonade mineral waters containing gas and other products where there is little danger of oxidation) The solid stem 32 of figure 1 is replaced by a tube 132 which, at its upper part, can be closed off by a ball 101.

The bush 30 is extended upwardly (reference 120) beyond the tube 132 and is provided with a stopper 102 which is maintained in position by a spring washer 103.

In this embodiment, the tube 132 provides for the return of gas in the place of tube 14 which now only has the purpose of guiding the movable parts.

The tube 14 is closed off at its upper part by a stopper 104 whilst radial holes 105 are provided in the bush 120 for exit of gas.

A cross piece 106 is provided under the valve body 5 which is centered with respect to the body 5 by means of a small peripheral collar 107, which closes the channel 10 which is not used, while sealing is provided for by the seal 108.

A head 109 is provided under the cross piece 106 and is centered by a small interior collar 110 which is sealed by a seal 111.

In the cross piece 106 the channnel 8 is extended by a channel 112 which is continued in the head 109 by a channel 113.

Theicross piece 106 includes a central hollow 114 which is widened downwardly and is extended in the head 109 by a cavity 115.

At its lower part the cavity 115 includes a tubular piece 116 (figure 5) which lines the interior surface of the head 109 and which forms a seat 1161 for a valve 117 in the shape of a cup provided with a seal 118 and is fixed facing' upwards on the tube 132; the latter is extended downwardly by-a tube .119 for return of gas which is screwed onto a thread 120 of the valve 117. A seal 121 ensures sealing between the tube 119 for return of gas and the valve 117.

Piece 116 is extended upwardly by a sleeve 122 which is provided with radial holes 123 being for example eight in number which allow a flow .of liquid and which includes an interior chamfered edge 124 which acts as a seat when the valve 117 is raised.

Sealing at the level of the neck of the bottle is obtained using a seal 125 wldch is provided around an extension 126 of the tubular piece 116 The channel 113 (figure 3) discharges into a space 127 which is.c6nnected by a channel 128 with a chamber 129 for flow of liquid which is provided around the return tube 119.

On the:other hand, the space 127 is in connection with a purging device 130 by a channel 131 which is formed-in a flange 1321 which is fixed in an opening of the head 109.

This flange 132 is extended outwardly by a threaded sleeve 1322 on which a cap 133 is screwed (figure 4).

Sealing between the flange 1321 and the cap 133 is óbtainedsusing a seal 134.

A lever 36 is. retained in a central opening of the cap 133 and is maintained in position with respect to the cap by a flange 1361 used in conjunction with a spring 137. A seal 138 provides for sealing between the flanges 1361 and the cap 133.

A stainless steel drainage wire ] 42 is hooked in the orifice 131 of. the purging device and extends through the channel 128 to the chamber 129.

The tube for return of gas 119, which is fixed at its upper part in the valve 117, carries towards its middle.portion a deflector 139, which has the purpose of spreading laterally the flow of liquid and is provided at its lower part with a small tubular collar 140 in which radial orifices 141 are provided at the upper. part..The tube 119 penetrates inside the small collar 140..

When a bottle is brought to below the unit it is raised to the point where its neck comes into abutment with the sealing joint 125.

Pressurisation is controlled by a cam which is located at the periphery of the tank 1 and which acts on the handle 46 in order to orientate it in such a way that the eccentric stud 50 frees the anvil 25 and allows the tube 18 and the slide valve 19 to rise due to the action of spring 28.

This new orientation of the handle 46 and the eccentric stud 50 determines the ascending path of the slide valve 19 in order that the seal 21 comes to rest at level o of the closure device 22.

The gas for pressurisation of the tank may.

thus penetrate into the bottle by the tube 18 and through the channels 112, 113,128, which are provided in the pieces 106 and 109 via the constricted part 22 of the closure device 22.

On the other hand, the ascent of the tube 18 and of the arm 27 cancels out the effect of spring 38, but the valve 117 remains on its seat due to the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid in tank 1.

In this position, the bush 120 is also raised and the shoulder 35 comes into contact with the spring washer 34 while the stopper 102 frees the ball 101 which nevertheless remains on the tube 132 due to its own weight and the equilibrium of the pressures of the gases.

This opening is controlled by a second cam which is located at the periphery of the tank 1 and which rotates the handle 46 in order that the eccentric stud 50. completely frees the anvil 25 and allows the tube 18 and the slide valve 19 to rise under the effect of spring 28.

