GB345001A - Improved method of and apparatus for filling and sealing vessels - Google Patents

Abstract

345,001. Bottling under aseptic conditions. SEITZ-WERKE GES., Kreuznach, Rhineland, BOHMER, A., 31, Baumgartenstrasse, and GEBHARDT, G., 9, Kaiser- Wilhelmstrasse, both in Bad Kreuznach, all in Germany. Jan. 15, 1930, No. 1461. [Class 125 (ii).] Bottles &c. are first treated with a germicidal fluid and are then passed through germ-free spaces to a filling machine where the residual sterilizing medium is expelled and the bottles are sealed with sterilized corks. The bottles are first rinsed out and sprayed externally with germicidal fluid in a chamber from which they are transferred to a belt 3 which transports them under a filling machine 4 and a sealing machine 5. An endless belt 8 covers the bottle mouths in the travelling position until they reach the machine 4. The belt 8 passes through a germicidal liquid and is sprayed therewith during its travel. A screen 13 protects the filler 4. Hoods or bells are provided over the filling appliances or over the bottles during the filling operation. A screen 21 prevents germs from dropping into the bottles at the capping position. Alternatively the apparatus may be filled with germ-free gas under pressure. The sterile filling liquid is admitted into a vessel 29 by a pipe 26 and dispensed through filling units 31. The inert gas, e.g. carbon-dioxide enters a pressure vessel 35 through a pipe 32 and proceeds to the filling heads by pipes 36. Returned air passes through pipes 37 to a space 38 and to the atmosphere through pipes 42. A filtering layer 40 prevents the access of germs from the atmosphere. The spigot' of the filling cock has five bores. The bore 65 admits filling liquid to the bottle 47, the bore 50 admits scavenging gas to the bottle, and the bore 66 connects the bottle with the return air pipe 37. When in the operative position the bore 59 connects the bottle with the receptacle 45 in order to allow gas to escape. The bore 62 conveys rinsing or drip liquid to the receptacle 44. The corks are sterilized in a hopper and descend through a shoot to the sealing position. Each crown-cork is also sterilized again in the shoot by spraying.