US2362841A - Filled container steaming apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 14, 1944. H. MINAKER FILLED CONTAINER STEAMING APPARATUSAND METHOD I Filed May 13, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet l -Nov. 14, 1944. H. L. MINAKER.

FILLED CONTAINER STEAMING ABPARATUS AND METHOD 6 Shee tS-Sheet Filed may 1s, 1942 Nov. 14, 1944. H. MINAKER FILLED CONTAINER STEAMING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed May 13, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 14, 19 44. fa. L. MINAKER ,8

FILLED CONTAINER STEAMING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed May 13, 1942 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 95 gwwm 7 I Nov. 14,1944;

5. L. MINAKER FILLED "CONTAINER STEAMING APPARATUS AND METHOD 7 Filed May 13 1942 6 sheets-sheet 5 Nov. 1-4, 1944. H. L. MINAKER FILLED CONTAINER smmmc' APPARATUS AND METHOD 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed May 13, 1 942 Patented Nov. 14, 1944 4 FILLED CONTAINER STEAMJN G APPARATUS AND METHOD Herbert L. Minaker, Syracuse, N. Y., asslgnor to Continental Can Company, Inc., New York, "*N. Y., a corporation of New York Application May 13, 1942, Serial No. 442,811'

14 Claims.

The invention relates generally to container closing apparatus and primarily seeks to provide, in combination with high speed closing apparatus, novel means for displacing air from the head spaces above products in filled containers and replacing the same with steam immediately prior tothe closing of the containers, thereby to not only eliminate air from the sealed head spaces and by this means better preserve containedproducts, but also to seal steam in said containers so that upon subsequent cooling of the containers and condensation of the. steam a vacuum will be provided in the containers efiective to additionally assure preservation of said products.

An object of the invention is to provide in apparatus of the character stated, means for continuously moving filled containers to the closing apparatus and while they are being closed, novel means for subjecting the filled containers to steam treatment during a considerable length of travel thereof toward the closing apparatus to render the containers and products hot and sterile and to fill container head spaces with steam, novel means for causing covers to travel in centered relation over the steam treated containers, and novel means for directing jets of steam into the head spaces of the steam treated containers to expel therefrom any air yet remaining therein and replace the same with steam immediately prior to final assembly of the containers and covers whereby said airreplacing steam will be sealed in the containers subsequently to condense and create a vacuum.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character stated in which is included means for moving the filled can bodies with the complementary covers intended to be applied thereon spaced directly thereabove, and means for directing steam into the can body head spaces from opposite sides of the path of travel steam jetting equipments and the can body and thereof in a manner for very efiiciently sweeping out all air from said head spaces.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character stated-in which the vertically aligned complements of can bodies and covers are moved in an arcuate patli toward the closing machine, and in which the opposing steam jets are emitted at rather high velocity an apparatus of the character stated in which the vertically aligned complements of can bodies and covers are-moved in said arcuate path by a travelling turret, the covers being supported outwardly on an arcuate ledge beneath which the steam jetting is introduced into and across the head spaces, and inwardly on ledge blocks which engage under the curled flanges of said covers, said blocks having openings therein through which steam is directed outwardly into and across said head spaces from the inwardly cover moving parts areso correlated that the directing of air expelling steam into the can body head spaces is continued until the very moment when the can bodies and the covers therefor come intoloosely assembled contact relation, thereby assuring that the head spaces will be steam filled and that the desired vacuum value will be obtained by condensation as hereinbefore stated.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character stated in which there is included in combination with the previously mentioned can body head space steam treating equipments, a novel steam tunnel through which the can bodies are moved rapidly toward said equipments and which includes means for directing steam downwardly, directly into the can body head spaces and-laterally inwardly from both sides against the can body exteriors, at approximately the level of saidhead spaces so as to efiect displacement of air from the can body head spaces and apply heat continuously to the can bodies and contained products so as to assure against cooling of parts which might be efiective to cause condensation of steam and a drawing in of air into the head spaces prior to the closing of the cans.

The invention also has for an object to provide a novel method of displacing air from the head spaces above products in filled containers which includes the steps of moving the containers along a definite path. of travel and simultaneously directing jets of an air displacing medium such as .steam across said path above the containers in a manner for causing said jets to oppose and be diverted one by the other into the head spaces of passing containers for the purpose stated.

