US2617575A

US2617575A - Filling machine for liquid containers

Info

Publication number: US2617575A
Application number: US577959A
Authority: US
Inventors: Harry G Mojonnier
Original assignee: Mojonnier Bros Co
Current assignee: Mojonnier Bros Co
Priority date: 1945-02-15
Filing date: 1945-02-15
Publication date: 1952-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 1969-11-11

Description

Nov. 11,- 1952 H. G. MOJONINIER 2,617,575

FILLING MACHINE FOR LIQUID CONTAINERS Filed Feb. 15, 1945 Hlu n 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 ullllul Nov. 11, 1952 G, MQJONNIER 2,617,575

FILLING MACHINE FOR LIQUID CONTAINERS Filed Feb. '15, 1945 I 4 Sheets-Shet 2 60 J93 INVENTOR. .Zhfiry Mp b/z/azz BY I v Nov. 11, 1952 H. G. MOJONNIER FILLING MACHINE FOR LIQUID CONTAINERS 4 Sheets-She et 3 Filed Feb. 15, '1945 I 1 INVENTOR. jag G. yam/war mmmmmmmmmmQ.

I I2 I vll a Wflt ttt EEEEEEE M 7 J E i Mm f E f 4 w W/ M w z bra Nov; 11, 1952 H. e. MOJQNNIER FILLING MACHINE FOR LIQUID CONTAINERS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 15, 1945 VIII/Ill IN V EN TOR. fi arry QQZZqbazur BY m Q42 Patented Nov. 11, 1952 FILLING MACHINE FOR LIQUID CONTAINERS Harry G. Mojonnicr, Oak Park, Ill., assignor to Mojonnier Bros. 00., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application February 1 5, 1945, Serial No. 577,959

21 Claims.

This invention relates to the art of liquid handling, and concerns more particularly means and methods for effecting the filling of liquid containers or receptacles, such as bottles or the like, with liquids under pressure.

It is an object of the invention to provide a; filling mechanism of the type defined, of improved construction, and improved operating characteristics.

More specifically stated, one of the objects of the invention is to provide a filling mechanism, specifically for liquids under pressure, which effects a more rapid flow and uniform distribution of the liquid into the container to be filled, which is so arranged as to facilitate cleaning and promote sanitation, and which is of simplified structure in relation to the operations performed, requiring fewer and more simplified power driven actuating mechanisms.

A further object of the invention is to provide a filling mechanism, specifically for liquids under pressure, wherein an effective separation between the liquid and the counter-pressure gas is maintained at all times and in an improved manner, facilitating and improving the filling operation, and promoting speed of operation and accuracy of measurement- A still further object of the invention is to provide, in a filling mechanism for liquids, means and methods whereby the gas space within the container above the liquid, after filling, may be scavenged in an improved manner, and simultaneously charged with a desired gas or fiuid, whereby to improve the quality of the finished product, and further promote accuracy of measurement.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following specification, when taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, wherein certain preferred embodiments are set forth for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout:

Fig. 1 is a general assembly view, primarily in vertical section, of a liquid filling apparatus constructed in accordance with and embodying the principles of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top view of the mechanism of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale and with parts broken away, of one of the filling units or heads, and taken as indicated by the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Figs. 4 and 5 are vertical sectional views of the filling valve, and associated parts, in different positions of operation;

Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken as indicated by the line 6-6 of Fig. 3, and more particularly showing the actuating valvespring support member, and associated parts;

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the sup- 2 port member, taken as indicated by the line l-l of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional View of the inner valve seat member;

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view of the outer valve seat and support member, and taken as indicated by the irregular section line 9-9 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 10 is a horizontal sectional view, taken on the line Ill-III of Fig. 3, and showing the composite valve seatstructure and associated parts;

Fig. 11 is a horizontal sectional view through the air release and upper valve structure, on the line ll-ll of Fig. 3;

Fig. 12 is a horizontal sectional view, on the line I 2-l 2 of Fig. 3, and more particularly illustrating the shiftable filling valve member;

Fig. 13 is a vertical sectional view of the valve member taken as indicated by the line l3-l3 of Fig. 12; and

Fig. 14 is a partial view illustrating a modified form of gas escape tube such as may be employed when the scavenging mechanism is inoperative.

