US20100071802A1 - Filling system for hot filling of beverage bottles or containers in a bottle or container filling plant - Google Patents

Filling system for hot filling of beverage bottles or containers in a bottle or container filling plant Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20100071802A1
US20100071802A1 US12/564,499 US56449909A US2010071802A1 US 20100071802 A1 US20100071802 A1 US 20100071802A1 US 56449909 A US56449909 A US 56449909A US 2010071802 A1 US2010071802 A1 US 2010071802A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
filling
hot liquid
flow
gas
liquid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/564,499
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ludwig Clüsserath
Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KHS GmbH
Original Assignee
KHS GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by KHS GmbH filed Critical KHS GmbH
Assigned to KHS AG reassignment KHS AG ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CLUSSERATH, LUDWIG, KRULITSCH, DIETER-RUDOLF
Publication of US20100071802A1 publication Critical patent/US20100071802A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
    • B65B39/001—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers with flow cut-off means, e.g. valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
    • B65B39/04—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers having air-escape, or air-withdrawal, passages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/04—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus without applying pressure
    • B67C3/045—Apparatus specially adapted for filling bottles with hot liquids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/06—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus using counterpressure, i.e. filling while the container is under pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/28—Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves
    • B67C3/286—Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves related to flow rate control, i.e. controlling slow and fast filling phases