Ascent of the slide valve 19 is limited with precision by the lower end of tube 13 so that the seal 21 comes to rest at level p of the closure device 22, so that the channel 8 for pressurisation is again closed off.

On the other hand, the rising of tube 18.

and of arm 27 frees th bush 120 which is in contact with the spring washer 34 at is shoulder 35 and allows the tube 132 and the valve 117 to rise due to the -effect of spring 39.

In the case where a bo.ttle is cracked or explodes, the pressure in the container is lost.

The spring 39, which is suitably rated, is able to become compressed and the valve 117 will be automatically maintained on or brought to its seat 1161 by the hydrostatic load which acts downwardly. In normal operation, however, raising of the valve 117 allows the flow of liquid by the channel 9 - 115 via the orifices 123 which are formed in the tubular extension 122 of the piece 116. Because ofisobarometric state between the tank 1 and the bottle, the liquid will flow smoothly under the effect of the pressure which is caused by the column of liquid under charge alone.

The deflector 139 which is positioned on the tube for return of gas 119 deflects the stream of liquid in order to direct the flow against the interior wall of the bottle.

During flow of the liquid, the gas contained in the bottle may ascend to the upper part of the tank 1 by the tube 119 which is extended by tube 132.

The ball 101 is raised when there is passage of a rising gas flow and provides for one way circulation of the gas which is being evacuated through the radial hole 105 of the bush 120.

On completion of filling, due to the principle of communicating vessels, the liquid penetrates into the tube 119 and rises up in tube 132 until the hydrostatic forces balance each other.

Surfaces tension will stop the flow at the level of the orifices 132 of the piece 116 while the seal 118 which is in contact with the chamfered edge 124 of the tubular extension 122 maintains the sealing of this level.

The level of liquid in the bottle becomes stationary at the level of the lower end of tube 119.

When the liquid has stopped flowing through the conduit 129, possible drainage of channel 128 and of the space 127 is obtained by means of the wire 132 which breaks the surface tension of the liquid at the level of the orifice of channel 128.

When flow has been terminated under the conditions which have been described above, it is necessary to re-close the valve before withdrawing the bottle.

A third cam which is located at the periphery of the tank 1 turns the handle 46 once more in its inital position, so that the eccentric stud 50 lowers the anvil 25, causing tulle tube 18 and the slide valve 19 to move downwards and to compress the spring 28.

This new position of the handle 46 and of the stud 50 determines the position of the slide valve 19 so that the seal 21 comes to restart level q of the closure device 22, so as to maintain the sealing of the pressurisation channel.

On the other hand, the descent of tube 18 and of lever 27 has the effect of compressing the springs 38 and 39 and brings the valve 117 to its seat 1161. At the same time the stopper 102 keeps the ball 101 on the upper orifice of tube 132.

In order to decompress the gas in the neck before removing the bottle, it is necessary to act on the level 136 of the venting valve 130 either by means of a tinal cam which is located on the periphery of the tank or better still by means of the handle 46 at the time of closing.

At the same time, the gas which is entrapped at the upper part of the return tube 132 ex pands and forces into the bottle the liquid which has ascended through this channel; in this way total drainage of the tube for return of gas is obtained even in the case where the liquid contains solid particles such as fruit pulp.

In order to avoid the bubbling of gas through the liquid due to the decompression of the gas contained in the tube 132 and 119, the small collar 140 imprisons the gas pocket which is able to escape below the liquid level through the orifices 141 without upsetting the contents of the bottle.

Once the valve 117 is closed, the air from the neck of the bottle has been purged and the return tube has been emptied, the bottle may be withdrawn.

The purging or venting valve may be controlled either by a tangential force which is applied in any particular direction or even by an axial thrust which allows the operation of lever 136 using any particular appropriate device (among others the handle 46) and which also allows the user to direct the gas flow in the most advisable direction.