In the drawings the invention has been shown incorporated into a filling mechanism of the type employed in the filling of bottles with carbonated liquids under pressure, as the invention in certain of its aspects is particularly adapted for use with a mechanism of this type. It is to be understood, however, that various principles and features of the invention may also be used in other types of liquid handling apparatus, including other types of liquid fillingand measuring mechanisms.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, and first to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-13, in Figs. 1 and 2 there is generally illustrated a bottle filling apparatus of the type utilized for filling bottles with carbonated beverage under pressure, and wherein the bottles are transmitted in a continuous automatic manner to the machine. The bottles are filled automatically as they are transmitted through the machine, and then ejected for transmission to a capping machine.

More specifically, the apparatus shown comprises a supply conveyor l0, along which the bottles I2 to be filled are transmitted in alignment by suitable means to the rotatable filling conveyor of the filling apparatus. The filling apparatus comprises a main frame or base [4 having mittently by a roller 32 carried on the end of .a

driving arm 34 adapted to be rotatably driven 'in any suitable manner, as for example by a belt driven pulley 36. As will be understood,'as the arm 34 is rotatably driven, the Geneva drive comprising the roller 32 and the cam 33 imparts a step by step rotatable movement to the pedestal The filling conveyor comprises a bottle support plate 40 secured to the pedestal I8, for movement therewith, this support plate; having a series of bottle cradles 42 arranged to transmit the bottles during the-filling from the supply conveyor Into a discharge conveyor 44, Fig. 2,.leading to the capping machine. ,A stationary ring-like cam 46, supported bywa framework 4|, cooperates with a plunger 43 'associatedwitn each cradle, so asv to control the vertical positioning of the bottle as it is moved through the machine.

An annular filler bowl Bilis supported form'ovementqwith' thepedestal, l8: by aseries of radial support arms or websv 52;. they filler bowl being adaptedtoiorm a supply reservoir for the liquid to be introduced into the bottles. An annular cover. plate 54 heldiin place'by cap screws" 56, Figs. 2'an'd 3; forms a cover for the filler bowl; whereas at predetermined spaced .points, corresponding to the spacing of the cradles 42', the bottom of'the bowl'is provided with valve'seat and support members 58, Figs. 2, 3 and 9, held in place by screws 60 and forming the support for a series or filling valve mechanisms later. to: be described. Each valve support plate carries a gasket 62-, Fig, 3, against which the mouth of the bottle is brought intov engagement by the cam mechanism AS1448 as the bottle l'eavesethe supply conveyor It], the engagement being maintained until the bottle is ready 1 to be delivered to the discharge conveyor 441 For the purpose .of maintaining the filler'bowl with an adequate liquid: supply"a"supply pipe 64, Figs. liand. 2,1isprovi'ded, communicating at one end with the.filler'bowl',.arid'at its opposite end with a conduit or, pipe fifi' extending'longitudinally of the pedestal I8 androtatable ,therethy me ns e' acki s ture k h movable pipe 66 connectswith a stationary pipe section HI in turn connecting with a supply pipe 12 leading to a suitablesource-of liquid supply underlpressure, fore'xampleia carbonated beVer- Means is also provided for supplyin'g'scavenging.

gasto the valve mechanisms-fora purpose subsequently to'bedes'cribed. As shown inFigs. 1

and 2, an annular pipe; 16* embraces the filler bowl, the gas being supplied :to theannular pipe bymeans of asupplypipe '18 having a rotatable, section 80 extending longitudinally of the. pedestal, and a stationary section 82, thejmovable and stationary pipe sections being connected by suitable packing means 84. Thepipe fll connectswith a t e se m n s s wee re u for example CO2 in the, particular embodiment set 4 forth. Preferably the gas pressure supply connecting with the pipe .82 is slightly higher than the pressure of the liquid source connected to the pipe 12.

The details of the foregoing mechanisms form no partof the present invention, except in so far "as they cooperate with the filling devices and 'mechanisms hereinafter to be described.