Definitions

  • the present application relates to a filling system for hot filling of beverage bottles or containers in a bottle or container filling plant.
  • the filling system comprises at least one filler element with a product space or liquid channel realized in a filler element housing.
  • the product space or liquid channel is in communication with a reservoir for the liquid product and on the underside of the filler element forming a liquid product discharge, via which the liquid product flows to the respective container to be filled retained on a container carrier, and having a liquid valve positioned in the liquid channel.
  • Filling systems for example also those for filling bottles or similar containers with a hot liquid product, i.e. for the hot filling of, for example, still beverages or other products, are known.
  • some filling systems teach the provision of a non-return valve on each filling valve, via which, when the filling valve is closed, an internal heating circuit through the valve body, a first runnings container, a pump, a heat exchanger and the product container can be maintained.
  • This machine concept is theoretically satisfactory, although it is complex, expensive and time-consuming to construct and requires and/or desires a great deal of control effort.
  • Another object of the present application is to provide a filling system which is simply designed and constructed and can be controlled easily, and with which in the case of a hot filling it is also possible to heat the filler elements in a simple manner.
  • the filling system comprises at least one filler element with a product space or liquid channel realized in a filler element housing.
  • the product space or liquid channel is in communication with a reservoir for the liquid product and on the underside of the filler element forming a liquid product discharge, via which the liquid product flows to the respective container to be filled retained on a container carrier.
  • the filling system also comprises a liquid valve positioned in the liquid channel.
  • a first flow path which connects a part section of the liquid channel, located with reference to the flow direction of the liquid product in the liquid channel upstream of the liquid valve, to a collecting channel that is common to a plurality of filler elements.
  • At least one control valve is provided for controlling the flow of a hot liquid product from the reservoir through the part section and the first flow path into the first collecting channel.
  • the filler elements are heated by the hot liquid product, which flows through the filler elements with the liquid valves closed in a first flow path that is realized in each filler element, said flow path in one possible embodiment being part of a liquid product cycle that includes the reservoir or another reservoir for the liquid product, with its heating or warming system.
  • This liquid product flow or hot cycle of the liquid product is introduced by activating at least one first control valve, which is provided, for example, in the first flow path of each filler element or in a line or connection that, also as part of the liquid product cycle, is also common to the filler elements of a filling machine or to a group of a plurality of filler elements.
  • inventions or “embodiment of the invention”
  • word “invention” or “embodiment of the invention” includes “inventions” or “embodiments of the invention”, that is the plural of “invention” or “embodiment of the invention”.
  • inventions or “embodiment of the invention”
  • the Applicant does not in any way admit that the present application does not include more than one patentably and non-obviously distinct invention, and maintains that this application may include more than one patentably and non-obviously distinct invention.
  • the Applicant hereby asserts that the disclosure of this application may include more than one invention, and, in the event that there is more than one invention, that these inventions may be patentable and non-obvious one with respect to the other.
  • FIG. 1 shows a simplified representation of a filling system according to the present application, together with a bottle raised to the filler element of said system;
  • FIG. 2 shows the filling system in FIG. 1 in an operating state with the hot filling procedure interrupted
  • FIG. 3 shows a representation similar to FIG. 1 of another filling system according to the present application
  • FIG. 4 shows the filling system in FIG. 3 in an operating state with the hot filling procedure interrupted
  • FIG. 5 is a detail showing a filling element cooperatively connected to a filling system
  • FIG. 6 is a detail showing a filling element in an operating state, where the filling process has been interrupted.
  • FIG. 7 shows schematically the main components of one possible embodiment example of a system for filling containers.
  • the filling system is a component of a filling machine of the rotary type for filling a liquid product into bottles 2 or similar containers.
  • the filling system 1 for this purpose, essentially comprises a filler element 3 and a bottle or container carrier 4 that is associated with said filler element, said bottle or container carrier, in the possible embodiment represented, serving to hold the bottle 2 at a mouth flange 2 . 2 that is formed below the bottle mouth 2 . 1 and, for this purpose, being realized, for example, in the manner of a fork.
  • the filler element 3 and the associated container carrier 4 are provided with a plurality of identical-type filler elements 3 and container carriers 4 at the periphery of a rotor 5 that is rotatingly driveable about a vertical machine axis.
  • a reservoir 6 that is common to the filler elements is situated at the rotor 5 above the filler elements 3 , said reservoir being realized, for example, as a ring reservoir and being filled up to a predetermined level N during the filling operation.
  • a gas space 6 . 1 and a liquid space 6 . 2 are consequently formed in the reservoir 6 .
  • the liquid product is supplied to the reservoir 6 in a controlled manner via a supply line (not represented).
  • a liquid channel 8 is realized in a housing 7 of the filler element 3 , said liquid channel communicating via a line 9 with the liquid space 6 . 2 of the reservoir 6 that is, for example, in the form of a ring reservoir.
  • the liquid valve 10 is provided in the liquid channel 8 for the controlled discharge of the liquid product by means of a discharge opening 11 , which is formed on the underside of the filler element by the open end of the liquid channel 8 at that location.
  • the liquid valve 10 essentially comprises a valve body 10 . 1 , which is positioned in the liquid channel 8 and interacts with a valve seat 10 . 2 .
  • the valve body 10 . 1 is realized at a gas tube 13 that is disposed equi-axially with the vertical filler element axis, is open at both ends, serves at the same time as a valve plunger for actuating the liquid valve 10 and, for this purpose, interacts with an actuating device 12 .
  • the lower open end of the gas tube 13 is surrounded by the ring-shaped discharge opening 11 .
  • the upper open end of the gas tube 13 opens out into a gas space 14 that is realized in the housing 7 .
  • the pressing of the respective bottle 2 with its mouth 2 . 1 against the filler element 3 is effected, in the case of this possible embodiment, at least in a supporting manner by means of the pressure that predominates in the gas space 14 and acts upon the pressing rod assembly 4 . 1 of the respective container carrier.
  • the gas space 14 is, among other things, connected to channels 15 , 16 , 17 that are realized in the housing 7 .
  • Said channels are each part of a controlled flow path with control valves 18 , 19 and 20 .
  • the channel 15 is a component of the flow path, which also includes the control valve 18 and a channel 21 , between the gas space 14 and a ring channel 22 , which is common to the filler elements 3 of the filling machine, is realized at the rotor 5 and is connected via a line 23 to the gas space 6 . 1 .
  • the throttled channel 16 i.e.
  • a throttle is a component of a flow path, which includes the control valve 19 and the branched channel 21 , between the gas space 14 and the ring channel 22 .
  • the channel 17 is a component of a controlled, throttled flow path, which includes the control valve 20 and the branched channel 24 , between the gas space 14 and a ring channel 26 , which is common to the filler elements of the filling machine and is realized at the rotor 5 .
  • the filler element 3 has a fourth control valve 25 , which together with the branched channel 24 and another channel 27 , forms a controlled connection between the ring channel 26 and the liquid channel 8 in the direction of flow upstream of the valve seat 10 . 2 .
  • the control valves 18 , 19 , 20 and 25 but also the liquid valves 10 of the filling machine or the actuating devices 12 , are actuated in a program-controlled manner via a control device 28 corresponding to the respective filling method, as also the liquid valves 10 for a volumetric filling in dependence on the measuring signal of a throughput meter 29 .
  • the different filling methods are possible using the filling system 1 , thus for example:
  • a single chamber or also multiple chamber pressure filling of products or beverages comprising CO 2 such as, for example, soft drinks, beer, carbonised water,
  • control process or control steps necessary and/or desired for the different methods are accommodated totally or almost totally in the respective filler element 3 .
  • the actuating device 12 and also the control valves 18 , 19 , 20 and 25 or their actuating devices are each pneumatically actuated and are controlled by means of electrically controllable valves (solenoid valves) (not represented).
  • electrically controllable valves solenoid valves
  • the actuating element 12 and also the control valve 18 are controlled in each case individually for each filler element by the central control unit 28 .
  • control valves 19 , 20 and 25 are controlled in common centrally for the filler elements 3 of the filling machine, in dependence on the filling method selected in each case, for example by means of three solenoid valves, of which one solenoid valve is associated with the control valves 19 , one solenoid valve is associated with the control valves 20 and one solenoid valve is associated with the control valves 25 of the filling machine.
  • control valves 19 and 25 are constantly we're substantially constantly closed, whilst the control valve 20 is constantly or substantially constantly open.
  • the control valve 20 is constantly or substantially constantly closed and the control valve 19 is constantly or substantially constantly open.
