US3504714A

US3504714A - Bottle-filling apparatus for handling foamy liquids

Info

Publication number: US3504714A
Authority: US
Inventors: Chauncey M Bell
Original assignee: CHAUNCEY M BELL
Current assignee: CHAUNCEY M BELL
Priority date: 1968-02-14
Filing date: 1968-02-14
Publication date: 1970-04-07
Anticipated expiration: 1987-04-07

Description

c. M. BELL April 7, 1970 BOTTLE-FILLING APPARATUS FOR HANDLING FOAMY LIQUIDS Filed Feb. 14, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 /N VENTOP Chaunce M, all M ways C. M. BELL April 7, 1970 BOTTLE-FILLING APPARATUS FOR HANDLING FOAMY LIQUIDS Filed Feb. 14, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG 4 United States Patent U.S. Cl. 141244 16 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An apparatus for simultaneously filling a plurality of bottles with a liquid, comprising means for supporting the bottles, a movable filler frame having a plurality of spigots adapted to be inserted into the bottles, a supply manifold, a plurality of branch conduits connected to said spigots and projecting downwardly into said manifold, a vent manifold, a plurality of vent conduits connected between said vent manifold and said branch conduits, a vent valve connected between said vent manifold and the atmosphere for breaking the siphonic action in said branch conduits after the bottles have been filled, so as to minimize the dribbling of the liquid from said spigots when they are withdrawn from the bottles, a main conduit extending upwardly into said supply manifold, a standpipe extending upwardly from said supply manifold above the entrance of said main conduit, whereby any bubbles in the entering liquid will tend to travel upwardly to the atmosphere within said standpipe, a measuring tank for holding enough liquid to fill all of the bottles simultaneously, the lower portion of said measuring tank being below the liquid level to which the bottles are to be filled, whereby liquid will remain in said measuring tank after the bottles have been filled, said main conduit being connected to said measuring tank below said liquid level, whereby said main conduit is always filled with the liquid, 3. first supply valve in said main conduit, means for filling said measuring tank including a supply source of the liquid, a supply level tank, a float valve in said supply level tank for admitting the liquid from said source to maintain the desired supply level in said supply level tank, a supply conduit connected to said measuring tank below the minimum liquid level therein, a selectively Operable pump for pumping the liquid from said supply level tank to said supply conduit to fill said measuring tank, a second supply valve connected into said supply conduit to prevent backflow of the liquid, said measuring tank having an overflow partition over which the liquid will flow when the liquid rises above the overflow level, an overflow receptacle for receiving the overflowing liquid from said measuring tank, and a return conduit connected between said overflow receptacle and said supply level tank, said overflow receptacle affording room for any foam which may form therein.

This invention relates to an apparatus for simultaneously filling a plurality of bottles or other containers with a liquid, so that the liquid, together with the bottles, may be sold or otherwise distributed.

In certain aspects, this invention may be regarded as an improvement upon the invention disclosed and claimed in the applicants United States Patent No. 3,311,141, patented May 28, 1967.

One important object of the present invention is to provide a bottle-filling apparatus which is especially well adapted to handle foamy liquids, such as liquid detergents, for example. The handling of such liquids tends to form foam which tends to interfere with the uniform and speedy filling of the bottles. Liquid detergents are also characterized by a relatively high viscosity, which also ice tends to interfere with the filling of the bottles. The apparatus of the present invention overcomes the problems arising from the foaminess and relatively high viscosity of liquid detergents and other similar liquids.

The apparatus of the present invention preferably utilizes most of the basic features disclosed and claimed in the applicants prior patent, mentioned above. Thus, the apparatus employs a measuring tank, adapted to hold enough liquid to fill all of the containers simultaneously. A main conduit is connected between the measuring tank and a supply manifold, from which branch conduits or tubes extend to a plurality of spigots projecting downwardly from a filler member or frame. The spigots are adapted to be inserted into the bottles. The manifold and the lower ends of the spigots are below the liquid level to which the bottles are to be filled, so that the manifold remains full of the liquid after the bottles have been filled. As a result, the liquid levels in the bottles are equalized by siphonic action. A valve is connected into the main conduit to prevent backflow of the liquid when the spigots are withdrawn from the bottles.