As best shown in'Figs. 9 and 10, each valve 1 seat and support member 58 is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed upstanding projectionstt and 88 adapted by means of screws 90, Fig. 6, to be secured to and support a spring platform or support member 92. This spring support member is provided with a plurality of axial bores 94,.three in theparticular embodiment illustrated, adapted to slidably. receive aseries of'vertically extendingrods 96, Figs. 6 and 3.. These rodsat their lower ends/are threadeid into-an annular valve member 98, Figs; 12 and 1 3;and at their upper ends are secured by'meansof'setscrews;I00 to 'a'housing: member I02. elongated valve opening, compression spring I'M bearsbetween the housing 102 and the spring platform-support member 92. 1

Threaded into the central bore of the support platform 92-.is'an inner valve seat member M6, the detailed shaping of which is best shown in Fig. 8. This. seat member has a lower'annular portion I081 adapted, when the parts are-in assembledposition, to be predetermined annular spaced relation with a portion 0' of the outer valve'seat and support-member 58, the parts I03 and HE thus collectively forming an A annular valve passage 10,9;Fig. 3; of predetermined size, and cooperable'with an annular facing I 12, Fig. 13; of the shiftable valve member. 98'. In the illustrated: embodiment the annular valvepassage I 095 may, for example, be on the'order of an inch in. diameter and" approximately one-sixteenth 'ofaninch in width. I

Referring further to Fig. 8; it will be-s'een that the inner valve "s'eat"memb'er IDS' is' provided with anaxially: extendingrpassage I I4 terminating in-a 'pair: of coaxial threaded *bores' H 6' and H8. "A' pair'of'tubes 'or' pipes l20rand I22 are received, respectively, by: the bores HB-and: H8, aridl threadedly secured therein; These tubes, together with'the passage H4; form agas escape passage forgas'from the bottle'during thefilling operation; whereas the annular passagebetween' the partslilii'andv l'l0;under"control of the shiftable valve'member e8--lii2;iforms the restricted passageway of a" filling 'conduit'bywhich the liquidis 'introduced'into the bottle, 'aswillfs'ubsequ'ently be described;

The upper end of the gases'cape tube 'I'ZU'car ries a valve cap i2'4,-'r esting' by g'ra'vity thereon. The housing 102 carries a} pin l2 8 adapted to engage the cap asthe' h'ousing'member is raised, sci-as totilt-the capias shownin Fig 4. 'Itfwill be seen that simultaneouslyasfthe main liqu'id valve 98 is QpenedQ'a-nd tIie ro dstfiandhousing e b f f jfthefvalvecap I24 willj'be tilted into open position, permitting the escape of gas from the easesc'ape tube. -I-Io us ihg member I02 is provided with an orifice l28*"so "that gas exhausted from thejgas"escape tube maycom municate freely with the 'gas space 13 lYwithin-the filler bowl.

g The upper portion ofthe hou sing m'e'rr'iber I 02 carries a cap j i 32 adapted to be engaged; at" a predetermined time duringthemovement of the bottle through the-machine, and 'for' a predeten mined length-oitime'fby an foperating' 'plu'n'ger'br rod I34, the upper end of which is adapted to be engaged and actuated by a stationary ring-like cam I36, Figs. 3 and 1, of suitable shape and contour, and suitably supported by framework 41. When the rod I34 is forced downwardly into engagement with the cap I32, the main liquid control valve 98 is forced into closed position against the action of spring I04, as shown in Fig. 5.

To seal the operating rod or plunger I34 against leakage it will be seen that there is provided a flexible bellows I38, Fig. 3, sealed at its upper end to a flange I40 formed on the plunger, and at its lower end to a plug member I42 held in compressed engagement against a gasket I44 by means of a screw cap I46 having threaded engagement with the filler bowl cover. A compression spring I48 normally urges the plunger upwardly into engagement with the cam I36. Means is provided for introducing counterpressure gas into the bottle, prior to the filling operation. As shown, this means comprises a pipe I50, Fig. 3, communicating at its upper end with the gas space I in the filler bowl. The lower end of pipe I50 communicates with a pair of passages I52 and I54 drilled through the filler bowl wall, the latter passage communicating with an annular channel I56 formed in the outer valve seat and support member 58. Channel I56 communicates with a drilled passage I58 in the valve block, the latter terminating in a pipe I66, the end of which extends upwardly into an annular channel I62, Fig. 8, formed in the inner valve seat member I06. It will be seen that by means of the conduits described, counter-pressure gas from the reservoir I30 may be introduced into the annular channel I62, and then downwardly into the bottle, positioned in sealing engagement against the gasket 62.