  • a controlled circulation of the hot liquid product is carried out by means of the control valve 25 , in the manner described in more detail below, through the filler elements 3 in order to heat said filler elements or to keep them at a temperature necessary and/or desired for the hot filling process.
  • two valves namely the respective liquid valve 10 and the control valve 18 of the individual filler elements of the filling machine are individually controlled. Purely the selection of the operating type desired in each case is effected with the other control valves 19 , 20 and 25 through a central actuation that is common to the filler elements 3 of the filling machine.
  • the reservoir is filled up to the level N with the liquid product.
  • the gas space 6 . 1 of the reservoir 6 and also of the ring channel 22 that is connected to the gas space 6 . 1 by means of the line 23 are filled with the CO 2 gas that is at filling pressure.
  • the ring channel 26 in this case, serves as a return gas channel common to the filler elements.
  • the control valve 20 is situated in a constantly or substantially constantly open state.
  • Pre-pressurizing Once the respective bottle 2 has been inserted and raised in a sealed position against the relevant filler element 3 , pre-pressurizing of the bottle 2 with CO 2 gas from the ring channel 22 is carried out by opening the control valve 18 .
  • Preliminary relief and calming Once the liquid valve has been closed, the preliminary relief procedure is carried out via the open control valve 20 or via the throttled gas connection between the gas tube 13 , the gas tube 14 and the ring channel 26 that serves as the return gas channel, so that the relevant filled bottle 2 can then be lowered and ejected.
  • the reservoir 6 is once again filled up to the level N with the liquid product.
  • the gas space 6 . 1 and consequently also the ring channel 22 are at atmospheric pressure.
  • the control valve 19 is in a constantly or substantially constantly open state.
  • the quantity of air or gas displaced from the bottle 2 by the liquid product flows via the gas tube 13 , the gas space 14 and the flow paths formed by the open control valves 18 and 19 into the ring channel 21 that is connected to the gas space 6 . 1 of the reservoir 6 by means of the line 23 .
  • the above-described pressureless filling procedure can also be carried out in one possible embodiment as a hot filling procedure, in one possible embodiment for the hot sterile filling of products, such as, for example, juices.
  • the liquid product is prepared in the hot state in the reservoir 6 by using a corresponding heating device and/or by the reservoir 6 being a component of a cycle that includes a heating device, in which cycle the liquid product is circulated for heating and for maintaining the necessary and/or desired temperature.
  • the hot liquid product that flows through the filler elements 3 or their liquid channels 8 then also heats the said filler elements and keeps them at a necessary and/or desired temperature so that the liquid product is introduced into the respective bottle 2 at a sufficiently high temperature that prevents, restricts, and/or minimizes the growth of bacteria.
  • FIG. 3 shows a filling system 1 c in the form of another possible embodiment, said filling system being realized for a pressureless filling procedure, in one possible embodiment also for a pressureless hot filling procedure.
  • the filling system 1 c differs from the filling system 1 first and foremost in that in place of four control valves 18 , 19 , 20 and 25 and the associated controllable connections, just one control valve 31 is provided, said control valve also being part of a controllable connection, which includes the channels 15 and 21 , between the gas space 13 and the ring channel 22 .
  • the high-speed filling procedure (with control valve 31 open) and the low-speed filling procedure (with control valve 31 closed) is controlled by means of the control valve 31 .
  • a channel 33 is realized in the housing 7 a , said channel connecting the liquid channel 8 of each filler element 3 a to the common ring channel 26 and opening out into the liquid channel 8 in the direction of flow upstream of the valve seat 10 . 2 of the liquid valve 10 .
  • a non return valve 34 is provided in the channel 33 , said non return valve opening for a direction of flow out of the liquid channel 8 into the ring channel 26 but closing for a flow in the opposite direction.
  • a line 34 with an electrically controllable valve or solenoid valve 35 leads to the ring channel 26 .
  • the pressureless filling also of a hot liquid product into the bottles 2 is effected with the filling system 1 a or filler element 3 a in an analogous manner to that described above for the filling system 1 , the throttled channel 32 , with respect to its function, corresponding to the throttled connection formed by the open control valve 19 .
  • the individual method steps are consequently:
  • the bottle 2 to be filled is raised and pushed against the filler element 3 a so that the bottle mouth 2 . 1 abuts against the discharge opening 11 or against the seal at that location.
  • the liquid valve 10 is opened by the actuating element 12 through the control device 28 .
  • the control valve 31 is also opened.
  • the quantity of liquid product flowing to the bottle is detected by means of the throughput meter 29 .
  • the quantity of air or gas displaced out of the bottle 2 by the liquid product flows via the channel 15 , the open control valve 31 , partially also via the throttled channel 32 and the channel 21 into the ring channel 22 .
  • the afore-described filling method is fundamentally identical or substantially similar in the case of the pressureless cold filling procedure (filling the liquid product in the cold state or at ambient temperature) and also in the case of the pressureless hot filling procedure (hot liquid product), in one possible embodiment also as regards a temperature preventing the growth of bacteria.
  • the non return valve 34 prevents, restricts, and/or minimizes the liquid product flowing out of the ring channel 26 , and via said ring channel out of other filler elements connected to the ring channel 26 , via the open liquid valve 10 and into the respective bottle 2 and thereby falsifying the volumetric filling of the bottles 2 controlled by the throughput meter 29 .
  • the closed position is maintained by means of suitable measures, for example by impinging the ring channel 26 with the pressure of a sterile compressed medium, for example with sterile compressed air or with the pressure of an inert gas or sterile air or a sterile liquid, consequently closing the connection between the liquid channel 8 and the ring channel 26 .
  • suitable measures for example by impinging the ring channel 26 with the pressure of a sterile compressed medium, for example with sterile compressed air or with the pressure of an inert gas or sterile air or a sterile liquid, consequently closing the connection between the liquid channel 8 and the ring channel 26 .
  • a return gas duct 13 , 14 which during the filling is in communication with the container which is located in sealed contact against the filling element 3 , 3 a , through which a second and third flow path 15 , 16 , 21 ; 15 , 21 , 32 realized in the housing 7 , 7 a of the filling element 3 , 3 a which connects the return gas channel 13 , 14 with a second ring channel 22 that is common to a plurality of filling elements 3 , 3 a , and through at least one control valve 18 , 19 ; 31 for the controlled connection of the return gas channel 13 , 14 with the second ring channel 22 via the second flow path 15 , 21 and/or via the third, throttled flow path 18 , 31 which is provided in the second flow path 15 , 21 and/or a third control valve 19 which is provided in the third flow path 16 , 21 .
  • a continuous connection with the return gas channel 13 , 14 exists via the third, throttled flow path 21 , 32 , whereby the return gas channel can be formed by the channel of a gas tube 13 that is open on both ends, and the lower end of which is in communication during the filling with the interior of the container 2 and its upper end is in communication with the second and third flow path, for example by means of a gas space 14 realized in the housing 7 , 7 a of the filling element 3 , 3 a.
  • the filling system can be realized so that a fourth flow path 16 , 24 realized in the housing 7 of the filling element 3 exists between the return gas channel 13 , 14 and the first ring channel 16 , and through a fourth control valve 20 located in this flow path, through which, in the open position, there is a connection between the return gas channel 13 , 14 and the first ring channel 26 , ideally if the fourth flow path is a throttled flow path.
  • the second ring channel 22 is in communication with the atmosphere and/or with a gas space 6 . 1 realized in the bowl 6 , whereby the pressure-less cold or hot filling takes place with a continuously open third control valve 19 and the fourth control valve 20 is continuously open for a pressure filling.
  • the filling system can also be modified by having the first and third control valves 25 , 19 continuously closed for a pressure filling.
  • a pressure filling with the bowl 6 partly filled with the liquid being bottled and with an inert gas, such as CO 2 gas in a gas space 6 . 1 for example, at filling pressure, and in the second ring channel 22 which is connected with this gas space 6 . 1 a pre-pressurization of the container 2 which is in sealed contact against the filling element 3 takes place via the return gas channel 13 , 14 by opening of the second control valve 18 , and in one possible embodiment when the first ring channel 28 serves as the return gas ring channel.
  • the second control valve 18 is opened and for a slow filling it is closed.
  • the first and the fourth control valve 25 , 20 of the filling elements or of a group of a plurality of filling elements can be controlled jointly, and in one possible embodiment if, in a filling machine with a plurality of filling elements, the filling elements can be configured for a pressure-less filling by opening the third control valve 19 or for a pressure filling by opening the fourth control valve 20 .
  • the first and second ring channels 26 , 22 are thereby provided on a rotor 5 of a filling machine.
  • the present application relates to a filling system for hot-filling a liquid product into bottles or similar containers.
  • the system comprises a filling element comprising a liquid channel configured in a filling element housing.