In accordance with one feature of the present invention, the lower portion of the measuring tank is below the liquid level to which the bottles are to be filled, so that a minimum liquid level will be maintained in the measuring tank at all times, even after the bottles have been filled. The main conduit is connected to the measuring tank below the minimum liquid level, with the result that the main conduit remains full of the liquid at all times. The introduction of air into the main conduit is thus prevented, so that the liquid will be free from foam and air bubbles when it is supplied to the bottles.

Preferably, a plurality of vent conduits are connected between the upper ends of the spigots and the vent manifold. A vent valve i preferably connected between the vent manifold and the atmosphere. The vent valve is preferably opened after the bottles have been filled and the supply valve has been closed, but before the spigots are withdrawn from the bottles. The venting of the spigots and the branch conduits causes the liquid in the spigots t0 flow freely into the bottles, so that there will be a minimum of dribbling of the liquid when the spigots are withdrawn from the bottles. The opening of the vent valve breaks the siphonic action in the branch conduits.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the measuring tank is preferably filled to an overflow level, whereupon the liquid flows over a partition or other overflow means. The overflow level determines the maximum capacity of the measuring tank. The liquid is preferably supplied to the measuring tank through a supply conduit which is connected to the tank below the minimum liquid level, so that the supply conduit is full of liquid at all times. In this way, the formation of foam in the measuring tank is prevented.

The liquid is preferably pumped into the supply conduit from a supply level tank, into which the liquid is admitted from a master source by a float valve or the like, to maintain a substantially constant supply level in the supply tank. A selectively operable pump is prefer ably connected between the supply tank and the supply conduit. A valve is preferably connected into the supply conduit to prevent the backflow of the liquid.

The overflowing liquid from the measuring tank is collected in an associated overflow receptacle. Preferably, a return conduit is connected between the overflow receptacle and the supply tank so as to return the overflow to the supply tank. The liquid level in the overflow receptacle is thereby kept substantially below the overflow level, so that room will be afforded in the overflow receptacle to hold any foam which may form therein.

Further objects, advantages and features of the present invention will appear from the following description, taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic elevational section of a bottle-filling apparatus to be described as an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevational section taken through the supply manifold and the standpipe, generally along the line 22 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal section taken through the branch conduits and the standpipe generally along the line 33 in FIG. 2

FIG. 4 is a plan view, partly in horizontal section, through the measuring tank, the apparatus being rearranged to handle four bottles rather than twelve.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, along a line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

As just indicated, FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus or system for simultaneously filling a plurality of bottles or other containers 12. The illustrated apparatus 10 may be employed to handle virtually any liquid which needs to be bottled. However, the apparatus 10 is particularly Well adapted for handling liquids which tend to form foam very easily. Such liquids include liquid detergents or the like. The foaminess of such liquids makes them diflicult to handle. Moreover, liquid detergents are relatively viscous, so that they tend to retain air bubbles. This factor also increases the difficulty of handling such liquids. However, the illustrated apparatus 10 is con structed and arranged so as to obviate any problems arising from the foaminess and viscosity of the liquid to be handled.

The liquid detergent, or other liquid to be handled, is derived from a master supply source 14, which is illustrated as comprising a large storage tank 16. The liquid may be transferred to the storage tank 16 from a railroad tank car, truck tank, or the like.

Rather than utilizing the liquid directly from the main tank 16, the illustrated apparatus 10 is preferably provided with an intermediate supply tank 18, in which the liquid is maintained at a relatively constant supply level, indicated by a broken horizontal line 20. The upper end of the supply tank 18 is open to the atmosphere. Means are provided to admit the liquid to the supply tank 18, so as to maintain a relatively constant supply level. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid is admitted to the supply tank 18 by a float valve 22 operated by a float 24 in the tank 18. A pipe or conduit 26 is connected between the main tank 16 and the float valve 22. Preferably, a shut-off valve 28 is connected in o the supply line or pipe 26, so that the flow of the liquid may be stopped when it is desired to drain the tank 18 for maintenance or cleaning.

