GB732240A - Improvements relating to machines for filling vessels such as bottles with liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

732,240. Bottling. VICKERS-ARMSTRONGS, Ltd. May 19, 1953 [June 16, 1952], No. 15128/52. Class 125 (2). In counterpressure rotating-table filling machines wherein each filling head includes a liquid valve 23 at the bottom of the filling tube 13 and a counterpressure valve 37 within the filling head casing 12, these valves being moved vertically in appropriate sequence through push rods 27, 38 by a tappet plate 31 rotated about a vertical axis by a star wheel 51 engaged by stationary stops around the machine, vertical movement of the plate 31 being effected by screw threads 48, each valve has a safety ball valve in series with it to close automatically upon a surge of liquid or counterpressure. Alternatively, the plate 31 may have its operative surface 30 formed as a face cam. The machine may be of the annular tank type. As shown, however, a pipe 7 leads liquid from a central reservoir to each head into which the liquid enters through a chamber 32, port 35 and chamber 11 communicating with the filling tube 13. A rush of liquid due to e.g. a burst bottle causes a phosphor bronze ball 33 to close the port 35. Closing of liquid valve 23 at the end of a cycle causes a collar 36 on stem 27 to knock the ball 33 out of seating 35. Counterpressure from a central water-column levelling vessel is transmitted through pipes 10 to a chamber 43 in each head. Thence, it passes through a port 42, a valve chamber 14 and conduits 15, 16 and 22 to the bottle. Valve 37 is at the lower end of chamber 42 and a ball 44 closes the port 42 in the event of a rush of gas. A shoulder 46 is so disposed on the rod 38 that the ball is knocked out of the port when the valve 37 is in its half open position or as it is moved from fully open to closed position. The valves are closed by springs 25, 41. In operation, the bottle is raised to engage member 20 which rises to cause gasket 18<SP>1</SP> to seat against gasket 17<SP>1</SP>. Star-wheel 51 is actuated to move valve 37 to half-open position to supply counterpressure. On further actuation of star-wheel 51, valve 37 is fully opened and the liquid valve 23 is also opened. The star-wheel is then, after filling, restored to its original position to allow the valves to close and the filled bottle is lowered. Specifications 503,927, 600,359 and 722,358 are referred to.