GB999714A - Improved method and apparatus for filling containers with carbonated liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

999,714. Filling containers with liquid. CROWN CORK & SEAL CO. Inc. Feb. 7, 1964 [Feb. 20, 1963], No. 5318/64. Heading B8T. A method of filling a container with carbonated liquid includes the steps of delivering the liquid under pressure to the container whilst simultaneously venting gas from the latter and feeding it to a pressure gas source, stopping the venting at a point immediately adjacent the container whereby pressure in the container head space stops the liquid delivery, then closing off the liquid and gas flows to the container at points between the container and the respective liquid and gas sources, and then reducing the pressure of gas to atmosphere in that portion of the gas path between the said venting point and the gas closing off point. In a rotary counterpressure filling machine a number of filling heads 10 are attached to a reservoir carrying structure 20, the latter including a reservoir 26 for carbonated liquid and a superposed body G of pressure gas. Each container to be filled is brought into sealing contact with a head by a reciprocatory platform, and gas and liquid flow through the head from the reservoir is controlled by a disc valve 16 which is turned in steps about its support stud 40 by the engagement of its arms 94, 96 with cams positioned in their paths of movement. Each head includes a valve body 12 from which depends a nozzle portion 14 with a liquid passage 66 leading to branches 70 with outlet nozzles 72. A gas passage 82 in the nozzle portion leads to an outlet 86 controlled by a ball float 90. Liquid from the reservoir is fed to a passage 50, provided with a ball check valve, in the valve body, and pressure gas from the reservoir is fed to a passage 64; the passages 50 and 64 extend to the seat face 38 of the disc valve. The valve disc 16 has passages therein which interconnect, as required, the liquid and gas passages in the body and nozzle portions. In operation, counterpressure is first applied to the container by turning the valve disc so that passages 64 and 82 are interconnected; at the filling and vent position of the disc liquid passages 50 and 68 and gas passages 74 and 82 are interconnected whereby liquid is supplied to the container and pressure gas therein released to the reservoir. When the container is full the ball float closes the gas outlet 86, and the buildup of pressure prevents the flow of liquid. The disc valve is then turned to the liquid and gas shut-off position, in which a passage in the disc connects with the gas passage 82, whereupon the gas between the ball float and the seat face of the disc valve is connected to atmosphere. The head space of the container may be shifted just prior to removing the container from the filling head. The passage 120 in the disc connecting the passage 82 to atmosphere includes a projecting portion 124 which engages a lug on the valve body to limit the travel of the disc in one direction; a further projection 132 on the disc, which also engages the lug, limits disc travel in the opposite direction. Specification 928,614 is referred to.