The invention also has for an object to provide a novel method of the character stated in which the introduction of the air displacing steam takes place from opposite sides of said path of travel while containers and covers therefor are travelling with the covers aligned with but spaced above the containers, and it comprehends the step of allowing the covers to fall onto the complementary containers at one side of said path of travel in advance of the other while continuing the introduction of steam into the head space under the last falling side of said cover.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel method of the character stated which also comprehends the step of directing steam laterally against the upper portions of the containers as they are being continuously moved toward the closing station for preheating-the product in said upper portions and the head spaces thereabove.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more fully understood by following the detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a plan view illustrating the invention. v

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view and part horizontal sectional view, the timing of the can body and end closure initial assembly being diagrammatically indicated.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical cross sectional view taken on the line 3-3 on Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical cross section taken on the line 4-4 on Figure 1.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal section taken through the tunnel fragment shown broken away at the right in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a vertical cross section taken on the line 6-6 on Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a vertical cross section taken on the line on Figure 5.

In the example of embodiment of the invention herein illustrated, there is shown a portion of a container closing machine in which is included a turret 5 equipped with the usual equidistantly spaced container supporting pads 6 upon which the filled containers I are supported while the end closures or covers are being affixed thereto. During the aifixing of the end closures, the pads 6 are lifted by pad lifting means generally designated 8 so as'to move the containers and the associated covers into proper cooperative relation with the attaching means It is preferred that the herein illustrated invention should be applied to a closing machine of the type illustrated in the U. S. Letters Patent to Kronquest 1,752,912, issued April 1, 1930, because in this machine the turret on which the containers are supported while they are being closed moves continuously, and the closing of containers is efiected at a very rapid rate, that is to say, at the rate of 300 or more containers per minute. It will be appreciated that apparatus for displacing air from, and steam treating containers being moved continuously to a machine capable of operatingaat this speed must be exceedingly emcient in order to meet the demands resulting from the necessity of moving the containers at the rate of 300 or more per minute. It is the purpose of the present inven- \tion to provide an apparatus which will meet these requirements.

In this apparatus, filled containers which are to be closed in the closing machine and have air excluded from the head spaces above the product therein and replaced by steam, are fed toward the closing machine over a supporting bed or bed rails 9, by a chain It) having suitably spaced driving lugs ll thereon, or by any other suitable container feeding equipment.

In this particular illustration of the invention the containers thus fed travel through a steam tunnel generally designated |2. The tunnel is generally U-shaped in cross section and comprises a casing I 3 including side guide portions 14 which are disposed over suitable supporting rails l5 over which the containers are conveyed,.

said casing including insulating covering of any satisfactory form as indicated at l6. It is to be understood that the tunnel may be used or omitted according to the nature of the product being packed. In other words the tunnel may be found desirable in the packing of some foods, whereas for the packing of other foods it may be unnecessary and may be omitted entirely.

The tunnel structure casing includes a transverse enlargement I! which forms a steam chamber and a support for the ends of distributor tubes l8 which extend longitudinally of the tunnel structure in the upper portion thereof in the manner clearly illustrated in Figures 5, 6, and 7 of the drawings. The tubes l8 and also the manifold enlargement I! are apertured as at I9 along their bottom surfaces for the purpose of directing jets of steam downwardly directly into the head spaces of the containers being conveyed through the tunnel structure. Steam is supplied to the manifold enlargement H by a connection 1 20 with a suitable steam supply line.

The tunnel casing 3 is provided with a steam duct 2| along each side thereof over a horizontally disposed, inwardly extended ledge or division wall 22. This particular positioning of the ducts provides two inner duct defining walls 23 which are spaced as at 24 above the respective ledge 22 so as to form a restricted steam jetting slot in the manner clearly illustrated in Figures 6 and '7 from the drawings. It will be obvious that the steam admitted through these restricted openings at each side of the tunnel is directed inwardly to the upper portions of the containers, or in other words the portions of the containers in which the head spaces are provided above the product filler. A cross duct 25 connects the steam ducts 2| and is formed in part in the casing l3 and in part in the removable closure member 26, steam being supplied to the cross duct 25 and the ducts 2| connection 21 which is in turn connected with a common supply'pipe 28 which also supplies the steam to the manifold enlargement I1.