From the intermediate supply tank 18 the liquid is transferred into a measuring tank 30, adapted to hold enough of the liquid to fill all of the bottles 12 simultaneously. The (illustrated measuring tank 30 incorporates overflow means 32 and an overflow receptacle 34. When the liquid is supplied to the measuring tank 30, the liquid rises to the overflow level established by the overflow means 32, and then overflows into the overflow receptacle 34. Thus the maximum capacity of the measuring tank 30 is established by the overflow means 32.

It will be understood that the structure of the overflow means 32 may be varied widely. As shown, the overflow means 32 simply takes the form of a vertical partition in the measuring tank 30, having an upper edge 36 over which the liquid may flow into the overflow receptacle 34. It will be seen that the overflow receptacle 34 is in the form of an isolated compartment in the measuring tank 30. The partition 32 extends between the overflow compartment or receptacle 34 and a measuring compartment 38. The measuring tank 30 is preferably made, at least in part, of transparent plastic or other trans arent material, so that the operator may readily observe the liquid in the measuring compartment 38 of the tank 30, and also in the overflow compartment 34.

The measuring tank 30 is preferably mounted with its lower portion substantially below the liquid level to which the bottles 12 are to be filled. Such liquid level is indicated by a horizontal broken line 40. This level constitutes approximately the minimum liquid level in the measuring compartment 38 of the tank 30 during normal operation. Thus, a minimum quantity of the liquid is maintained in the measuring compartment 38 at all times.

To prevent the formation of foam in the measuring compartment 38, the liquid is supplied to and withdrawn from the measuring compartment at points located substantially below the minimum liquid level, represented by the line 40. Thus, a supply conduit or tube 42 is connected to the bottom portion of the measuring compartment 38, below the minimum liquid level 40. An outlet conduit or tube 43 is also connected to the measuring compartment 38, below the minimum liquid level.

It is preferred to employ a pump 44 to transfer the liquid from the intermediate supply tank 18 to the conduit 42 and thence to the measuring compartment 38 of the tank 30. As shown, a motor 46 is provided to drive the pump 44. Power may be supplied to the motor 46 through a switch 48. The intake side of the pump 44 is connected to a conduit or tube 50 which leads to the intermediate tank 18. It will be seen that the conduit 50 extends downwardly from the lower portion of the tank 18 so that the conduit 50 will be full of liquid at all times. This arrangement prevents the formation of foam in the conduit 50 and the pum 44.

The discharge side of the pump 44 is connected to the supply conduit 42. A valve 52 is preferably connected into the supply conduit 42, to prevent the backfiow of liquid.

The measuring compartment 38 of the tank 30 is filled by opening the valve 52 and closing the switch 48, so as to energize the pump motor 46. The pump 44 withdraws the liquid from the intermediate tank 18 and forces the liquid into the measuring compartment 38. The liquid rises until it flows over the overflow partition 32. The valve 52 is then closed, to prevent any backflow of the liquid. Simultaneously the switch 48 is opened to stop the pump motor 46.

The overflowing liquid is collected in the overflow receptable or compartment 34. Preferably, the excess liquid is returned from the overflow compartment 34 to the intermediate supply tank 18. For this purpose, a conduit or tube 54 is connected between the lower portion of the overflow compartment 34 and the lower portion of the tank 18. The entire conduit 54 is below the liquid level 20 in the supply tank 18, so that the conduit 54 will always be full of the liquid. The connecting conduit 54 equalizes the liquid levels in the overflow compartment 34 and the tank 18. Inasmuch as the supply liquid level is well below the overflow level, the upper portion of the overflow compartment 34 provides plenty of room to hold any foam which may be formed in the compartment, clue to the splashing of the overflowing liquid.