Flow of counter-pressure gas into the bottle is controlled by means of a ball valve I64, Fig. 3,, normally spring urged into closed position by means of a compression spring I66, and adapted to be opened by means of an operating rod or plunger I68 under control of a fixed cam I10. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the cam I10 may be supported by certain of the framework uprights, such as indicated at 41 and 41", disposed between the inlet and outlet conveyors. 'The operating plunger I68 may be sealed against fiuid leakage and mounted in a manner similar to the plunger I34, as previously described.

Means is provided for exhausting or snifting compressed gas from the bottle after the filling operation. As best shown in Fig. 3, this means comprises a valve member I12 normally urged into closed position by means of a compression spring I14, but adapted to be opened by plunger I16, under control of the fixed cam track I11. This camtrack may be of generally arcuate form, as. shown in Fig. 2, and suitably supported from framework 41. When the valve is opened, communication is established from the channel I56 to atmosphere, through the exhaust passage I18.

Means is also provided for controlling the introduction of the scavenging gas from the pipe 16 .into the annular channel I62, previously described. As shown in Fig. 3, this means comprises a series of drilled passages I80, I82 and I84 forming communication between the annular channel I56 and the pipe 16, under control of a ball valve I86. This ball valve is normally spring urged into closed position, and adapted to be opened by means of a plunger I88 under control of the fixed cam track I11. Means for mounting the plunger I88, and for sealing it, may be the same as previously set forth in reference to plungers I34 and I66. In operation, after the bottle has been brough into sealed engagement with the gasket 62, and as the bottle reaches a predetermined filling station, plunger I68 is operated by cam I10 to momentarily open the valve I64. Counter-pressure gas fromthe space I30 is thereby introduced into the bottle. As the pressure within the bottle increases to substantially that of the filler bowl, the main liquid control .valve 98, which is normally held closed by the filler bowl pressure, is opened by the spring I04 as shown in Fig. 4. Simultaneously with the opening of the valve 98, the pin I26 is lifted therewith, and the gas escape valve I24 is tilted into open position.

The gas inlet or counter-pressure valve I64 need be opened only momentarily, and accordingly is permitted to close as the valve 98 opens and the filling commences. the bottle, the displaced air therein escapes up:- wardly through tubes I22 and I20, and into the filler bowl gas space through the valve I24.

The tube I22 is open at the bottom,,as indicated at I00, and is also provided with an opening or orifice I92 spaced upwardly from the bottom of the tube a predetermined distance. When the liquid level within the bottle reaches the opening I92, further escape of air from the bottle is prevented, and the filling operation thereupon automatically ceases. More particularly, the liquid passage I69, Fig. 3, is of such size that the surface tension of the liquid stops the passage of the liquid therethrough, and the filling operation ceases, immediately as the liquid level rises above the air escape opening I92. A predetermined quantity of air becomes trapped within the bottle and between the opening I92 and the valve passage I09.

In the continued movement of the bottle through the machine cam I36 becomes operative to depress plunger I34, as shown in Fig. 5, thereby forcing valve member 98 closed against the action of spring I04. Pin I26 moves downwardly, A as a part of the valve structure, so that gas escape valve I24 simultaneously closes.

Further movement of the bottle turntable then causes cam I11 to become operative upon plunger I88 to open scavenge valve 186, whereby CO2 gas at a pressure somewhat in excess of that within the bottle is admitted from the supply pipe 16 into the annular channel I82 within the inner valve seat member. This causes a pressure scavenging of the trapped air from the upper part of the bottle, and the replacement thereof by pure CO2 gas. It also causes the lowering of the liquid level accurately to the level of the pipe end I90. More particularly, as the scavenging gas is introduced, some of the trapped air within the bottle escapes by way of orifice I82, and upwardly through pipes I22 and I20, the positive pressure of the escaping air forcing the valve I 24 upwardly from its seat. However, orifice I92 is sufiiciently restricted in size so that the trapped air is also forced through the opening I 96 and upwardly through the tube I22, and this escaping air carries with it all liquid and foam abov the level of 'said opening I90.

