GB689915A - Apparatus for filling products in containers - Google Patents

Abstract

689,915. Filling containers. SCHWARZ ENGINEERING CO., Inc. July 10, 1950 [July 11, 1949], No. 17229/50. Class 125(ii) [Also in Group XXX] In apparatus for filling flanged-mouthed containers the containers 44 closely juxtaposed with their flanges 44<SP>1</SP> in overlapping relationship are continuously conveyed with an uninterrupted motion past a stationary filler nozzle 129 supplying a continuous stream of the product to be filled. The nozzle may be elongated to span a number of the containers 44 which are carried by an endless conveyer chain 59 supported on rails 60. The filler comprises an elongated reservoir 118 with a flange 119 at its lower end removably fixed by clamps 124 to a base plate 123 with an elongated nozzle 129. A groove 121 in the flange 119 is supplied with superheated steam through pipes 122 to form a sterile seal. The nozzle 129 has a longitudinal passage 131 in which is slidably mounted a rod 132 with a handle 166 for regulating the flow. A cylindrical baffle 138 prevents direct flow of the product from the feed pipe 33 to the nozzle 129 to ensure that the product flows in a uniform sheet along the entire length of the nozzle. A star wheel feeding the containers on to the conveyer 59 has pockets so spaced that the containers have their flanges overlapping to minimise spillage. The speed of a pump supplying the sterilised product to the filler, and the speed of the conveyer are adjusted so that the containers are filled as they pass the nozzle, variations in the viscosity of the products being provided for by adjusting the cross sectional area of the nozzle by the rod 132, which also varies the velocity of flow. Any spillage collects in a sump 114 from which it may be returned to the product supply tank. For adjusting the filler head to different heights of containers, side walls 151 slide in recesses 152 and are fixed by bolts 156 accessible by lifting the cover 159 about a hinge 161. The containers move between guide rails 62 vertically and laterally adjustable for different sizes of containers. After filling, the containers pass to a conveyer 66, Fig. 5b, moving faster than the conveyer 59, and are spaced apart by a rotating worm 72 before being fed into a sealing or closing machine. Perforated pipes 111 supply superheated steam which fills the apparatus and prevents access of air, the temperature being maintained by insulated walls 41. The containers are washed, dried, preheated and sterilised before being fed to the filler, and the product is heated for sterilisation and cooled before feeding to the pipe 33. Hot sterilising water can be supplied to the pipe 33 'and filler head before starting.