It is preferred to provide an adjustable support 56 for the measuring tank 30 whereby the elevation of the tank can be adjusted. The adjustable support 56 may assume various forms, but it is shown as a threaded pipe or rod 58, projecting downwardly from the lower ends of the tank 30 and slidably received in a hollow column or other member 60. An internally threaded ring or nut 62 is mounted on the threaded member 58 and is supported by the upper end of the column 60. The elevation of the tank 30 may be changed by turning the nut 62.

The liquid is actually dispensed into the bottles 12 by a filler head or member 66 comprising a plurality of spigots 68, projecting downwardly from a movable frame 70. The spigots 68 are adapted to be inserted into the bottles 12.

A carton or some other container 72 is preferably provided to hold the bottles 12 while they are being filled. The carton 72 may be employed as a shipping container for the empty bottles to be filled. Moreover, the carton 72 may be employed as a shipping container for the bottles, after they have been filled.

Means are provided to support the bottles 12 and the associated carton 72 at the work station where the bottles are to be filled. As shown, such means take the form of a work table 74, fitted with a series of conveyor rollers 76, so that the cartons of bottles can be rolled very easily to and from the work station. It will be evident that the work table 74 supports the bottles 12 at a predetermined elevation.

Means are provided to carry the liquid from the measuring tank 30 to the spigots 68. Preferably, such means comprise a plurality of branch conduits or tubes 80, connected between the spigots 68 and a supply manifold 82. The conduit 43 is connected between the manifold 82 and the lower portion of the measuring compartment 38. A shut-off valve 84 is preferably connected into the conduit 43, to control the flow of the liquid between the measuring compartment 38 and the manifold 82.

The illustrated manifold 82 is in the form of a generally rectangular housing or container having top and bottom walls 86 and 88, with a plurality of side walls 90 therebetween. The branch conduits or tubes 80 are provided with entrance pipes or portions 92 which project downwardly into the manifold, below the top wall 86 thereof. This construction substantially prevents the entry of any air bubbles into the pipes 92.

The main conduit 43 is preferably provided with a terminal pipe or portion 94 which projects upwardly into the manifold 82, above the bottom wall 88. It will be seen that the main terminal pipe 94 projects upwardly in the manifold 82 to a level substantially above the lower ends of the branch terminal pipes 92. This construction also assists in preventing any air bubbles from traveling from the main terminal pipe 94 to the branch terminal pipes 92.

The manifold 82 is preferably provided with a standpipe 96 which extends upwardly therefrom and is open at its upper end to the atmosphere. It will be seen that the standpipe 96 is provided with a lower terminal portion 98 which connects with the manifold 82 through the upper wall 86, at a point directly above the main terminal pipe 94 of the supply conduit 43. Thus, any air bubbles entering the manifold 82 through the supply conduit 43, tend to travel upwardly to the atmosphere through the standpipe 96. In this way, the air bubbles are immediately eliminated from the manifold 82.

Preferably, the standpipe 96 comprises an enlarged portion 100 into which the liquid rises during the normal operation of the apparatus. The enlarged portion 100 increases the volume or capacity of the standpipe. It will be seen that the fill level 40 to which the bottles are to be filled, extends through the enlarged portion 100. Preferably, the standpipe 96 is made, at least in part, of transparent material, such as a transparent plastic or the like, so that the operator can observe the level of the liquid in the standpipe.

Means are preferably provided to vent the spigots 68 and the branch conduits 80 to the atmosphere, after the bottles 12 have been filled. In this way, the siphonic action in the branch conduits 80 is broken, so that the liquid will quickly drain out of the spigots and into the bottles 12. The spigots 68 can then be removed from the bottles 12 with a minimum of dribbling of the liquid.

The venting arrangement is shown to best advantage in FIGS. 4 and 5. It will be seen that vent conduits 102 are connected between the spigots and a vent manifold 104. As shown in FIG. 5, each vent tube or conduit 102 is connected to an angle fitting or elbow 103, connected between the upper end of the corresponding spigot 68 and the associated branch conduit 80. A main vent tube 6 106 extends upwardly from the manifold 104. As shown, a vent valve 108 is connected into the vent tube 106, to control the communication between the atmosphere and the manifold 104.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a slightly modified manifold 182 which differs from the manifold 82, in that only four of the branch conduits or tubes are connected to the manifold 182 rather than 12 branch conduits, as illustrated in FIGS. l-3. Thus, the manifold 182 is employed for filling four bottles simultaneously, while the manifold 82 is employed for filling 12 bottles. It will be understood that interchangeable manifolds may be provided for filling various numbers of bottles simultaneously.