  • the channel communicates with a bowl for the product and forms a product dispenser on a lower side of the filling element, via which dispenser the liquid product flows towards the container to be filled, said container being held on a container support.
  • the filling system also comprises a liquid valve arranged in the liquid channel.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 show detail of at least embodiment of a filling element 201 .
  • a bottle or container filling system is configured to unpressurizedly fill bottles or other container 2 with a hot liquid.
  • the filling system comprises an unpressurized hot liquid reservoir 206 configured and disposed to hold a supply of hot liquid 206 . 2 and a gas in a head space 206 . 1 above the hot liquid.
  • Filling element 201 comprises housing 207 .
  • a dispensing opening 211 is disposed on the bottom of housing 207 . Dispensing opening 211 is configured and disposed to permit the dispensing of hot liquid therethrough and into a bottle 2 to be filled.
  • a liquid flow arrangement 208 is disposed and configured to permit the flow of hot liquid from unpressurized hot liquid reservoir 206 to dispensing opening 211 .
  • a flow meter 227 is disposed and configured to measure the flow of hot liquid flowing from unpressurized hot liquid reservoir 206 to its corresponding filling element.
  • a return gas flow arrangement 213 is configured and disposed to receive a flow of displaced gas from a bottle 2 being filled with hot liquid. Return gas flow arrangement 213 is operatively connected to a sole valve 217 configured to switch the gas flow rate to permit switching its corresponding filling element between a higher liquid filling rate, during initial filling of a bottle 2 with hot liquid, and a lower liquid filling rate, during final filling of a bottle 2 .
  • a first gas duct 220 b is disposed in housing 207 and is operatively connected to return gas flow arrangement 213 and sole valve 217 .
  • a second gas duct 215 . 1 and 215 . 2 is disposed in housing 207 and is operatively connected to sole valve 217 and head space 206 . 1 , in unpressurized hot liquid reservoir 206 .
  • a third gas duct 220 is disposed in housing 207 and is operatively connected to first gas duct 220 b and second gas duct 215 . 1 and 215 . 2 , at point 220 c , bridging sole valve 217 .
  • a gas flow throttle 220 a is operatively connected to third gas duct 220 and is configured and disposed to permit the flow of gas through third gas duct 220 at a lower filling rate.
  • throttle 220 a is a narrowing of gas duct 220 , however, other and different flow regulators or flow reducers as are known in the art may be used to regulate the flow of gas through gas duct 220 .
  • Sole valve 217 upon opening, is configured to permit gas flow therethrough, in parallel with gas flow through flow throttle 220 a , and to permit displaced gas flow out of bottle 2 and into headspace 206 . 1 during the higher liquid filling rate, upon a bottle 2 being filled with liquid during the higher liquid filling rate, during initial filling.
  • Sole valve 217 upon closing, is configured to stop the flow of gas therethrough and still permit a flow of gas between first gas duct 220 b and second gas duct 215 . 1 , through third gas duct 220 and gas flow throttle 220 a , during the lower liquid filling rate during final filling.
  • Filling element 201 comprises a temperature maintaining system configured to maintain a temperature of each filling element 201 , in a plurality of filling elements 201 , and hot liquid within each filling element 201 , at a temperature substantially equal to a bottle filling temperature, by circulation of hot liquid from unpressurized hot liquid reservoir 206 , upon the bottle filling system not filling bottles.
  • the temperature maintaining system comprises a heater 206 . 3 configured to heat the hot liquid. Heater 206 . 3 is shown in reservoir 206 , however, it is to be understood that heater 206 . 3 may be disposed anywhere within the liquid circulation of the hot liquid.
  • the hot liquid circulation arrangement comprises a liquid duct 221 with an inlet operatively connected to the liquid flow arrangement 213 , proximate dispensing opening 211 .
  • a weighted one way valve 223 is disposed in the hot liquid circulation arrangement and is configured to open, by being lifted from valve seat 223 a , upon a predetermined pressure being reached in liquid flow arrangement 213 .
  • a shut off valve 225 is configured to stop the flow of hot liquid in the hot liquid circulation arrangement.
  • a pump 224 a is disposed and configured to move hot liquid through the hot liquid circulation arrangement from liquid flow arrangement 213 to unpressurized hot liquid reservoir 206 , through liquid line 224 b , having an outlet into unpressurized hot liquid reservoir 206 .
  • the bottle filling system further comprises a controller 226 operatively connected to sole valve 217 , flow meter 227 , said shut off valve 225 , and pump 224 a .
  • Controller 226 is configured to open sole valve 217 upon initiation of filling of a bottle 2 and to close sole valve 217 upon a predetermined initial amount of hot liquid passing through flow meter 227 to a bottle 2 being filled.
  • Controller 226 is further configured to start pump 224 a and move hot liquid through the hot liquid circulation arrangement, upon the stopping of filling of bottles 2 by the bottle filling system.
  • the bottle filling system may comprise a plurality of filling elements 201 , each being substantially equidistantly disposed about a perimeter of a rotor 205 .
  • the bottle filling system may also comprise a gas collecting chamber 218 , operatively connected to the second gas duct 215 . 1 and 215 . 2 of each filling element 201 and configured to receive displaced gas, from bottles 2 being filled, and convey the displaced gas to head space 206 . 1 in unpressurized hot liquid reservoir 206 .
  • the bottle filling system may further comprise a liquid collecting chamber 222 , operatively connected to the hot liquid circulation arrangement of each filling element 201 .
  • Collecting chamber 222 is configured to receive hot circulated liquid from liquid flow arrangement 213 and convey the hot liquid to unpressurized hot liquid reservoir 206 .
  • the respective bottle 2 to be filled is held during the filling process on a container or bottle holder 204 , which in the illustrated embodiment holds the respective bottle 2 by means of a radially projecting flange configured to hold bottle 2 on the bottle neck, below the bottle mouth.
  • the bottle carrier can be moved by a predetermined distance along the axis FA to raise and lower the bottle 2 , and in particular to press the bottle 2 with the edge of its mouth against the gasket 211 c , and in particular controlled by a control roller 204 . 1 a that is connected by means of a lifting rod 204 . 1 c and interacts with a control cam 204 . 1 b that may not rotate with rotor 205 .
  • Guide elements 211 a may be provided for the liquid, generally these devices may be referred to as screens or shields. Guide elements 211 a may be located on the external contour of the valve body 213 and may be configured to deflect the liquid and steer it toward the bottle 2 wall in a swirling motion.
  • guide elements 211 a may be swirl inserts or torsion bodies and may be located inside the liquid path and impart a rotational motion to the liquid, as a result of which the liquid flows into bottle 2 in contact with the inside wall of the bottle 2 by centrifugal force.
  • a swirl effect of the liquid may be realized with a swirler 211 a in the form of a flat, plane element.
  • the liquid beverage is swirled into the bottles or containers 2 to cause the liquid to travel across at least a substantial portion of the interior surface of the bottles.
  • a seal 211 c may be located proximate guide elements 211 a to effectuate sealing of the neck about the opening of bottle 2 with filling element 201 .
  • a seal 211 b may be disposed about an outer perimeter of liquid flow arrangement 213 for closing off the flow of liquid into a bottle 2 through dispensing opening 211 .
  • a filling element having a sole valve configured to switch between a high filling rate during initial filling and low filling rate during final filling is provided.
  • a filling machine may have more than a hundred filling elements on a rotor.
  • Filling elements of the prior art typically have two or more valves for switching between filling rates, greatly increasing the number of parts of the filling machine. Therefore, costs in manufacturing a filling machine may be decreased with embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, it is well known in the art that downtime increases substantially with an increase in the number of parts. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide filling machines with increased reliability and increased mean time between failure.
  • FIG. 7 shows schematically the main components of one possible embodiment example of a system for filling containers, specifically, a beverage bottling plant for filling bottles B with at least one liquid beverage, in accordance with at least one possible embodiment, in which system or plant could possibly be utilized at least one aspect, or several aspects, of the embodiments disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 7 shows a rinsing arrangement or rinsing station 101 , to which the containers, namely bottles B, are fed in the direction of travel as indicated by the arrow A 1 , by a first conveyer arrangement 103 , which can be a linear conveyor or a combination of a linear conveyor and a starwheel.
  • a first conveyer arrangement 103 which can be a linear conveyor or a combination of a linear conveyor and a starwheel.
  • the rinsed bottles B are transported to a beverage filling machine 105 by a second conveyer arrangement 104 that is formed, for example, by one or more starwheels that introduce bottles B into the beverage filling machine 105 .
  • the beverage filling machine 105 shown is of a revolving or rotary design, with a rotor 105 ′, which revolves around a central, vertical machine axis.
  • the rotor 105 ′ is designed to receive and hold the bottles B for filling at a plurality of filling positions 113 located about the periphery of the rotor 105 ′.
  • a filling arrangement 114 having at least one filling device, element, apparatus, or valve.
  • the filling arrangements 114 are designed to introduce a predetermined volume or amount of liquid beverage into the interior of the bottles B to a predetermined or desired level.
  • the filling arrangements 114 receive the liquid beverage material from a toroidal or annular vessel 117 , in which a supply of liquid beverage material is stored under pressure by a gas.
  • the toroidal vessel 117 is a component, for example, of the revolving rotor 105 ′.