Further movement of the bottle through the machine causes cam I11 to close scavenge valve I86, and thereafter operate plunger I16 to open the Shift or vent valve I12. This latter operation permits the reduction of gas pressure within the bottle. to atmospheric, after which the vent During the liquid filling of valve is permitted ito'close. iTh filling. operation is now complete, andthebottle may be' lowered and transmitted to the discharge: conveyor; As will a be understood, safter the venting operation plunger I34 may be' permittedto restore to normal upper position, the filler bowl pressure :becoming operative to hold tlie valve' 98- closed.

ns willbe' further understood; should thebottle break :or become improperly tseated against the gasket during the" filling :operation; the escape of 'the counter-pressure" from the bottle. :causes the fil-lenbowl pressure to automaticallyiclose the liquid valve 98,- stopping the filling :operation.

Attention 1 is directed to the character of r the annular valvei'passage H19. It will be seenth-at while th passage :is of predetermined siz'e', sufficientto 'stop' the filling operation upon thecutting off of air escape through the tube I122, the valve passage is otherwise unrestricted -and unimpeded. By this meansa maximum and rapid filling rate isobtained. Also the liquid delivered therethrou'gh' is causedtoimpinge in an unbroken annular ring against the' tapered surface I94 of the valve seat member. 58 whereby to flow-smoothly: and "with a. minimum of foaming down the sides 'of'the bottle. 'Still further there isnothing in or associated with the valve passage Illflto become contaminated,:and upon separation of members I06 and 58, th'e-passage becomes completely exposed -for inspection or cleaning, if necessary.

-'Attention is further directed to the fact that liquid is at all timesmaintained out ofand away from the counter-pressure, scavenging, and vent gas" passages in the structure. More particularly, pipes; I20 and I22 which may become either wholly or "partially filled with liquidin operation, are used only asgas escape tubes through which gas fiowsat only smallpressure differential. The

counter-pressure passages associated with the valve- I64, the'scavenging passages associated-with valve I86; and the vent passages associated with thevalve I12 are at all times maintained-absolutely freeof liquid, so that-atomizing or'- the formation of vapor clouds either upon the introduction of the counter-pressure into the bottle, or upon scavenging'or-venting, is precluded. Such vapor clouds-if formed, tend to causea boiling and agitationtof the liquid, increasing the overall filling time required, and also introducing inaccuracies in measurement. In conn'ectionwith the maintaining of the counter-pressure, scavenging, and-vent passages free of liquid, it will be seen that the discharge end of the tube ISIl'through which the counter-pressure, scavengingand vent gases flow, exhausts into the annularchannel I62 ofsthe inner valve seat member I66 which is at alLtimes maintained liquid free and is above and away fromthe liquid flow passages.

The scavenging operations, enabled by the provision of the scavenging 'mechanisni, insure the removal of foam froin'the top of the bottle,- thus insuring: accuracy otmeasurement. The scavenging also "causesithechargin'g of the gas space of the bottlewithxa 'desiredgas, for example pure CO2 in the illustrated embodiment, distinspace I353 of the filler bowl. guisned from thexair diluted gas-:within'the. gas The structure comprises a minimum number f parts, in-respect to the operations performed, iacilitating sanitationand cleaning, .andalso requiring a minimum number of: external operating mechanisms. inxthis. connection it will-be noted that the gas "escapee valve IE iand the liquid valve 98 :are structurally interconnected for :correlative fm-oveme'nt,:so that. only suitable liquid valve operating; me'ans,*.viz., the spring. I04 for. :opening. and: plunger I 34 for. closing. need::be provided.

In.Fig.'-.14 a*m0 dified embodiment is illustrated, such ;as :'may ::be utilized for example ':with the scavenging:mechanismqdisabled. The construction, isrthe .-.same except that zscavenging is not employed-,: and "a tube [22d isiutilizedi the same as tube 5 i 22 previously described, but without an opening :correspoiiding to the orifice I 92; ilin the use of :the. Fig. 14 tube i=2i2a, gthe filling will :progressconlyto the level :0f:.the' bottom: of'rthettube, to athezopening i I a. At :the :end :of the: filling, the-nair space :above the Z-liquidpin the bottle is thereupon vented,- without the intermediate scavenging "operation.

It isobvious that various changes'may be made in the specific embodiments set forth withoutideparting-from the'.'spirit of theinvention. -'flZhe invention: is accordinglyinotto {be limitedgtotthe specific gembodiments .,-shown and described, .but only as indicated. inlthe' following claims.

The. invention is. hereby. claimed as follows:

'1. A filling *mechanism .iior :introducing :liquids into containers 'gcomprising. a. liquid supply chamber, agas escape'tubeadaptedto project into 'azcontainer and having ansescape. opening disposedata predetermined level thereinga filling conduit for liquid interconnecting the-sup- .ply chamber. and theacontain'er, a substantially annularrestricted passageway disposed :to said conduit; said passageway beingsufiieiently small to stop liquid fiow'therethroughwhen theescape ofxgasthrough said escape opening is cut vofi andsaid filling conduit being formed with a downwardly and inwardly tapered" conical wall portion disposed verticallybelow said passageway and adapted to receive the liquid therefrom; the smaller diameter of said'coni'cal wall being less than the inner diameter of-said annular passageway. I a

I A filling: mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a supply chamber for liquid under'pressure, a -fil-ling conduit for the liquid interconnecting the'supply chamber and the container, a-gas escape conduit arranged to conduct gases from the --containerduring the filling operation, a counter-pressure *conduitfor admitting counter-pressure gas to the container prior to the fi-lling operation, and 'means-ior maintaining said counter-pressure conduit free of liquid during-the filling operation.

3;Afil lihg mechanismfor introducing liquids into containers comprising a liquid'supply c-ham :bei'pa fil-li-ngconduit for the liquid interconnect ing the supply chamber-and thecontainenagas escape i conduit "having an escape opening disposed at-a predetermined level within the con- .tai-nor arranged-to conduct gases" therefrom during-the filling operation, said filling conduit" having a restricted passageway disposed thereid to stop liquid-flow through the-passagewaywhen the escape of-gas through the gas escape 'opening is cut-off, a -counter-pressure conduitforadmitting counter pressure gas .to' the container prior 'to'the' filling-operation, and meansgfor maintaining said -counter;-pressure conduit'free of liquid during the-filling" operation.-

4. l -A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers-comprising a supply chamber for liquid underpressure, a filling conduit for the :liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and the container, a gaslescape conduit arranged to conduct zgasesifroni the container during the filling operation, a counter-pressure conduit for admitting counter-pressure gas to the container prior to the filling operation, a vent conduit for venting pressure gas from the container after the filling operation, and means for maintaining said counter-pressure and vent conduits free of liquid during the filling operation.

5. A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a liquid supply chamber, a filling conduit for the liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and the container, a gas escape conduit having an escape opening disposed at a predetermined level within the container arranged to conduct gases therefrom during the filling operation, said filling conduit having a restricted passageway disposed therein to stop liquid fiow through the passageway when the escape of gas through the gas escape opening is cut off, a counter-pressure conduit for admitting counter-pressure gas to the container prior to the filling operation, a vent conduit for venting pressure gas from the container after the filling operation, and means for maintaining said vent conduit and said counter-pressure conduit free of liquid during the filling operation.

6. A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a liquid supply chamber, a filling conduit for the liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and the container, a gas escape conduit having an escape opening disposed at a predetermined level in the container, said filling conduit having a control valve and a restricted passageway disposed in the conduit for stopping liquid flow therethrough when the escape of gas through said escape opening is cut off, a counter-pressure conduit for admitting counter-pressuregas to the container prior to the filling operation, and means comprising a conduit portion extending to a point above and away from the filling conduit for maintaining said counterpressure conduit free of liquid during the filling operation.

7. The method of introducing liquids into containers which comprises introducing counterpressure gas into the container to establish a predetermined pressure condition therein, filling the container to establish a predetermined liquid level, and scavenging the first named gas from the gas space within the container above the liquid level, while simultaneously introducing a as of predetermined quality therein.

8. A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a liquid supply chainher, a gas escape tube adapted to project-into a container and having an escape opening disposed. I at a predetermined level therein, a filling; conduit iorliquid interconnecting the supply-chamber and the container, a restricted passageway disposed in said conduit, said passageway'being sufiiciently small to stop liquid flow therethrough when the escape of gas through said escape opening is cut oil, and means for scavenging gas from the container above the liquid level while simultaneously introducing a gas of predetermined quality therein.

9. A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a supply chamber for liquid under pressure, filling conduit for the liquidinterconnecting the supply chamber and the container, 2. gas escape tube adapted to project into the container and having an escape opening disposed at a predetermined level therein, said filling conduit having a restricted pas sageway for stopping liquid flow therethrough when the'escape of gas through said escape opening is cut off, a counter-pressure conduit for admitting counter-pressure gas to the container prior to the filling operation, and a scavenging conduit for admitting scavenging gas to v the container subsequent to the filling operation to scavenge the counter-pressure gas from the gas space in the container above the liquid level.

10. A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a supply chamber for liquid, a filling conduit for the liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and the container, a filling valve for controlling liquid fiow through the filling conduit, a gas escape conduit arranged to conduct gases from the container during the filling operation, an escape Valve for controlling gas flow through the escape conduit, means for operating the filling valve, said filling valve actuating the escape valve therewith, and a restricted orifice in the filling conduit to out off flow therethrough upon the cutting off of gas fiow through the gas escape conduit.

11. A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a supply chamber for liquid under pressure, a filling conduit for the liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and the container, a filling valve for controlling liquid flow through the filling conduit, a gas escape conduit arranged to conduct gases from the container during the filling operation, an escape valve for controlling gas flow through'the escape conduit, and means for operating the fill ing valve, said filling valve actuating the escape valve therewith, a counter-pressure conduit for admittingcounter-pressure gas to the container prior to the filling operation, a counter-pressure valve for controlling gas fiowthrough the counter-pressure conduit, and-means for operating said counter-pressure valve.

12'. A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a supply chamber for liquid under pressure, a filling conduit for the liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and the container, a shiftable filling valve for controlling liquid fiow through the filling conduit, a gas escape tube for conducting gases from the container during the filling operation, a shiftable escape valve for controlling gas flow through said escape tube, a spring for operating the filling valve in one direction, power mechanism for shifting the filling valve in the opposite direction, said filling valve shifting the escape valve simultaneously therewith, and a restricted orifice in the filling conduit for'cutting ofi fiow therethrough upon the cutting off of gas flow through the gas escape tube.

13. A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a supply chamber for liquid under pressure, a filling conduit for the liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and the-container, a shiftable filling valve for controlling liquid flow through the filling conduit, a gas escape tube for conducting gases from the containerduring the filling operation, a shiftable escape valve for controlling gas flow through said escape tube, means for introducing counterpressure gas into the container including a counter-pressure control valve and means for controlling the functioning thereof, a spring for operating the filling valve in one direction when counter-pressure within the container reaches a predeterminedvalue, and power mechanism for shifting the filling valve in the opposite direction, said filling valve shifting the escape valve simultaneously therewith. V

14. A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a support for a container, a supply chamber for liquid under pressure, a filling conduit for the liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and thecontainer, ashiftable filling valve for controlling liquid flow through the filling conduit, a gas escape tube fixed in respect to the container support during the filling operation and adapted to project into the container and having an escape opening disposed at a predetermined level therein, said filling conduit having a restricted passageway formed therein for stopping liquid fiow therethrough when the escape of gas through the escape opening is cut oil, a shiftable escape valve for controlling the flow through said escape tube, means for admitting counter-pressure into the container prior to the filling operation, and means for venting pressure gas from the container after the filling operation.- a

15. A filling-mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a liquid supply chamber, a gas escape tube adapted to project into a container and having an escape opening disposed at a predetermined level therein, a filling conduit for liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and the container, and means defining a restricted passageway disposed in said conduit, said passageway being formed by a pair of juxtaposed conduit portions defining the lateral limits of the liquid body immediately thereunder, the

space between said portionsbeing open and unobstructed but sufficiently small to stop liquid flow therethrough when the escape of gas through said escape opening is cut ofi.

16. A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a liquid supply chamber, a gas escape tube adaptedto project into a container and havingan escape opening disposed at-a predetermined level therein, afilling conduit for liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and the container, and means defining a restricted passageway'disposed in said conduit above the level of the escape opening of the gas escape tube, said passageway comprising a single opening transmitting the entire liquid fiow through said fillingconduit, and said opening being open and unobstructed but suficiently small to'cause the surface tension of the'liquid to stop liquid flow therethrough when the escape of gas through the escape opening is cut off;

1'7. A fillingmechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising aliquid supplycharnber, a gasescape'tube adapted tic-project into a container and having an escape :opening disposed at a predetermined level therein, a filling conduit for liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and the container, and. means: defining a restricted passageway disposed in said conduit above the level of the escape opening-of thegas escape tube, said passageway being formed-by juxtaposed conduit portions defining an annular opening, the space between said portions being open and unobstructed but sufiicientlysmall to cause the surface tension of the liquid to stop liquid fiow therethrough when the escape ofgas through the escapeopening is cut off.

18. A filling mechanismfor introducing liquids into containers comprising a liquid supply chamber, a gas escape tubeadaptedto projectlinto a container andhaving an escape opening disposedat a predetermined level.therein,ra filling conduit for liquid interconnecting the, supply chamberv and'the container, and means defining a restricted passageway disposed in said conduit, said passageway transmitting, the entire liquid file of this patent:

flow'through the filling conduit, and said passageway being formed by a pair of relatively separable members separable to facilitate the cleaning of the fiow space therebetween, the space between said members being open and unobstructed but sufliciently small to stop liquid flow therethrough .when the escape of gas through the escape opening is cut off.

19. A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a liquid supply chamber,,a gas escape tube adapted togproject into a container and having an escape openingdisposed at a predetermined level therein, a filling conduit for liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and the container; and means definin a restricted passageway disposed in said conduit; said passageway being formed by a pair of juxtaposed members defining an annular opening therebetween, said members being separable to facilitate the cleaning of said opening, and said opening being unobstructed but sufiiciently small to stop liquid fiow therethrough when the escape of gas through the'escape opening is cut oil;

20, A filling mechanism 'for introducing liquids into containers comprising a liquid supply chamber, a gas escape tube adapted to project into a container and having an escape opening disposedat a predetermined level therein, a filling conduit for liquid interconnecting the supply chamber and the container, and means defining a restricted passageway disposed in said conduit, said passageway being formed by a pair of spaced juxtaposed conduit portions-having a dimension longitudinally of ,the passageway greater than the flow space therebetween, said fiow space being open and unobstructed but sufiiciently small to stop liquid flow therethrough when the escape of gas through the escape opening is cut oil.

21. A filling mechanism for introducing liquids into containers comprising a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of liquid under pressure, a gas escape tube adapted to project into a container and having an escape opening disposed at a predetermined level therein, a filling conduit for liquid interconnecting said reservoir and the container, said gas escape tube having a portion disposed within the filling conduit, gasket means for sealing the container to the filling conduitin a fluid-tight connection, and a restricted passageway disposed in the filling conduit above the level of the escape opening of the gas escape tube, said passageway comprising an elongated narrow opening having its minimum flow area dimension sufiiciently small. to cause the surface tension of the liquid to stop gravity liquid flow through all parts of the passageway when the escape of, gas through said escape opening is cut ofi.

HARRY G. MOJONNI'ER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 7 Name Date 1,985,767 De Markus Dec. 25, 1934' 2,063,326 Meyer Dec. 8, 1936 2,154,175 Mayo Apr. 11, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 211,110 Germany June 19, 1969