Similarly, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a modified filler head 166, arranged to fill only four bottles, rather than 12 bottles.

FIG. 4 also illustrates the fact that the measuring tank 30 is reversible, in that either compartments 34 or 38 may be employed as the measuring compartment, depending upon the desired capacity of the measuring tank. It will be recalled that in FIG. 1 the compartment 34 is employed as the overflow receptacle, while the compartment 38 is employed as the measuring compartment. In FIG. 4, this situation is reversed, in that the compartment 34 is employed as the measuring compartment, while the compartment 38 is employed as the overflow receptacle. The connections of the

conduits

42, 43 and 54 are interchanged between the tWo compartments. As illustrated, the capacity of the compartment 38 is approximately three times the capacity of the compartment 34. Thus, the compartment 38 may be employed as the measuring compartment when 12 bottles are to be filled. The compartment 34 may be employed as the measuring compartment when only four bottles are to be filled simultaneously.

It may be helpful to summarize the operation of the bottle filling apparatus. The empty bottles are received from the bottle manufacturer in cartons 72. There may be 12 bottles, or any other suitable number of bottles in each carton. Initially, the operator places a carton of empty bottles on the work table 74 and rolls the carton to the work station. The operator then manipulates thefiller head 66 so as to insert the spigots 68 into the bottles.

If the valve 28 is closed, the operator opens it so that the liquid will flow from the main tank 16 into the intermediate tank 18 through the float valve 22. The liquid rises in the tank 18 until the float 24 closes the valve 22.

Next, the operator opens the valve 52 and closes the switch 48 so as to energize the pump motor 46. The pump 44 withdraws the liquid from the tank 18 and forces the liquid into the measuring compartment 38 of the measuring tank 30. The liquid rises in the compartment 38 until it overflows into the compartment 34. The operator then closes the valve 52 and opens the switch 48, so as to deenergize the motor 46. The liquid overflows from the compartment 38 and the bottles 12. Due to the fact that the top of the overflow partition 36. Thus, the height of the partition 32 establishes the maximum level of the liquid in the measuring compartment 38.

The overflowing liquid is collected in the compartment 34. Initially, the level of -the liquid in the compartment 34 is the same as in the intermediate tank 18, because of the interconnecting conduit 54. Some of the liquid which overflows into the compartment 34 is returned to the tank 18 through the conduit 54, so as to equalize the levels of the liquid in the tank 18 and the compartment 34.

To fill the bottles 12, the operator opens the valve 84. The liquid then flows from the measuring compartment 38, through the main conduit 43, the valve 84, the manifold 82, the branch conduits 80 and the spigots 68, and into the bottles 12. The operator leaves the valve 84 open until the liquid level equalizes between the measuring compartment 38 and the bottles 12. Due to the fact that the manifold 82 and the branch conduits 80 are full of the liquid, the liquid level equalizes in the bottles 12 due to siphonic action.

After the liquid level has equalized, the operator closes the valve 84 and opens the vent valve 108. In this Way, the spigots 68 and the branch conduits 84) are vented to the atmosphere, so that the siphonic action therein is broken. Accordingly, the liquid quickly drains out of the spigots 68 and into the bottles 12. Finally, the filler head 66 is moved upwardly to withdraw the spigots 68 from the bottles. The venting action, resulting from the opening of the valve 108, substantially prevents the dribbling of the liquid from the spigots 66, so that the spigots can be withdrawn from the bottles with a minimum of delay, and without spilling any substantial amount of the liquid. The vent valve 108 is closed in preparation for another operating cycle.