  • the toroidal vessel 117 can be connected by means of a rotary coupling or a coupling that permits rotation.
  • the toroidal vessel 117 is also connected to at least one external reservoir or supply of liquid beverage material by a conduit or supply line. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , there are two external supply reservoirs 123 and 124 , each of which is configured to store either the same liquid beverage product or different products.
  • These reservoirs 123 , 124 are connected to the toroidal or annular vessel 117 by corresponding supply lines, conduits, or arrangements 121 and 122 .
  • the external supply reservoirs 123 , 124 could be in the form of simple storage tanks, or in the form of liquid beverage product mixers, in at least one possible embodiment.
  • each filling arrangement 114 could be connected by separate connections to each of the two toroidal vessels and have two individually-controllable fluid or control valves, so that in each bottle B, the first product or the second product can be filled by means of an appropriate control of the filling product or fluid valves.
  • a beverage bottle closing arrangement or closing station 106 Downstream of the beverage filling machine 105 , in the direction of travel of the bottles B, there can be a beverage bottle closing arrangement or closing station 106 which closes or caps the bottles B.
  • the beverage bottle closing arrangement or closing station 106 can be connected by a third conveyer arrangement 107 to a beverage bottle labeling arrangement or labeling station 108 .
  • the third conveyor arrangement may be formed, for example, by a plurality of starwheels, or may also include a linear conveyor device.
  • the beverage bottle labeling arrangement or labeling station 108 has at least one labeling unit, device, or module, for applying labels to bottles B.
  • the labeling arrangement 108 is connected by a starwheel conveyer structure to three output conveyer arrangements: a first output conveyer arrangement 109 , a second output conveyer arrangement 110 , and a third output conveyer arrangement 111 , all of which convey filled, closed, and labeled bottles B to different locations.
  • the first output conveyer arrangement 109 is designed to convey bottles B that are filled with a first type of liquid beverage supplied by, for example, the supply reservoir 123 .
  • the second output conveyer arrangement 110 in the embodiment shown, is designed to convey bottles B that are filled with a second type of liquid beverage supplied by, for example, the supply reservoir 124 .
  • the third output conveyer arrangement 111 in the embodiment shown, is designed to convey incorrectly labeled bottles B.
  • the labeling arrangement 108 can comprise at least one beverage bottle inspection or monitoring device that inspects or monitors the location of labels on the bottles B to determine if the labels have been correctly placed or aligned on the bottles B.
  • the third output conveyer arrangement 111 removes any bottles B which have been incorrectly labeled as determined by the inspecting device.
  • the beverage bottling plant can be controlled by a central control arrangement 112 , which could be, for example, computerized control system that monitors and controls the operation of the various stations and mechanisms of the beverage bottling plant.
  • a filling system for filling a liquid product into bottles or similar containers 2 , said filling system having at least one filler element 3 , 3 a with a product space or liquid channel 8 realized in a filler element housing 7 , 7 a , said product space or liquid channel being in communication with a reservoir 6 for the liquid product and on the underside of the filler element 3 , 3 a forming a liquid product discharge 11 , via which the liquid product flows to the respective container 2 to be filled retained on a container carrier 4 , and having a liquid valve 10 positioned in the liquid channel 8 , wherein to heat or keep the filler element 3 , 3 a warm during a hot-filling process, in the filler element housing 7 , 7 a there is a first flow path 24 , 27 ; 33 , which connects a part section 8 .
  • Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the filling system, wherein in the case of a filling machine with a plurality of filler elements 3 a , the first control valve 36 is provided for the filler elements of the filling machine or in common for a group of a plurality of filler elements 3 a.
  • a further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the filling system, wherein a non-return valve 34 is provided in the first flow path 33 , said non-return valve 34 opening for a flow out of the liquid channel 8 of the filler element 3 a into the first collecting channel 26 and closing for a flow in the opposite direction.
  • a return gas channel 13 , 14 which, during filling, is in communication with the interior space of the container that is positioned in a sealing position against the filler element 3 , 3 a , by at least one second, as well as third, flow path 15 , 16 , 21 ; 15 , 21 , 32 which is realized in the housing 7 , 7 a of the filler element 3 , 3 a and connects the return gas channel 13 , 14 to a second collecting chamber 22 common to a plurality of filler elements 3 , 3 a , and by at least one control valve 18 , 19 ; 31 for the controlled connecting of the return gas channel 13 , 14 to the second collecting channel 22 via the second flow path 15 , 21 and/or via the third, throttled flow path 16 , 21 ; 32 , 21 .
  • Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the filling system, wherein a second control valve 18 , 31 is provided in the second flow path 15 , 21 .
  • a further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the filling system, wherein a third control valve 19 is provided in the third flow path 16 , 21 .
  • the return gas channel is formed by the channel of a gas tube 13 that is open at both ends, the lower end of which communicating with the interior space of the container 2 during filling and the upper end of which communicating with the second and third flow path, for example via a gas space 14 realized in the housing 7 , 7 a of the filler element 3 , 3 a.
  • Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the filling system, comprising a fourth flow path 16 , 24 realized in the housing 7 of the filler element 3 , between the return gas channel 13 , 14 and the first collecting channel 26 , and by a fourth control valve 20 positioned in said flow path, via which control valve there is a connection between the return gas channel 13 , 14 and the first collecting channel 26 in the open state.
  • Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the filling system, wherein the first and third control valves 25 , 19 are constantly or substantially constantly closed for a pressure filling process.
  • a further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the filling system, wherein for a pressure filling process with the reservoir 6 partially filled with the liquid product and with an inert gas at filling pressure, for example CO 2 gas in a gas space 6 . 1 of the reservoir 6 and in the second collecting channel 22 connected to said gas space 6 . 1 , a pre-pressurizing of the container 2 that is in a sealing position abutting against the filler element 3 is carried out via the return gas channel 13 , 14 by opening the second control valve 18 , with the first collecting chamber 26 serving as the return gas collecting channel.
  • an inert gas at filling pressure for example CO 2 gas in a gas space 6 . 1 of the reservoir 6 and in the second collecting channel 22 connected to said gas space 6 . 1
  • a pre-pressurizing of the container 2 that is in a sealing position abutting against the filler element 3 is carried out via the return gas channel 13 , 14 by opening the second control valve 18
  • Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the filling system, wherein during the pressure filling process, the second control valve 18 is open for a high-speed filling procedure and closed for a low-speed filling procedure.
  • Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the filling system, wherein in the case of a filling machine with a plurality of filler elements, the filler elements are configurable in common for a pressureless filling process by opening the third control valve 19 or for a pressure filling process by opening the fourth control valve 20 .
  • a further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the filling system, wherein the first and second collecting channels 26 , 22 are provided on a rotor 5 of a filling machine.
  • a filling system for filling a liquid product into bottles or similar containers 2 , said filling system having at least one filler element 3 , 3 a with a product space or liquid channel 8 realized in a filler element housing 7 , 7 a , said product space or liquid channel being in communication with a reservoir 6 for the liquid product and on the underside of the filler element 3 , 3 a forming a liquid product discharge 11 , via which the liquid product flows to the respective container 2 to be filled retained on a container carrier 4 , and having a liquid valve 10 positioned in the liquid channel 8 , whereby to heat or keep the filler element 3 , 3 a warm during a hot-filling process, in the filler element housing 7 , 7 a there is a first flow path 24 , 27 ; 33 , which connects a part section 8 .
  • a bottle filling system in a bottle filling plant, which bottle filling system is configured to fill bottles with a hot liquid
  • said bottle filling system comprising: a hot liquid reservoir configured and disposed to hold a supply of hot liquid and a gas in a head space above the hot liquid; at least one filling element, each said at least one filling element comprising: a housing; a dispensing opening disposed on the bottom of said housing; said dispensing opening being configured and disposed to permit the dispensing of hot liquid therethrough and into a bottle to be filled; a hot liquid flow arrangement being disposed and configured to permit the flow of hot liquid from said hot liquid reservoir to said dispensing opening; a flow meter being disposed and configured to measure the flow of hot liquid flowing from said hot liquid reservoir to its corresponding filling element; a return gas flow arrangement being configured and disposed to receive a flow of displaced gas from a bottle being filled with hot liquid, said return gas flow
