GB786368A - Method and apparatus for filling open mouth receptacles - Google Patents

Abstract

786,368. Filling-machines. CARTER, C. F. Nov. 22, 1955 [April 28, 1955], No. 33426/55. Class 94(1). A device for filling containers with powder under vacuum conditions comprises means for withdrawing air from the container and two screened openings through which vacuum is alternatively applied, with consequent drawing in of limited air through the other screen for cleaning purposes. Material is fed in by. increments. The device is especially applicable to lined containers. The container C is placed on a lift plate 10 with a ring 40, having depending suction tubes 42, resting on its mouth, and with its liner L arranged over the ring and tubes. The lift plate presses the assembly against a sealing ring 35 on a filling head 12 carrying a shroud 13. The head has a central filler tube 23, vacuum connections 30 32, and atmospheric connections 31, 33. It has two separated chambers 20, 21 with screens 24, 25, each chamber having its vacuum and atmospheric connection. The shroud has vacuum and atmosphere connections 16, 17. All the connections and the filler tube are controlled by fluid pressure operated valves 1-7. At the commencement of filling, valves 1, 3, 6, 7 are open to give an air flow through both container and shroud, and then valves 3 and 7 are closed to produce vacuum inside and outside the container and draw off air through tubes 42 and orifices 41. When the desired vacuum is reached, valve 5 opens to let in an increment of material. Valves 1, 5 are then closed and valves 2, 4, 7 opened, this causing a cleaning flow of air through screen 25 into the container, and a drop of vacuum in both container and shroud. Valves 2, 7 are closed and when the desired vacuum is again established, valve 5 opens to let in another material increment. Prior to the next increment screen 24 is cleaned by opening valves 1, 3, and so on until filling is complete.