It should be understood of course that the apparatus herein disclosed can be used in connection with any continuously and rapidly operating closing machine, and when used in combination with the particular form of closing machine disclosed in the patent hereinbefore referred to, the filled containers are delivered over the bed rails 9 and by the chain lugs into the receiving peripheral pockets 29 of a feeding turret 30 which is secured, as at 3| upon the upper end of a turret shaft 32 to which continuous movement is through a feeder pipe relation with the movementof the closing machine turret 5, by suitable power applying means (not shown).

Closing machines of the type referred to usually lnclude filled container feeding turrets30, as referred to, and also suitable cover feeding means. In this illustration-the cover feeding means is generally designated 34 and includes a plurality of supporting and feeding screws 35 upon which the cover units 36 rest in the manner illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings, and which, upon being rotated in suitably timed relation with the other mechanisms of the machine through driving connections generally designated 31 serve' to deposit the cover units one by one onto a receiving track 38 rigidly supported beneath the cover feeding mechanism in the position illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings.

A supporting or frame plate 39 is secured in any approved manner; as by stud bolting 40 or the like, upon the closing machine frame in position for overlying the turret 30 in the manner best illustrated in Figures '1 and 2 of the drawings.

The plate 39 includes a recess or cutout portion 4| for accommodating the position of the cover feeding mechanism generaly designated 34. (See Figure 1.)

The frame plate 39 includes a tangential or straight leg extension 42 aligning and connecting with the tunnel casing I 3 as at 43. A mountingplate 44 isjsecured beneath the plate 39 and includes an arcuate narrow portion 45' which pro-- ,jects slightly beyond'the plate 39 as at 46 and which merges with a full width portion extending beneath the frame plate leg extension 42 as indicated at 41.

A' steam duct plate 48 is secured beneath the plate 44 and is undercut as at 49 so as to provide a ledge 50 whereon are supported the outer ure 2 of the drawings and including a straight leg extension beneath the extension 42 of the frame plate. The part straight, part arcuate duct 5| is closed by a closure plate 53 which extends under the ledge 50, and it will be observed by reference to Figure 4 of the drawings that the ledge wall is more shallow than the wall at which the closure plate 53 is secured so as to provide a steam slot 54 between the plate 53 and the undersurface of said ledge; It will also be observed by reference to Figure 4 that the steam slot 54 is disposed at an elevation slightly above, and slightly outwardly of the upper portions of filled container bodies travelling under the composite plate structure with the complementary cover units 36 in vertical alignment and in spaced relation thereabove. Steam is supplied to the duct 5|, 52 through a steam inlet 55 connected as at 56 with the common steam supply line 28.

It will be observed by reference to Figure 2 of the drawings that the duct plate 48 and the underlying closure plate 53 extend well beyond the terminus of the frame plate 39 as indicated at 51. By reason of this extension, it is possible to supply steam from the duct 5| right up to the point of the initial assembly of the complementary container body andcover units, in other words, until the covers start to fall onto the complementary containers.

The inner flange portion of each of the cover units 36 is supported on an arcuate ledge 58 pro-- I iecting upwardly from a block 59 secured as at 80 on the turret 30, one such block being centrally associated with each of the turret pockets in the manner clearly illustrated in Figures land 4 of the drawings. It will be observed by reference to Figure. 2 that the block ledges 58 are of suillcient length to engage under the curled edge portions of the cover units and stabilize the position thereof while also holding said units against being: thrown outwardly by centrifugal force. .The actual feeding movement is imparted to the cover units 36 by-feeder lugs 6| secured as at 62 on the turret 30 in proper relation to the individual turret pockets. (See Figure 2.)