  • a bottle filling system wherein said at least one filling element comprises a plurality of filling elements, each said plurality of filling elements being substantially equidistantly disposed about a perimeter of a rotor, said bottle filling system further comprising a gas collecting chamber, said gas collecting chamber being operatively connected to said second gas duct of each said plurality of filling elements and being configured to receive displaced gas, from bottles being filled, and convey the displaced gas to said head space in said hot liquid reservoir.
  • a bottle filling system wherein said housing comprises a gas reservoir operatively connected to said return gas flow arrangement, said first gas duct, and a piston, said piston being operatively connected to a camming arrangement configured to increase the volume of said housing gas reservoir upon the sealing of a bottle about said dispensing opening.
  • a container filling system configured to fill containers with a hot liquid
  • said container filling system comprising: a hot liquid reservoir configured and disposed to hold a supply of hot liquid; at least one filling element, each said at least one filling element comprising: a housing; a dispensing opening disposed on the bottom of said housing; said dispensing opening being configured and disposed to permit the dispensing of hot liquid therethrough and into a container to be filled; a hot liquid flow arrangement being disposed and configured to permit the flow of hot liquid from said hot liquid reservoir to said dispensing opening; a temperature maintaining system configured to maintain a temperature of each said at least one filling element and hot liquid within each said at least one filling element at a temperature substantially equal to a container filling temperature by the circulation of hot liquid from said hot liquid reservoir, upon said container filling system not filling containers; said temperature maintaining system comprising: a hot liquid circulation arrangement comprising an inlet operatively connected to
  • a further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in a container filling system wherein said circulating arrangement comprises a shut off valve, disposed downstream of said hot liquid collecting channel, configured to stop the flow of hot liquid in said hot liquid circulation arrangement.
  • said at least one filling element comprises a plurality of filling elements, each said plurality of filling elements being substantially equidistantly disposed about said container filling system
  • said hot liquid collecting channel comprises a ring shaped hot liquid collecting channel disposed completely about said container filling system, said hot liquid collecting channel cooperating with each said hot liquid circulation arrangement of each said plurality of filling elements, said hot liquid collecting channel being configured to collect hot liquid from each said weighted one way valve of each said plurality of filling elements.
  • each said plurality of filling elements comprise a return gas flow arrangement being configured and disposed to receive a flow of displaced gas from a container being filled with hot liquid
  • said return gas flow arrangement comprising: at least one valve configured to switch the gas flow rate of displaced gas from a container being filled with hot liquid to permit switching its corresponding filling element between a higher liquid filling rate, during initial filling of a container with hot liquid, and a lower liquid filling rate, during final filling of a container with hot liquid.
  • each said return gas flow arrangements further comprise: a first gas duct disposed in said housing and being operatively connected to said return gas flow arrangement and said at least one valve; a second gas duct disposed in said housing and being operatively connected to a head space in said hot liquid reservoir and said return gas flowing arrangement; a gas flow throttle operatively connected to said second gas duct, said gas flow throttle being configured and disposed to permit a throttled flow of gas through said second gas duct; said at least one valve being configured to permit gas flow through said first and said second gas ducts, in parallel, with gas flow through said flow throttle, and to permit displaced gas to flow out of a container and into the headspace during the higher liquid filling rate, upon a bottle being filled with hot liquid during the higher liquid filling rate, during initial filling; said at least one valve being configured to stop the flow of gas through said first gas duct and still permit a flow of
  • At least one valve comprises a sole valve disposed and configured to stop the flow of gas through said first gas duct and still permit a flow of gas through said second gas duct and said gas flow throttle, during the lower liquid filling rate during final filling.
  • At least one valve comprises a first and a second valve disposed and configured to stop the flow of gas through said first gas duct and still permit a flow of gas through said second gas duct and said gas flow throttle, during the lower liquid filling rate during final filling.
  • said at least one valve comprises a third valve cooperatively connected to said return gas flow arrangement and said hot liquid collecting channel, said third valve being disposed and configured to calm pressurized hot liquid in a filled container by providing a controlled flow between said return gas flow arrangement and said hot liquid collecting channel, upon opening of said third valve upon a container being filled with pressurized hot liquid.
  • said at least one valve comprises a fourth valve cooperatively connected to said hot liquid flow arrangement and said hot liquid collecting channel, said fourth valve being disposed and configured to provide flow between said hot liquid flow arrangement and said hot liquid collecting channel, providing a flow of hot liquid through said hot liquid flow arrangement, upon opening of said fourth valve upon said container filling system not filling containers.
  • a container filling system wherein said container filling system further comprises a gas collecting chamber, said gas collecting chamber being operatively connected to said second gas duct of each said plurality of filling elements and being configured to receive displaced gas, from containers being filled, and convey the displaced gas to the head space in said hot liquid reservoir.
  • Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in a container filling system further comprising a heater, said heater being disposed and configured to heat the hot liquid.
  • filling machines that may possibly be utilized or possibly adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of the present application may possibly be found in the following filling machines: Innofill DVR, Innofill DNRV, Innofill NV, Innofill DVF, Innofill NMW, Innofill DRS, Innofill DPG, Innofill DNRT, and Innofill MF-UP; each being manufactured by KHS Maschinen-Und Anlagenbau AG, headquartered in Dortmund, Del.
  • control valve apparatus that may possibly be utilized or possibly adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of the present application may possibly be found in the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,975 issued to Nakamichi et al. on Apr. 18, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,184 issued to Reinartz et al. on Apr. 2, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,849 issued to Uchida et al. on Jan. 13, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,115 issued to Schwegler et al. on Nov. 2, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,445 issued to Kawaguchi et al. on Nov. 7, 2000; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,538 issued to Park on Nov. 14, 2000.
  • seal arrangements that may possibly be utilized or possibly adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of the present application may possibly be found in the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,273 issued to Pietsch et al. on May 2, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,234 issued to Berle et al. on Sep. 18, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,653 issued to Hintenlang et al. on Nov. 5, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,146 issued to Friend et al. on Sep. 9, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,007 issued to Oldenburg on Feb. 17, 2004; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,335 issued to Ezell on Nov. 18, 2003.
  • lifting devices that may possibly be utilized or possibly adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of the present application may possibly be found in the following patent publications: U.S. Pat. No. 2,535,272 issued to Detrez on Dec. 26, 1950; U.S. Pat. No. 2,642,214 issued to Lippold on Jun. 16, 1953; German Utility Model No. DE-GM 1,923,261 issued on Sep. 9, 1965; German Laid Open Patent Application No. DE-OS 1,532,586 published on Oct. 2, 1969; British Patent No. 1,188,888 issued Apr. 22, 1970; German Laid Open Patent Application No. DE-OS 26 52 910 published on May 24, 1978; German Patent No. DE-PS 26 52 918 issued on Oct. 26, 1978; German Utility Model No. DE-GM 83 04 995 issued on Dec. 22, 1983; German Patent No. DE-PS 26 30 100 issued on Dec. 3, 1981; and German Laid Open Patent Application No. DE-OS 195 45 080 published on Jun. 5, 1997.
  • bottling systems which may be used or adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of the present may be found in the following U.S. patents assigned to the Assignee herein, namely: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,911,285; 4,944,830; 4,950,350; 4,976,803; 4,981,547; 5,004,518; 5,017,261; 5,062,917; 5,062,918; 5,075,123; 5,078,826; 5,087,317; 5,110,402; 5,129,984; 5,167,755; 5,174,851; 5,185,053; 5,217,538; 5,227,005; 5,413,153; 5,558,138; 5,634,500; 5,713,403; 6,276,113; 6,213,169; 6,189,578; 6,192,946; 6,374,575; 6,365,054; 6,619,016; 6,474,368; 6,494,238; 6,470,922; and
  • bottling and container handling systems and components thereof which may possibly be utilized or adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment, may possibly be found in the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,477, entitled “Capping Machine for Capping and Closing Containers, and a Method for Closing Containers;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,368, entitled “Beverage Container Filling Machine, and Method for Filling Containers with a Liquid Filling Material in a Beverage Container Filling Machine;” U.S. Pat. No.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
US12/564,499 2007-03-23 2009-09-22 Filling system for hot filling of beverage bottles or containers in a bottle or container filling plant Abandoned US20100071802A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102007014702.5 2007-03-23
DE102007014702.5A DE102007014702B4 (de) 2007-03-23 2007-03-23 Füllsystem für Heißabfüllung
PCT/EP2008/002013 WO2008116564A2 (fr) 2007-03-23 2008-03-13 Système de remplissage