Of course, it is important to fill the bottles 12 to the correct level. Each bottle should be filled with a quantity of liquid slightly greater than its nominal capacity, but not so great as to cause any possible overflowing of the bottle. The level to which the bottles 12 are filled can be adjusted by changing the elevation of the measuring tank 30. This may be done by turning the nut 62, so as to raise or lower the threaded member or screw 58. If the measuring tank 30 is raised, a greater quantity of the liquid will flow into the bottles 12, so that the bottles will be filled to a higher level.

The arrangement of the bottle-filling apparatus is such that the formation of foam is obviated at all critical points. The only place where foam is formed in the system is in the overflow receptacle or compartment 34, in which there may be some formation of foam due to the splashing of the liquid as it flows over the partition 32. However, the overflow compartment 34 affords ample room to hold any foam that may be formed. The level of the liquid in the overflow receptacle 34 is kept low, relative to the overflow level, by the return connection 54 to the intermediate supply tank 18. Only a small amount of liquid overflows into the overflow compartment 34, because the supply valve 52 is closed as soon as the liquid starts to overflow. The switch 48 is then opened, to deenergize the pump motor 46.

In the intermediate supply tank 18 the liquid is admitted and withdrawn at points below the surface of the liquid in the tank, so as to prevent the formation of foam. This is also true of the measuring tank 30 and the overflow receptacle 34.

The arrangement of the

conduits

42 and 50 between the intermediate tank 18 and the measuring compartment 38 is such that the conduits are kept full of liquid at all times. This is also true of the return conduit 54 between the overflow compartment 34 and the tank 18. Thus, there is no opportunity for air to enter the conduits. Accordingly, the formation of foam and air bubbles is substantially prevented.

Similarly, the conduit 43 and the manifold 82 are kept full of liquid at all times. These elements are below the minimum liquid level 40 in the measuring compartment 38. Accordingly, there is no opportunity for air to enter the conduit 43 or the manifold 82.

Thus, the bottle-filling apparatus is capable of handling foamy liquids, such as detergents or the like, without any problem arising from the formation of foam. Viscous liquids, which tend to trap air bubbles, are also easily handled.

Various other modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents may be employed without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, as exemplified in the foregoing description and defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers simultaneously, comprising a combination of means for supporting the containers,

a movable filler member havin a plurality of downwardly projecting spigots for directing a liquid into the containers,

a measuring tank having its upper end in communication with the atmosphere,

first conduit means connected between said spigots and said measuring tank,

said first conduit means including valve means for controlling the flow of the liquid from said measuring tank to said spigots,

second conduit means connected to said measuring tank for filling the measuring tank with the liquid,

liquid supply means for selectively supplying the liquid under pressure to said second conduit means,

said measuring tank having overflow means providing for the overflow of the liquid from said measuring tank when the liquid rises therein above a predetermined level,

and an overflow receptacle for receiving the overflowing liquid from said overflow means.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1,

in which the lower portion of said measuring tank is substantially below the liquid level to which the containers are to be filled,

whereby a substantial quantity of the liquid will remain in said tank after the containers have been filled.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2,

in which the connection between said measuring tank and said first conduit means is substantially below said liquid level,

whereby said first conduit means will remain full of the liquid after the containers have been filled so that there will be no opportunity for air to enter said first conduit means.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2,

in which the connection between said measuring tank and said second conduit means is substantially below said liquid level,

whereby the liquid flows into said measuring tank from below the liquid level therein.

5'. An apparatus according to claim 1,

in which said liquid supply means comprises a supply tank,

means for supplying the liquid to said supply tank when the level of the liquid therein drops below a desired supply level,

a selectively operable pump for pumping the liquid from said supply tank to said second conduit means,

and means for returning the liquid from said overflow receptacle to said supply tank,

whereby the liquid flows to the same level in said overflow receptacle and said supply tank,

the supply liquid level in said supply tank being substantially lower than the overflow level established by said overflow means,

said overflow receptacle affording capacity between said supply level and said overflow level for holding any foam that may form therein.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1,

including means for removing the liquid from said overflow receptacle and thereby maintaining the liquid level therein substantially below the overflow level established by said overflow means,

said overflow receptacle affording capacity between the liquid level therein and said overflow level for any foam which may form in said overflow receptacle.

7. An apparatus for simultaneously filling a plurality of containers with a liquid, comprising the combination of means for supporting the containers,

a movable filler member having a plurality of downwardly projecting spigots for directing the liquid into the containers,

a measuring tank for holding enough liquid to fill all of the containers,

selectively operable means for filling the measuring tank,

a supply manifold,

a main conduit connected between said measuring tank and said manifold,

said main conduit including a valve for controlling the flow of the liquid therein,

a plurality of branch conduits connected between said manifold and said spigots,

said manifold being disposed below the liquid level to which said containers are to be filled to provide for equalization of the level of the liquid in all of said containers,

a plurality of vent conduits connected to said branch conduits above said spigots,

and a vent valve means for selectively connecting said vent conduits to the atmosphere to break the siphonic action in said branch conduits and said spigots after the containers have been filled so as to minimize the dribbling of liquid from said spigots when they are removed from the containers.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7,

in which said vent valve means comprises a vent manifold connected to said vent conduits,

and a vent valve connected between said vent manifold and the atmosphere.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7,

including standpipe means connected to said supply manifold and extending upwardly therefrom to the atmosphere.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9,

in which said main conduit enters said supply manifold from below,

and in which said standpipe is connected to said supply manifold directly above the entrance of said main conduit,

whereby any bubbles in the liquid entering the manifold will tend to pass upwardly to the atmosphere through said standpipe.

11. An apparatus for simultaneously filling a plurality of containers with a liquid, comprising the combination of means for supporting the containers,

a measuring tank for holding enough liquid to fill all of the containers,

selectively operable means for filling the measuring tank,

a supply manifold,

a main conduit connected between said measuring tank and said manifold,

said main conduit including a valve for controlling the flow of liquid therein,

said main conduit having an upwardly directed terminal portion connected to said manifold,

and a standpipe connected to said supply manifold and extending upwardly therefrom to the atmosphere,

said standpipe being disposed directly over said terminal portion of said main conduit,

12. An apparatus according to claim 11,

in which said terminal portion of said main conduit projects upwardly into said supply manifold and towards said standpipe.

of containers with a liquid, comprising the combination of means for supporting the containers,

a measuring tank for holding enough liquid to fill all of the containers,

selectively operable means for filling the measuring tank,

a supply manifold,

a main conduit connected between said measuring tank and said manifold,

and a plurality of branch conduits connected between said manifold and said spigots,

said branch conduits having entrance portions projecting downwardly into said supply manifold to exclude air bubbles from said entrance portions.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14,

in which said main conduit is provided with a terminal portion projecting upwardly into said manifold above the level of the lower ends of said entrance portions of said branch conduits.

16. An apparatus for simultaneously filling a plurality of containers with a liquid, comprising the combination of means for supporting the containers,

a measuring tank for holding enough liquid to fill all of the containers,

selectively operable means for filling the measuring tank,

a supply manifold,

a main conduit connected between said measuring tank and said manifold,

said measuring tank having a lower portion disposed substantially below the liquid fill level to which the containers are to be filled,

said main conduit and said manifold also being below said liquid fill level, whereby liquid will always be present in the lower portion of said measuring tank and also in said main conduit and said manifold.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,507,595 5/ 1950 Hickerson 222-64 2,786,603 3/1957 Houmberg et al 22264 3,145,881 8/1964 Moore et a1. 222-318 X HOUSTON S. BELL, IR., Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

22 3 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,504 714 Dated Anril 7. 19m

Inventor(s) C M. BELL It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Colunm 4, line 64, "ends" should read end Column 6, line 56, cancel "and the bottles 12. Due

to the fact that" and substitute until the level of the liquid is even with SIGNED AND SEALED AUG4-1970 @EAL W Hamill-Fletcher, In

Offioer VIII-DIM E. sum, JR. m Commissioner 01 latents