It will be observed by Figure 4 of the drawings that each block ledge 58 is equippedwith a steam slot 63 adjacent the upper extremity thereof. It will also be observed that a steam duct plate sector 64 is secured beneath the frame plate 39, and this sector is provided with an arcuate duct 65 which is closed at the bottom by a face plate 66. The sector is disposed concentrically with relation to the turret 38 and in position'for having. the duct 65 lie close to and Within the circle of block ledges 58. The outer wall defining the duct 65 is more shallow than the wall to which the face plate 66 is secured so as to be spaced slightly above the plate and cooperating therewith in providing the steam slot 6'! which is aligned with the steam slots 63 in the ledges 58 so as to direct steam therethrough toward the steam jetting being emitted from the opposing steam slot 54 so that the opposing steam jetting directed from the respective slots willengage centrally over the travelling container head spaces and be directed into the head spaces in a manner for eiliciently displacing air therefrom. Steam is supplied to the duct 65 through a steam inlet 68 which is connected as at 69 with the common supply line 28,

In the operation of the apparatus the filled containers are rapidly fed through the tunnel structure, when one is provided, beneath the frame plate leg extension 42 and into the peripheral pockets in the turret 30 by which they are continuously fed, one by one, onto the receiving pads 5 of the closing machine. As each container is being moved about by the turret 30, the turret also supports the complementary cover unit 36 in spaced relation thereabove in the manner hereinbefore described.

While the containers are travelling through the tunnel, steam is injected directly into the head spaces from the distributor tubes i8, and steam is directed laterally against the upper portions of the containers around the head spaces thereinthrough the side ducts 2| so as to effect displacement of the air from the can body head spaces and apply heat continuously to the can bodies and the contained products while they are approaching the closure station. The steam also is directed into the container head spaces at one side of the path of travel thereof while they are passing under the frame plate leg extension 42, this steam being emitted from the steam slot 54 which is disposed along one side of and outwardly of the path of travel of said containers.

It will also be observed by reference to Figure 2 of the drawings that the sector 64 extends a distance in the direction opposite the direction of travel of the turret beyond the point at which spaced relation beneath the cover units being carried by the turret, and hence steam emitted from the sector duct 65 will have. preheated the cover units before they come into vertically aligned relation at the position at which the cross section of Figure 4 is taken.

While the containers and cover units are travelling in the vertically aligned relation illustrated in Figure 4 the opposing steam jetting delivered respectively from the outer steam duct 65 and the inner steam duct 5| will pass at high velocity over the upper ends of the can bodies and beneath the complementary covers, will oppose in the center of the path of travel of the covers and containers and be directed downwardly into the head spaces in a manner for efficiently sweeping the air therefrom and replacing the same with steam. As previously stated, the steam from the innermost one 5| of the concentrically arranged ducts 5|, 65 is directed through the block ledges 58 which travel with the container and cover complements.

In Figure 2 of the drawings the radial lines define the travel sector of 18 degrees within which the dropping of the cover units onto the complementary containers takes place. The lowermost radial line 10 is applied to illustrate the point at which the lifting of the can body commences, it being understood that during this lifting of the container the same moves upwardly while the complementary cover is still falling and continues to move upwardly after the cover is loosely received thereon so as to chuck' the assembled container and cover as an incident to the seaming function by which the cover is permanently attached. The line 12 is applied to indicate the point at which the lifting of the container is completed.

It will be observed by reference to Figure 2 of the drawings that the inner steam duct 65 extends a distance beyond the point at which the dropping on of the cover unit starts and also beyond the point H at which the lifting of the can body starts. In this manner introduction of steam into the container head spaces is assured up to the point at which loose assembly of the containers and covers is completed and thus any cooling of the parts such as might result in condensation of steam and drawing in of air into the container head spaces prior to the closing of the containers is definitely avoided. This feature of introducing the steam right through the final stage of the pre-assembly of the containers and end closures is well illustrated in Figure 3.

In the preceding description there is disclosed a novel method of displacing air from the head spaces above productsin filled containers. In practicing of this method the containers are moved along a definite path of travel and Jets of steam are simultaneously directed from opposite sides across said path of travel above the containers in a manner for causing said jets to oppose centrally over the containers and be diverted into the head spaces in a manner for emciently driving out air therefrom and replacing it with the steam. This method also includes the features of directing steam into and against the upper portions of the containers while they are being continuously moved toward the closing station for preheating and maintaining heated the products and the upper portions of the containers and head spaces, and the invention also comprehends the feature of directing steam into the container head spaces right up to the point when the loose assembly of the containers and the complementary cover units is completed.