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2008/002013 Continuation-In-Part WO2008116564A2 (fr) 2007-03-23 2008-03-13 Système de remplissage

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100071802A1 true US20100071802A1 (en) 2010-03-25

Family

ID=39713214

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/564,499 Abandoned US20100071802A1 (en) 2007-03-23 2009-09-22 Filling system for hot filling of beverage bottles or containers in a bottle or container filling plant

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20100071802A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2132130B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE102007014702B4 (fr)
SI (1) SI2132130T1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008116564A2 (fr)

Cited By (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070113919A1 (en) * 2005-11-23 2007-05-24 Serac Group Installation for packaging a liquid product in receptacles
US20100212773A1 (en) * 2007-02-23 2010-08-26 Cluesserath Ludwig Method for filling bottles or similar containers with an oxygen sensitive effervescent liquid beverage filling material under counterpressure and filling machine for the performance of this method
US20110303322A1 (en) * 2009-04-03 2011-12-15 Khs Gmbh Filling element for filling containers with a liquid product, filling machine and method for filling containers
US20130061980A1 (en) * 2010-06-21 2013-03-14 Khs Gmbh Method and filling element for the pressure-filling of containers with a liquid filling material
DE102011114690A1 (de) * 2011-10-04 2013-04-04 Khs Gmbh Verfahren zum Steuern einer Füllanlage sowie Füllanlage
US20130105041A1 (en) * 2010-07-16 2013-05-02 Khs Gmbh Filling element, method and filling system for filling containers
EP2610210A1 (fr) 2011-12-29 2013-07-03 Sidel S.p.a. Con Socio Unico Dispositif de remplissage sans contact et son procédé de commande
EP2641863A1 (fr) 2012-03-19 2013-09-25 Sidel S.p.a. Con Socio Unico Dispositif de remplissage
US20140075886A1 (en) * 2012-09-17 2014-03-20 Don Bell System, methods and apparatus for urine collection and storage
US20150013833A1 (en) * 2011-12-07 2015-01-15 Khs Gmbh Filler element comprising a trinox tube
WO2016154269A1 (fr) * 2015-03-23 2016-09-29 Tansey Jr Francis X Station de distribution de fluide
US20190016484A1 (en) * 2017-07-12 2019-01-17 Vanrx Pharmasystems Inc. Purgeable pharmaceutical fill needle
US11000052B2 (en) 2016-09-12 2021-05-11 Krones Ag Filling line for heat-treating and filling a liquid into containers
US11370646B2 (en) 2018-12-05 2022-06-28 Krones Ag Device and method for filling a fill product into a container to be filled in a beverage bottling plant
US11407628B2 (en) * 2018-10-23 2022-08-09 Khs Gmbh Filling system for filling containers with a fluid filling material and filling machine
US11427454B2 (en) * 2020-06-05 2022-08-30 Kosme S.R.L. Unipersonale Filling unit for filling containers of two different types with a liquid substance, in particular with a beverage
US11485623B2 (en) * 2020-06-05 2022-11-01 Kosme S.R.L. Unipersonale Filling unit for filling containers of two different types with a liquid substance, in particular with a beverage
US20220396464A1 (en) * 2019-12-16 2022-12-15 Serac Group Filling spout having a return line
US11542138B2 (en) * 2020-06-05 2023-01-03 Kosme S.R.L. Unipersonale Filling unit for filling containers of two different types with a liquid substance, in particular with a beverage
US11643315B2 (en) 2020-06-05 2023-05-09 Kosme S.R.L. Unipersonale Machine for filling containers of two different types with a liquid substance, in particular with a beverage
US12008855B2 (en) 2022-02-14 2024-06-11 Fountain Master, Llc Fluid filling station

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1393171B1 (it) * 2009-02-13 2012-04-11 Berchi Group S P A Impianto di riempimento a caldo di bottiglie.
DE102010028953A1 (de) * 2010-05-12 2011-11-17 Krones Ag Befüllvorrichtung
DE102010032573A1 (de) * 2010-07-28 2012-02-02 Khs Gmbh Füllmaschine
FR2977249B1 (fr) * 2011-07-01 2014-09-26 Serac Group Installation de conditionnement comprenant des becs de remplissage equipes de conduits de mise en boucle du corps de bec
CN107226445B (zh) * 2017-06-27 2019-04-19 江苏新美星包装机械股份有限公司 一种灌装方法
FR3104550B1 (fr) * 2019-12-16 2022-01-07 Serac Group Poste de remplissage pour installation de conditionnement comprenant un bec de remplissage à canal d’aspiration intégré

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050188654A1 (en) * 2004-01-29 2005-09-01 Ludwig Clusserath Beverage bottling plant for filling containers, such as bottles and cans, with a liquid beverage, a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid, and a method for filling containers with the filling machine
US20100071803A1 (en) * 2007-03-23 2010-03-25 Cluesserath Ludwig Filling system for unpressurized hot filling of beverage bottles or containers in a bottle or container filling plant
US20100108180A1 (en) * 2007-05-09 2010-05-06 Cluesserath Ludwig Method of treating a beverage bottle filling machine in a beverage bottling plant, method of cleaning a container filling machine in a container filling plant, and arrangements therefor
DE102008057752A1 (de) * 2008-11-17 2010-05-20 Khs Ag Füllelement sowie Füllsystem mit einem solchen Füllelement
US20100132834A1 (en) * 2007-05-22 2010-06-03 Cluesserath Ludwig Filling system for filling beverage bottles in a beverage bottling plant
US20100300577A1 (en) * 2007-11-30 2010-12-02 Wagner Felix Liquid beverage filling machine for filling containers, such as bottles or cans, with a liquid beverage, and a method of filling containers with a liquid beverage, in which the flow of liquid is monitored and measured

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19836500A1 (de) 1998-08-12 2000-02-17 Khs Masch & Anlagenbau Ag Füllsystem
DE10061401A1 (de) * 2000-12-09 2002-06-13 Khs Masch & Anlagenbau Ag Verfahren zum Füllen von Flaschen, Dosen o. dgl. Behälter mit einem flüssigen Füllgut sowie Füllmaschine zum Durchführen des Verfahrens
DE20105716U1 (de) 2001-03-30 2002-05-29 Krones Ag Gefäßfüllmaschine

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050188654A1 (en) * 2004-01-29 2005-09-01 Ludwig Clusserath Beverage bottling plant for filling containers, such as bottles and cans, with a liquid beverage, a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid, and a method for filling containers with the filling machine
US7243483B2 (en) * 2004-01-29 2007-07-17 Khs Maschinen- Und Anlagenbau Ag Beverage bottling plant for filling containers, such as bottles and cans, with a liquid beverage, a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid, and a method for filling containers with the filling machine
US20100071803A1 (en) * 2007-03-23 2010-03-25 Cluesserath Ludwig Filling system for unpressurized hot filling of beverage bottles or containers in a bottle or container filling plant
US20100108180A1 (en) * 2007-05-09 2010-05-06 Cluesserath Ludwig Method of treating a beverage bottle filling machine in a beverage bottling plant, method of cleaning a container filling machine in a container filling plant, and arrangements therefor
US20100132834A1 (en) * 2007-05-22 2010-06-03 Cluesserath Ludwig Filling system for filling beverage bottles in a beverage bottling plant
US20100300577A1 (en) * 2007-11-30 2010-12-02 Wagner Felix Liquid beverage filling machine for filling containers, such as bottles or cans, with a liquid beverage, and a method of filling containers with a liquid beverage, in which the flow of liquid is monitored and measured
DE102008057752A1 (de) * 2008-11-17 2010-05-20 Khs Ag Füllelement sowie Füllsystem mit einem solchen Füllelement