Among the advantages of the apparatus described above, in addition to the relatively small space which is occupied and the adaptability to nozzle a lateral flow racking, are the following: a) a reduction of turbulance in the tank due to the simplification and the reduction in number of the parts which are immersed in the liquid; b) purging of the return channel for the gas is obviated; c) a reduction in the handling time for the bottles or containers thanks to the possible increase of the cross sectional path of the different liquids and the use of mechanism having regular and rapid action; d) all the parts are fully machined and may be in stainless steel; sealing is ensured by seals which can easily be replaced which leads to a decrease in cost price while still maintaining the necessary precision; e) in the case of fruit juices which increasingly contain pulp, there is no risk of blocking off the channel for return of gas, thanks to the absence of valves and to the large cross sectional areas which are provided for the passage of the liquid; f) in the case of figure 1, there is only a small amount of liquid which passes up through the channel 10 due to the ball 61 which, should liquid pass up through the channels 101 and 102, sticks against the chamfered edge 75; g) pressurisation is carried out in a way which is completely 'dry', the device for distribution of gas under pressure 19-22 being com pletely independent; ; h) purging is carried out by means of the valve 130 which is completely dry thanks to the drainage by the wire 142 at the level of the orifice of channel 128; 1) the control cams which act on the unit 12 do not need to be precise thanks to the tolerances which are admissible when immobilising the slide valve ] 9 at the level 'o' 'p' 'q' of the closure device 22; j) a reduction in disturbance of liquid flow at the time of drainage of the return channel 132 and 119 thanks to the small collar 140 which allows the decompression of the gas above the level of the liquid.

WHAT WE CLAIM 1S:- I An isobarometric racking machine comprising a tank for the storage of liquid under the pressure of a gas accupying the upper region of the tank, and a liquid discharge valve comprising a valve body fixed to the tank and extending downwardly from the base of the tank, the body having three conduits extending upwardly through the valve body and into the tank to the upper region thereof, the first conduit serving to convey gas from the tank the second to convey liquid from the tank and the third to return excess gas to the tank, wherein a tube is slidably mounted within the first conduit for axial movement relative thereto and carries at its lower end a slide valve extending downwardly beyond the lower end of the tube for co-operation with a valve closure member carried by the valve body, the tube being mechanically coupled within the upper region of the tank to an element which controls opening and closing of a liquid flow control valve in the second conduit and wherein mechanical actuating means are coupled to the said tube to effect raising and lowering thereof to control opening and closing of the first conduit and of the liquid flow control valve.

2. Apparatus according to claim I , wherein the valve closure member comprises a solid body having two spaced cylindrical lands with a portion of reduced cross-section therebetween, and the slide valve carries a sealing member for sealing co-operation with the said lands in two end positions of the slide valve relative to the closure member, gas flow being permitted in a third intermediate position in which the sealing member is aligned axially with the portion of reduced cross section.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tube has secured to its upper end an arm having a vertical passage in which located a sliding bush having a shoulder engageable with the lower face of the arm, the said control element comprises an elongate member extending upwardly through the second codduit and through the said bush, and the said arm is urged upwardly by a coil spring surrounding the first conduit and compressed between the arm and a stationary cross-piece which supports the three conduits.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the said elongate member has an annular abutment engageable by the sliding bush, the arrangement being such that in an initial stage of upward movement of the tube to open the first conduit, the liquid flow control valve remains in its normal closed position under the closing action of a spring acting on the elongate member and that in a second stage of vertical movement of the tube to reclose the first conduit, the action of the last said spring is nullified and the elongate member is raised by a further spring to open the second conduit.

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the third conduit is closed at its upper end and has a lateral opening for the exit of gas into the upper region of the tank.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein an abutment member is loosely mounted on the tube above the slide valve, the member having an upper face engageable by a movable member of the mechanical actuating means.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mechanical actuation means comprises a housing secured to the valve body and supporting a rotary shaft carrying at its inner end an eccentric engageable with the said abutment member to constitute the said movable member.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein closure of the first conduit is effected by operation of the actuation means to cause the eccentric to displace the abutment and the tube downwardly.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the third conduit includes a double acting valve ball co-operating with a lower seat to prevent the flow of gas out of the tank, and an upper seat to prevent the flow of liquid towards the tank.

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and adapted for racking by lateral flow, wherein the control element is formed as a tube which constitutes the third conduit closed at its upper end by a spring loaded valve and having a lateral opening for the discharge of gas in to the tank.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, where in the third conduit through the valve body is closed by a separate body member secured to the underside of the valve body and which has through passages forming the portions of the first and second conduits.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, where in a lower body portion is secured to the under side of the said body member, the portion hav ing a passage forming a lower portion of the first conduit and a cavity forming a lower portion of the second conduit a tubular insert being located at the base of the cavity and pro viding a fixed valve seat for the liquid flow control valve.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, where in the insert has an upwardly extending sleeve which forms a guide for the movable valve member of the liquid flow control valve and is formed through its wall with liquid flow apertures.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, where in the sleeve has a second downwardly facing valve seat with which the valve member is

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (18)

1. **WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

   the slide valve ] 9 at the level 'o' 'p' 'q' of the closure device 22; j) a reduction in disturbance of liquid flow at the time of drainage of the return channel 132 and 119 thanks to the small collar 140 which allows the decompression of the gas above the level of the liquid.

   WHAT WE CLAIM 1S:- I An isobarometric racking machine comprising a tank for the storage of liquid under the pressure of a gas accupying the upper region of the tank, and a liquid discharge valve comprising a valve body fixed to the tank and extending downwardly from the base of the tank, the body having three conduits extending upwardly through the valve body and into the tank to the upper region thereof, the first conduit serving to convey gas from the tank the second to convey liquid from the tank and the third to return excess gas to the tank, wherein a tube is slidably mounted within the first conduit for axial movement relative thereto and carries at its lower end a slide valve extending downwardly beyond the lower end of the tube for co-operation with a valve closure member carried by the valve body, the tube being mechanically coupled within the upper region of the tank to an element which controls opening and closing of a liquid flow control valve in the second conduit and wherein mechanical actuating means are coupled to the said tube to effect raising and lowering thereof to control opening and closing of the first conduit and of the liquid flow control valve.
2. 2. Apparatus according to claim I , wherein the valve closure member comprises a solid body having two spaced cylindrical lands with a portion of reduced cross-section therebetween, and the slide valve carries a sealing member for sealing co-operation with the said lands in two end positions of the slide valve relative to the closure member, gas flow being permitted in a third intermediate position in which the sealing member is aligned axially with the portion of reduced cross section.
3. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tube has secured to its upper end an arm having a vertical passage in which located a sliding bush having a shoulder engageable with the lower face of the arm, the said control element comprises an elongate member extending upwardly through the second codduit and through the said bush, and the said arm is urged upwardly by a coil spring surrounding the first conduit and compressed between the arm and a stationary cross-piece which supports the three conduits.
4. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the said elongate member has an annular abutment engageable by the sliding bush, the arrangement being such that in an initial stage of upward movement of the tube to open the first conduit, the liquid flow control valve remains in its normal closed position under the closing action of a spring acting on the elongate member and that in a second stage of vertical movement of the tube to reclose the first conduit, the action of the last said spring is nullified and the elongate member is raised by a further spring to open the second conduit.
5. 5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the third conduit is closed at its upper end and has a lateral opening for the exit of gas into the upper region of the tank.
6. 6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein an abutment member is loosely mounted on the tube above the slide valve, the member having an upper face engageable by a movable member of the mechanical actuating means.
7. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mechanical actuation means comprises a housing secured to the valve body and supporting a rotary shaft carrying at its inner end an eccentric engageable with the said abutment member to constitute the said movable member.
8. 8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein closure of the first conduit is effected by operation of the actuation means to cause the eccentric to displace the abutment and the tube downwardly.
9. 9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the third conduit includes a double acting valve ball co-operating with a lower seat to prevent the flow of gas out of the tank, and an upper seat to prevent the flow of liquid towards the tank.
10. 10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and adapted for racking by lateral flow, wherein the control element is formed as a tube which constitutes the third conduit closed at its upper end by a spring loaded valve and having a lateral opening for the discharge of gas in to the tank.
11. 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, where in the third conduit through the valve body is closed by a separate body member secured to the underside of the valve body and which has through passages forming the portions of the first and second conduits.
12. 12. Apparatus according to claim 11, where in a lower body portion is secured to the under side of the said body member, the portion hav ing a passage forming a lower portion of the first conduit and a cavity forming a lower portion of the second conduit a tubular insert being located at the base of the cavity and pro viding a fixed valve seat for the liquid flow control valve.
13. 13. Apparatus according to claim 12, where in the insert has an upwardly extending sleeve which forms a guide for the movable valve member of the liquid flow control valve and is formed through its wall with liquid flow apertures.
14. 14. Apparatus according to claim 13, where in the sleeve has a second downwardly facing valve seat with which the valve member is

    arranged to make sealing engagements upon upward displacement thereof.
15. 15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the lower end of the third conduit carries an external tubular collar whose side wall is provided with radial orifices above the lower extremity of the conduit.
16. 16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim including a normally closed venting valve connected to the lower end of the first conduit downstream of the slide valve and closure member, the venting valve having an external actuating member accessible for cam actuation.
17. 17. Apparatus according to claim 16 appended to any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein a length of wire extends from the interior of the relative valve into the second conduit and serves to effect drainage of the venting valve.
18. 18. An isobarometric racking machine substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 2B or Figures 3 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.