It is of course to be understood that the details of structure. and the arrangement of parts may be variously changed and modified without distinguishing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. In apparatus of the character described, means including a rotary turret for simultaneously conveying filled containers and covers therefor having curled edge portions with the covers disposed above and aligned with the containers, cover holding ledges upstanding from the turret and rotatable therewith and engageable under the inner curled edge portions of the covers for holding them against free radial movement due to centrifugal force, a-stationary frame plate, and means on the frame plate providing an arcuate steam jetting slot directed toward the head spaces in passing containers and disposed.close1y adjacent and concentrically within the path of travel of said ledges, said ledges having steam slots therein registering with said arcuate slot and through which steam is directed from the stationary arcuate slot into the moving container head spaces for displacing air therefrom.

2. In apparatus of the character described, means including a rotary turrent for simultaneously conveying filled containers and covers therefor having curled edge portions with the covers disposed above and aligned with the containers, cover holding ledges upstanding from the turret and rotatable therewith and engageable under the inner curled edge portions of the covers for holding them against free radial movement due to centrifugal force, a stationary frame plate, means on the frame plate providing an arcuate steam jetting slot directed toward the head spaces in passing containers and disposed closely adjacent and concentrically within the path of travel of said ledges, said ledges having steam slots therein registering with said arcuate slot and through which steam is directed from the stationary arcuate slot into the moving container head spaces for displacing air therefrom, and means on said frame plate providing an outer arcuate steam slot disposed in concentrically spaced relation to the first mentioned arcuate slot and outwardly of the path of travel of the containers so as to direct its steam Jetting inwardly across the container head spaces in opposition to the outwardly directed steam jetting. I

3. In apparatus of the character described, means including a rotary turret for simultaneously conveying filled containers and covers therefor having curled edge portions with the covers disposed above and aligned with the containers, a stationary frame plate, means on the frame plate providing an arcuate steam jetting slot directed toward the head spaces in passing containers and disposed closely adjacent and concentrically within the path of travel of said container head spaces, said arcuate'duct forming means comprising a plate having an arcuate recess formed in its bottom face so as to b defined at one side by a wall portion remote from the path of travel of the containers and a wall portion proximate to the path of travel of the containers. and a duct closure plate secured to said remote wall portion and extending over and closing the bottom of the recess and extending in spaced relation beneath the proximate wall ing along slot at the opposite side of said travel path wherea by sheet-like blasts of the gaseous medium directed from the opposing slots will mutually conportion to cooperate therewith in providing the arcuate steam jetting slotway effective to direct steam jetting into the head spaces in passing means including a rotary turret for simultaneously conveying filled containers and covers therefor with the covers disposed above and aligned with the containers, a stationary frame plate, means on the frame plate providing an arcuate steam jetting slot directed outwardly toward the head spaces in passing containers and disposed closely adjacent and concentrically within the path of travel of said container head spaces, and means on said frame plate providing an outer arcuate steam slot disposed in concentrically spaced relation to the first mentioned arcuate slot and outwardly of the path of travel of the containers so as to direct its steam jetting inwardly across the container head spaces in opposition to the outwardly directed steam jetting, each said arcuate duct forming means comprising a plate having an arcuate recess formed in its bottom face so as to be defined at one side by a wall portion remote from the path of travel of the containers and a wall portion proximate to the path of travel of the containers, and a duct closure plate secured to each remote wall portion and extending over and closing the bottom of the respective recess andextending in spaced relation beneath the respective proximate wall portion to cooperate therewith in providing the arcuate steam jetting slotway effective to direct steam jetting into the head spaces inpassing containers.

5. In apparatus of the character described, means for moving filled open topped containers along a definite path of travel, a slot forming means disposed along each side of the path of travel of the containers, each said slot forming means having an elongated slot therein extending along said path of travel at a level slightly above the level of the open tops of the containers, means for directing a gaseous medium to said slots, and means overlying each open topped container as it travels along said path and having every portion thereof spaced above the level of the container open tops in position for obstructing upward diversion of gaseous medium, each said slot being spaced substantially the same distance from an imaginary line centered over the travelling'containers and opening in generally horizontal direction toward the slot at the op- .posite side of said travel path whereby sheetlike blasts of the gaseous medium directed from the opposing slots will mutually contact without obstruction centrally over the travelling containers and beneath said upward diversion obstruction means and by said contact be diverted downwardly into the containers and then fiow laterally out of the container head spaces to displace air therefrom. i

6. In apparatus of the character described,

' means for moving filled open topped containers along a definite path of travel, a slot forming means disposed along each side of the path of travel of the containers, each' said slot forming means having an elongated slot therein extendsaid path of travel at a level slightly above the level of the open tops of the containers, means for directing a gaseous medium to said slots, each said slot being spaced substantact without obstruction centrally over the travelling containers and by said contact be diverted downwardly into the containers and then flow laterally out of the container head spaces to displace air therefrom, and means for supporting a complementary cover over each container during the displacement of air therefrom and with all parts of each cover spaced above the top of the respective container and slightly above the level of the opposing slots so as to closely overlie the line along which the blasts of gaseous medium meet and obstruct upward diversion of said gaseous medium without obstructing direct generally horizontal contact of th blasts.

'7. In apparatus of the character described, means for moving filled open topped containers along a definite path of travel, a slot forming means disposed along each side of the path of travel of the containers, each said slot forming means having an elongated slot therein extending along said path of travel at a level slightly above the level of the open tops of the containers, means for directing a gaseous medium to said slots, each said slot being spaced substantially the same distanc from an imaginary line centered over the travelling containers and opening in generally horizontal direction toward the slot at the opposite side of said travel path whereby sheet-like blasts of the gaseous medium directed from the opposing slots will mutually contact without obstruction centrally over the travelling containers and by said contact be diverted downwardly into the containers and then flow laterally out of the container head spaces to displace air therefrom, means for supporting a complementary cover over each container during the displacement of air therefrom and with all parts of each cover spaced above the top of the respective container and slightly abovethe level of the opposing slots so as to closely overlie the line along which the blasts of gaseous medium meet and obstruct upward diversion of said gaseous medium without obstructing direct generally horizontal contact of the blasts, and a container and cover assembling station whereat each cover and the complementary container move into loosely assembled relation, said terminating at least in part at said station to permit the cover to mov toward said loose assembly, the elongated slot at one side of said path extending beyond the other elongated slot in position for directing the gaseous medium into each container head space while the complementary cover assembly thereon is being completed.

8. In apparatus of the character described,

means including a rotatable turret for simultaneously conveying filled open topped containers and complementary covers therefor with the covers disposed centrally over and with all parts thereof spaced a limited distance above the underlying container tops, a container and cover assembly station at which each container and its complementary cover are brought into loosely assembled tially the same distance from an imaginary line centered over the travelling containers and opening in generally horizontal direction toward the relation, means for supporting inner edge portions of the covers as they are being conveyed, meansfor supporting outer edge portions of the covers as they are being conveyed and terminating at said assembly station, a slot forming means disposed along each side of the path of travel over which the containers are conveyed by the turret, each said slot forming means having supporting means I concentrically arranged and horizontally opposed at the level of the unobstructed spaces between the travelling container tops and the complementary covers and each being spaced substantially the same distance to one side of an imaginary line centered over said containers, and means for directing steam to said slots whereby sheet-like blasts of steam delivered in opposition from said slots will mutually contact without obstruction centrally over the travelling containers and beneath the covers and by said contact be diverted downwardly into the containers and then flow laterally out of the container head spaces to displace air therefrom, the steam slot opposite the termination 01' the outer edge portion supporting means being continued beyond said termination so as to be eflective to continue directing steam against the covers as they are released from the end of the outer edge portion supporting means and into the container head spaces as the loose assembly of containers and covers is being eflected at said assembly station.

9. In apparatus of the character described, means including arotatable turret for simultaneously conveying filled open topped containers and complementary covers therefor with the covers disposed centrally over and with all parts thereof spaced a limited distance above the underlying container tops, a container and cover as-.

sembly station at which each container and its complementary cover are brought into loosely assembled relation, a slot forming means disposed along each side of the path of travel over which the containers are conveyed by the turret, each said slot forming means having an elongated arcuate slot therein, said slots being concentrically arranged and horizontally opposed at the level of the unobstructed spaces between the travelling container tops and the complementary covers and each being spaced substantially the same distance to one side 01' an imaginary line centered over said containers, and means for directing steam to said slots wh'ereby sheet-like blasts of steam delivered in'opposition from said slots will mutually contact without obstruction centrally over the travelling containers and beneath the covers and by said contact be diverted downwardly into the containers and then flow laterally out of the container head spaces to displace air therefrom,

10. In apparatus of the character described, means including a rotatable turret for simultaneously conveying filled open topped containers and complementary covers therefor with the covers disposed centrally over and with all parts thereof spaced a limited distance above the underlying container tops, a container'and'cover assembly station at which each container and its complementary cover are brought into loosely assembled relation, a slot forming means disposed along each side of the path of travel over which the containers are conveyed by the turret, each said slot forming means having an elongated arcuate slot therein, said slots being concentrically arranged andhorizontally opposed at the level of the unobstructed spaces between the travelling container tops and the complementary covers and each being spaced substantially the same distance to one side of an imaginary line centered over said containers, means for directing steam to said slots whereby sheet-lik blasts of steam delivered in opposition from said slots will mutually contact without obstruction cenan elongated arcuate slot therein, said slots being trally over the travelling containers and be neath the covers and by said contact be diverted downwardly into the containers and then how laterally out of the container head spaces to displace air therefrom, means for feeding containers to the turret along a path bearing tan gential relation to the path of travel oi the con tainers with the turret, and means tor directing steam against the sides of the containers in the region of the head spaces thereof while they are moving toward said concentrically spaced steam slots.

11. In apparatus of the character described, means including a rotatable turret tor simultaneously conveying filled open topped containers and complementary covers therefor with the covers disposed centrally over and with all parts thereof spaced a limited distance above the underlying container tops, 9. container and cover assembly station at which each container and its complementary cover are brought into loosely assembled relation, a slot forming means disposed along each side of the path of travel over which the containers are conveyed by the turret, each said slot forming means having an elongated arcuate slot therein, said slots being concentrically arranged opposition from said slots will mutually contact without obstruction centrally over the travelling containers and beneath the covers and by said contact be diverted downwardly into the containers and then flow laterally out of the container head spaces to displace air therefrom, the steam slot disposed outwardly with respect to passing containers including a straight portion extendedtangentially with respect to the arcuate portion thereof and along said tangential feed path so as to direct steam across the container head spaces continuously as they approach the turret, and the steam slot disposed inwardly with respect to passing containers continuing arcuately and concentric to the turret axis opposite the tangentially extended opposing steam slot so as to direct steam across beneath covers moving with the turret prior to receiving the containers in spaced relation thereunder.

12. In apparatus of the character described, a steam tunnel comprising an inverted U-shaped casing, means for guiding filled containers centrally along the tunnel, and means forming opposed steam slots extending along the tunnel at opposite sides thereof at a level below that 01' the open tops of the containers in position for delivering steam jetting directly and continuously against the sides of passing containers in the region of the head spaces therein above the filled product, and tubes extending along the top of the tunnel directly over the open tops of the containers and having apertures in the bottom portions thereof through which steam jets are di-" tally at a common level slightly above the open.

tops of the travelling containers to meet at said level-and without obstruction centrally over the path of travel of said containers, obstructing the meeting blasts. against upward diversion and thereby causing them to be diverted downwardly into the centers of the travelling containers and then laterally over the fill in the containers to said level and without obstruction centrally over the path 01' travel of said containers, obstructing the meeting blasts against upward diversion and thereby causing them to be diverted downwardly into the centers of the travelling containers and then laterally over the flll in the containers to sweep air from the head spaces and replace the same with steam, directing steam against the upper portions of the containers to preheat them prior to the introduction of steam in air displacing relation into the container head spaces, and dropping covers onto the containers with one side thereof contacting in advance of the other and continuing the introduction of steam into the container head spaces and against the falling covers so as to continue said steam introduction until loose assembly of the containers and covers is completed. 7

. H. L. MAKER.

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