Cited By (34)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7942170B2 (en) * 2005-11-23 2011-05-17 Serac Group Installation for packaging a liquid product in receptacles
US20070113919A1 (en) * 2005-11-23 2007-05-24 Serac Group Installation for packaging a liquid product in receptacles
US8726946B2 (en) * 2007-02-23 2014-05-20 Khs Gmbh Method for filling bottles or similar containers with an oxygen sensitive effervescent liquid beverage filling material under counterpressure and filling machine for the performance of this method
US20130180619A1 (en) * 2007-02-23 2013-07-18 Ludwig Clüsserath Method for filling bottles or similar containers with an oxygen sensitive effervescent liquid beverage filling material under counterpressure and filling machine for the performance of this method
US20100212773A1 (en) * 2007-02-23 2010-08-26 Cluesserath Ludwig Method for filling bottles or similar containers with an oxygen sensitive effervescent liquid beverage filling material under counterpressure and filling machine for the performance of this method
US20110303322A1 (en) * 2009-04-03 2011-12-15 Khs Gmbh Filling element for filling containers with a liquid product, filling machine and method for filling containers
US9108836B2 (en) * 2010-06-21 2015-08-18 Khs Gmbh Method and filling element for the pressure-filling of containers with a liquid filling material
US20130061980A1 (en) * 2010-06-21 2013-03-14 Khs Gmbh Method and filling element for the pressure-filling of containers with a liquid filling material
US20130105041A1 (en) * 2010-07-16 2013-05-02 Khs Gmbh Filling element, method and filling system for filling containers
US9205937B2 (en) * 2010-07-16 2015-12-08 Khs Gmbh Filling element, method and filling system for filling containers
DE102011114690A1 (de) * 2011-10-04 2013-04-04 Khs Gmbh Verfahren zum Steuern einer Füllanlage sowie Füllanlage
US10059578B2 (en) 2011-10-04 2018-08-28 Khs Gmbh Method for controlling a filling system, and the filling system
US9604834B2 (en) * 2011-12-07 2017-03-28 Khs Gmbh Filler element comprising a Trinox tube
US20150013833A1 (en) * 2011-12-07 2015-01-15 Khs Gmbh Filler element comprising a trinox tube
EP2610210A1 (fr) 2011-12-29 2013-07-03 Sidel S.p.a. Con Socio Unico Dispositif de remplissage sans contact et son procédé de commande
EP2716592A1 (fr) * 2012-03-19 2014-04-09 Sidel S.p.a. Con Socio Unico Dispositif de remplissage
EP2641863A1 (fr) 2012-03-19 2013-09-25 Sidel S.p.a. Con Socio Unico Dispositif de remplissage
US10479536B2 (en) * 2012-09-17 2019-11-19 Portland Outdoors, Llc System, methods and apparatus for urine collection and storage
US20140075886A1 (en) * 2012-09-17 2014-03-20 Don Bell System, methods and apparatus for urine collection and storage
WO2016154269A1 (fr) * 2015-03-23 2016-09-29 Tansey Jr Francis X Station de distribution de fluide
US10846975B2 (en) 2015-03-23 2020-11-24 Fountain Master, Llc Fluid filling station
US11250659B2 (en) 2015-03-23 2022-02-15 Fountain Master, Llc Fluid filling station
US11000052B2 (en) 2016-09-12 2021-05-11 Krones Ag Filling line for heat-treating and filling a liquid into containers
US20190016484A1 (en) * 2017-07-12 2019-01-17 Vanrx Pharmasystems Inc. Purgeable pharmaceutical fill needle
US11014696B2 (en) * 2017-07-12 2021-05-25 Vanrx Pharmasystems Inc. Purgeable pharmaceutical fill needle
US11407628B2 (en) * 2018-10-23 2022-08-09 Khs Gmbh Filling system for filling containers with a fluid filling material and filling machine
US11370646B2 (en) 2018-12-05 2022-06-28 Krones Ag Device and method for filling a fill product into a container to be filled in a beverage bottling plant
US20220396464A1 (en) * 2019-12-16 2022-12-15 Serac Group Filling spout having a return line
US11891291B2 (en) * 2019-12-16 2024-02-06 Serac Group Filling spout having a return line
US11427454B2 (en) * 2020-06-05 2022-08-30 Kosme S.R.L. Unipersonale Filling unit for filling containers of two different types with a liquid substance, in particular with a beverage
US11485623B2 (en) * 2020-06-05 2022-11-01 Kosme S.R.L. Unipersonale Filling unit for filling containers of two different types with a liquid substance, in particular with a beverage
US11542138B2 (en) * 2020-06-05 2023-01-03 Kosme S.R.L. Unipersonale Filling unit for filling containers of two different types with a liquid substance, in particular with a beverage
US11643315B2 (en) 2020-06-05 2023-05-09 Kosme S.R.L. Unipersonale Machine for filling containers of two different types with a liquid substance, in particular with a beverage
US12008855B2 (en) 2022-02-14 2024-06-11 Fountain Master, Llc Fluid filling station

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SI2132130T1 (en) 2018-03-30
DE102007014702B4 (de) 2017-03-30
WO2008116564A3 (fr) 2009-01-15
EP2132130B1 (fr) 2018-01-24
WO2008116564A2 (fr) 2008-10-02
EP2132130A2 (fr) 2009-12-16
DE102007014702A1 (de) 2008-09-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20100071802A1 (en) Filling system for hot filling of beverage bottles or containers in a bottle or container filling plant
US8251107B2 (en) Filling system for unpressurized hot filling of beverage bottles or containers in a bottle or container filling plant
US8505594B2 (en) Beverage bottling plant having a filling machine with multiple beverage filling elements, a filling machine with multiple beverage filling elements, a filling element and related method
US8726946B2 (en) Method for filling bottles or similar containers with an oxygen sensitive effervescent liquid beverage filling material under counterpressure and filling machine for the performance of this method
US8701719B2 (en) Method of filling bottles or similar containers in a bottle or container filling plant and a filling system for filling bottles or similar containers in a bottle or container filling plant
US8459315B2 (en) Filling system for filling beverage bottles in a beverage bottling plant
US20050241726A1 (en) Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage, having a filling machine with a rotary construction for filling bottles with a liquid beverage
US7650916B2 (en) Container filling element for open-filling of containers
US7104033B2 (en) Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage, having a filling element and filling machine with such filling elements
US7866123B2 (en) Multilevel container filling machine such as a multilevel beverage bottle filling machine
US9567199B2 (en) Beverage bottle filling machine for filling bottles with fruit juices, beverage filling element in a beverage bottle filling machine with such beverage filling elements for filling bottles or similar containers with fruit juices, and a beverage bottle filling element for filling bottles or similar containers with fruit juices
US6463964B2 (en) Method of operating a machine for filling bottles, cans or the like beverage containers with a beverage, and a beverage container filling machine
US7647950B2 (en) Beverage bottling plant with a beverage bottle filling machine for filling beverage bottles, and filling elements for the beverage bottle filling machine
US20050188654A1 (en) Beverage bottling plant for filling containers, such as bottles and cans, with a liquid beverage, a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid, and a method for filling containers with the filling machine
US7353848B2 (en) Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having a filling device and a filling machine having such a filling device
US7299607B2 (en) Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage, having a filling element for filling bottles with a liquid beverage and a filling machine having such a filling element
US8776842B2 (en) Method of treating a beverage bottle filling machine in a beverage bottling plant, method of cleaning a container filling machine in a container filling plant, and arrangements therefor
US6189578B1 (en) Filling system and filling element
US6192946B1 (en) Bottling system
US20090071569A1 (en) Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage, having a flow meter integrated into the filling element and located in the flow path for filling bottles with a liquid beverage and a filling machine having such a filling element
US8985161B2 (en) Method of operating a beverage bottling or container filling arrangement with a filling volume correcting apparatus
US20050211332A1 (en) Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having a bottle filling machine with a filling valve for filling bottles with a liquid beverage
US9120661B2 (en) Procedure and apparatus for the treating containers such as plastic bottles in a bottle filling plant or containers in a container filling plant
CN105692527A (zh) 容器填充系统和用于容器填充系统的阀
US20090260714A1 (en) Beverage bottle or container filling machine for filling bottles or containers with still water or other non-carbonated beverages

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: KHS AG,GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CLUSSERATH, LUDWIG;KRULITSCH, DIETER-RUDOLF;SIGNING DATES FROM 20091015 TO 20091021;REEL/FRAME:023599/0723

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION