WO2012067524A1 - Ajustement contrôlé d'espace libre de récipient et appareil correspondant - Google Patents

Ajustement contrôlé d'espace libre de récipient et appareil correspondant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012067524A1
WO2012067524A1 PCT/NZ2011/000243 NZ2011000243W WO2012067524A1 WO 2012067524 A1 WO2012067524 A1 WO 2012067524A1 NZ 2011000243 W NZ2011000243 W NZ 2011000243W WO 2012067524 A1 WO2012067524 A1 WO 2012067524A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
sealing
pressure
containers
capping
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2011/000243
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Murray Melrose
Original Assignee
David Murray Melrose
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from NZ58938610A external-priority patent/NZ589386A/xx
Application filed by David Murray Melrose filed Critical David Murray Melrose
Priority to US13/884,954 priority Critical patent/US20130239522A1/en
Publication of WO2012067524A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012067524A1/fr
Priority to US15/275,450 priority patent/US10703617B2/en
Priority to US16/449,292 priority patent/US20190330038A1/en
Priority to US16/921,584 priority patent/US20200331740A1/en
Priority to US17/855,165 priority patent/US20220332558A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0223—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0223—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
    • B65D1/0261—Bottom construction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/12—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having removable closures
    • B65D47/121—Stoppers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B3/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps
    • B67B3/20—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying and rotating preformed threaded caps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/06—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus using counterpressure, i.e. filling while the container is under pressure
    • B67C3/14—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus using counterpressure, i.e. filling while the container is under pressure specially adapted for filling with hot liquids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/222—Head-space air removing devices, e.g. by inducing foam
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
    • B67C7/0073—Sterilising, aseptic filling and closing
    • B67C7/008—Sterilising, aseptic filling and closing comprising a cleaning step between two closing steps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
    • B67C7/0073—Sterilising, aseptic filling and closing
    • B67C7/0086—Sterilisation being restricted to the area of application of the closure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B2201/00—Indexing codes relating to constructional features of closing machines
    • B67B2201/08—Aseptic features

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a sealing and pressure dosing apparatus and more particularly to a capping and/or sealing apparatus for applying closures to containers at high speed, and even more particularly to a capping apparatus including a pressure dosing system for providing a pressure medium into a head space of each of the containers prior to closure application by the apparatus.
  • the pressure sealing may be undertaken either during the initial sealing of the container, or as a secondary operation after the initial sealing the container.
  • the headspace pressurization increases the internal pressure within the container, providing for increased top-load capability of the container.
  • This invention may further relate to hot-filled and pasteurized products packaged in heat-set polyester containers and for controlling the cooling of any containers filled with a heated liquid.
  • the present invention in one particular embodiment is directed to a capping apparatus including a pressure dosing system which has been specifically configured to overcome shortcomings associated with previously known arrangements by effecting injection of any medium, for example gas, liquid, steam or any combination into containers essentially at about the time of the application of a closure to each container by the apparatus.
  • any medium for example gas, liquid, steam or any combination
  • the term "fluid" covers both liquids and gases unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
  • Gaseous nitrogen is one utility used in the food and beverage industry to expel oxygen from products and increase shelf life.
  • nitrogen does provide for a build-up of internal pressure within a container following capping. This is more practical in the case of beverages filled into the container cold, than when used in conjunction with hot fill beverages. In both cases it is possible that all dosed nitrogen disperses prior to sealing the container, for example if there is a stoppage on the line post dosing and prior to capping. Additionally, the dosing process becomes even more difficult to control in the hot fill environment, particularly at fast line speeds. When nitrogen is introduced into a container under ambient pressure conditions and on top of a heated liquid, the nitrogen will be much more volatile than if the liquid is cold. It will disperse much more quickly prior to capping or sealing leaving the consistency of dose much more uncertain.
  • Plastic bottles need to be pressurized at all line speeds, and if control over the exact pressure achieved inside a container is compromised then the speed of the system will also be compromised in order to correctly pressurise each container.
  • container headspace varies because the fill levels are wildly different, the final bottle pressures also will be wildly different. For example, suppose the bottle had an 18 fl oz fill with a 1 fl oz headspace, and the next bottle on the production line had a fill of 18.3 fl oz (610 ml) with a 0.6 fl oz (20 ml) headspace. Both bottles receive a 0.001411 oz charge of liquid nitrogen. The liquid nitrogen dosing is consistent; however, in accordance with basic gas laws, the final bottle pressure on the 18 fl oz fill is 17 psig and the bottle with a 18.3 fl oz fill has 25.5 psig final pressure.
  • the dosage of liquefied gas dispensed into a container is based on an average expected fill level of the containers in a continuous fill operation. Using this method, any variation in head-space volume due to variations in fill level would cause under and over pressurized containers.
  • So called 'hot fill' containers are well known in prior art, whereby manufacturers supply PET containers for various liquids which are filled into the containers and the liquid product is at an elevated temperature, typically at or around 85 degrees C (185 degrees F).
  • the container is manufactured to withstand the thermal shock of holding a heated liquid, resulting in a 'heat-set' plastic container. This thermal shock is a result of either introducing the liquid hot at filling, or heating the liquid after it is introduced into the container.
  • containers are filled with a heated liquid above 70°C, and more often subjected to filling temperatures of between 70°C and 95°C.
  • the product Once capped, or in other words sealed, the product must be maintained at a certain high temperature for a certain critical time in order to complete the process of pasteurization within the container. Even further, the container must also be inverted or at least tipped sideways for a certain time in order to sterilize the underneath of the seal or cap.
  • the present invention relates to both cold and hot-fill containers and may be used by way of example in conjunction with the hot fill containers described in international applications published under numbers WO 02/18213 and WO 2004/028910 (PCT specifications) which specifications are also incorporated herein in their entirety where appropriate.
  • the heat-setting process generally involves relieving stresses created in the container during its manufacture and to improve crystalline structure.
  • PET has a low glass transition point of approximately 75 degrees C.
  • the container walls are subjected to particularly damaging forces. This occurs following the capping of a lightweight container filled with a heated liquid, even when additional pressure is not applied to the container.
  • the build-up of pressure comes from the headspace increasing in temperature immediately following capping and exerting expansion forces against the lightweight surfaces of the container.
  • the containers may be conveyed through a nitrogen-dosing unit where nitrogen may be dripped into the unsealed bottles and shortly afterwards the bottles are sealed.
  • Liquefied gas may be injected by an apparatus such as that disclosed in US Patent Application No. 2005/01 1580 A1 to Siegler et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Liquefied gas may alternatively be dripped in by an apparatus such as that disclosed in US Patent 7,219,480 to Winters et al, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • nitro-dose applications there is significant container distortion when the PET material is above about 70°C to 75°C due to the high level of nitrogen pressure within the container. Such distortion is non-recoverable.
  • the container effectively grows in volume and the base is disfigured and unstable. Also for example, structures in the sidewall, such as ribbing, may be similarly affected causing uncontrolled container growth and distortion. This distortion causes a weakness in any strengthening structures and is very undesirable.
  • hot closed bottles will be transported to the bottle cooler preferably by means of at least one conveyor belt.
  • the hot bottle is cooled down close to room temperature or to around 30°C to 35°C.
  • Typical hot fill operations utilize ambient water to slowly cool hot filled packages after they are sealed, until they return to ambient temperature. This usually occurs several minutes after the product has been filled into the container, whereby the container walls are subjected to temperatures above the glass transition point of PET.
  • the temperature of the filled contents take a period of time to cool from a typical 85-95 degrees C of fill temperature to below approximately 60 degrees C. At 60 degrees C and below the PET does not distort under stress of internal pressure in the way it does above its glass transition point.
  • a further and alternative object of the present invention is to at least provide the public with a useful choice.
  • a sealing and pressure dosing apparatus including a sealing machine including a driven turret for serially receiving a plurality of containers, at least one sealing head for applying seals to said containers as said containers are moved about in a path by said turret, a pressure sealing chamber for isolating a neck finish end of said containers and accessing the headspace of said containers, said pressure sealing chamber providing a pressure dosing system for raising the pressure within said containers received by said sealing machine prior to sealing by a respective seal applied thereto, said pressure dosing system being integrated with the sealing machine.
  • a capping and pressure dosing apparatus embodying the principles of the present invention includes a rotary capping machine including a rotatable driven turret for serially receiving a plurality of containers, typically bottles.
  • the apparatus of the present invention includes a pressure dosing system including a sealing chamber which is positioned to isolate and seal the upper neck finish of the containers and the mouth of each container as the container moves through the capping machine.
  • pressure control is highly optimized, enhancing operating efficiency.
  • operation of the pressure sealing system is electronically coordinated with operation of the capping machine to facilitate consistent operation, permitting the pressure system to be operated either continually, or intermittently, as desired.
  • the rotary capping machine of the apparatus includes a plurality of capping heads for applying closures to respective ones of the containers as the containers are moved about a generally circular path by the rotary turret of the capping machine.
  • the capping machine may be of a generally conventional configuration, with associated rotary conveyors, or starwheels, operatively associated with the capping machine for supplying filled, but unsealed containers to the machine, and for receiving filled and sealed containers from the machine.
  • the pressure dosing system of the present invention is configured for pressurizing the head space of each of the containers received by the capping machine simultaneously with the application of a respective closure thereto.
  • the head space of a container is that upper region of a container which is unfilled with the typically liquid contents of the container. Injection of pressure into this region of containers having non- carbonated contents desirably acts to enhance package for more secure handling, stacking, and dispensing (such as from vending machines) of products, and desirably acts to enhance the freshness and flavor of the package contents if an inert gas such as nitrogen is utilized for example.
  • the present apparatus preferably is configured to effect pressure injection at, or in close relationship to, the so-called capping head of the capping machine, that is, the point at which the package is positioned for closure application.
  • capping head of the capping machine that is, the point at which the package is positioned for closure application.
  • this is in significant distinction from systems employed heretofore, where nitrogen has typically been injected into containers well before closure application, typically before the containers were even received by a capping machine or where liquid nitrogen has typically been injected into containers under ambient pressure conditions and thus being susceptible to immediate expansion out of the container prior to actual sealing by capping.
  • the pressure dosing system of the present apparatus preferably includes a pressure sealing chamber connected to the capping head within the circular path about which the containers are moved by the capping machine, at a position over each container and the respective one of the closures held by one of the capping heads.
  • the pressure dosing system includes a control valve to selectively permit intermittent or continuous dispensing of pressure medium, for example highly filtered air or steam, with a control system provided for coordinating operation of the pressure dosing system with operation of the capping machine.
  • the pressure sealing chamber preferably defines a downwardly connecting sealing surface for engagement with either the upper part of each container or the cap of each container.
  • the present invention may therefore provide for immediate cooling of the walls of the container, even prior to the rise in internal pressure within the container, and does so in a manner allowing the internal product temperature to be maintained above approximately 80°C for up to approximately a 2 to 3 minute period.
  • the present invention in another aspect provides a method of pressurizing a container filled with a heated liquid and controlling a differential temperature between the sidewalls of the container and the internal contents of the container.
  • the sidewalls may be kept at a temperature below approximately 70°C in the case of PET, while maintaining a higher internal temperature of between 80°C and 95°C.
  • a further aspect of the present invention there is provided method of filling a container with a fluid including introducing the fluid through an open end of the container so that it, at least substantially, fills the container, heating the fluid before or after its introduction into the container, providing a seal or cap, providing an opening or aperture between said seal or cap and said container, providing at least one fluid through the opening or aperture, sealing the opening or aperture under increased pressure conditions, so as to compensate for subsequent pressure reduction in a headspace of the container under the seal or cap following the cooling of the heated contents, and cooling at least a part of outside walls of said containers
  • a method of filling a container with a fluid including introducing the fluid through an open end of the container so that it, at least substantially, fills the container, heating the fluid before or after its introduction into the container, applying a seal or cap to said container, providing an opening or aperture in said seal or cap, providing at least one fluid or gas through the opening or aperture, sealing the opening or aperture, so as to compensate for pressure reduction in a headspace of the container under the seal or cap following the cooling of the heated contents.
  • the present invention may also provide a lower pressure environment within the container immediately after sealing.
  • the container will experience pressures of between 15psi and 30psi during the first 2 minutes after sealing.
  • the pressure may be modified downwardly to between 1 psi and approximately 8 psi. This significantly reduces internal stresses on the container while the product must be maintained at high temperature to complete pasteurization after sealing.
  • PET Polyethylene Terephthalate
  • the sidewalls are subject to severe distortion. This distortion force will be present until the container is able to be cooled to bring the core temperature of the product down to below approximately 70°C and more typically to
  • the bottom and sides of the bottles may be rapidly cooled anywhere in the filling line from the blow moulding machine through to the filling machine and through to the labelling process by means of air or water jets. This process is designed to lower the internal temperature of the container contents.
  • the present invention provides for not only a lowering of internal pressure to below
  • the present invention may also provide for a method of differentially cooling the outside walls of a container immediately prior to capping or during capping and for a controlled period afterwards to ensure correct product pasteurization and for the sidewalls to be simultaneously protected from excessive force.
  • the pressure is raised within the container to minimal levels, and the cooling process of the container may be started earlier than in prior art.
  • the cooling process may be undertaken within the capping or sealing device itself, which has not been described, developed or achieved before in the art.
  • the outside shell of the filled container may be temperature controlled to ensure a maximum internal temperature is retained for any given time period, while maintaining a differential temperature on the outside surface or shell.
  • the application of such control allows for some products to be cooled in a minimum time to retain maximum flavour profiles, or to be cooled in maximum time for maximum pasteurisation while maintaining thermal control over the PET container itself.
  • the present invention therefore also preferably provides for pressurisation of the container to provide compensation for any cooling of heated contents within the container, either before or after the contents have cooled, and with greater control over the structure of the container through the critical high heat and high pressure cycle period within the first few minutes of post filling.
  • a container having a seal or cap providing a temporary seal immediately post-filling and an aperture or opening being accessible under both ambient or sterile conditions to provide for the introduction of a medium, heated or sterile, gas or liquid or both, said aperture or opening also further being sealable under sterile conditions to provide a controlled raising of internal pressure within the container following cooling of the heated contents.
  • a system and process provides for pressurising the headspace of a container following the introduction of a heated or heatable liquid and sealing the container so that the pressure is retained within the container, and to cool the container sidewalls to a temperature less than the central core temperature of the liquid contents.
  • a sealing device raises the pressure inside a container prior to sealing, and applies a cooling method to the container sidewalls for a period of time after sealing until the temperature of the liquid contents fall below a threshold value.
  • this is achieved by means of a device for sealing and/or capping containers that can also pressurize containers prior to sealing and/or capping, and that may also preferably initiate the differential cooling process to prevent the sidewall temperature exceeding approximately 70°C.
  • the product temperature may be more aggressively reduced in order to bring the product temperature down to below approx. 70°C.
  • the process is no longer differential in object, whereby as high an internal temperature as possible is maintained against a cool outer shell of container sidewall.
  • the process may be more aggressive in order to bring the internal temperature down.
  • This period of cooling is the more traditional approach of relatively unregulated cooling application and is found in all prior art process. In the present invention it is preferably mandated to occur, however, until the core temperature of the product has reached below approximately 70°C. In prior art there is no such mandate and the cooling is applied as soon as pasteurization is complete and it is applied until the product is brought down to an exit temperature of approximately 30°C.
  • the cooling may be stopped after the product has decreased in temperature to approximately 60°C to 70°C. More traditional cooling may be applied at any time after this, and could be up to 10 minutes afterwards in situations where containers are held in collection bays for example.
  • the cooling method may be by the use of any typical medium such as water or air.
  • Fiaurela shows a side elevational, diagrammatic view of a capping
  • FIG. 1 shows a plan, diagrammatic view of a capping and pressure dosing apparatus embodying the principles of part of one embodiment of the present invention. shows a method according to part of an embodiment of the invention with a Sealing Unit or Capper capable of pressurizing the headspace of a container prior to capping or sealing; show a container and Sealing Chamber according to part of an embodiment of the invention; shows a method and Sealing Chamber according to a further embodiment of the invention with a Sealing Unit or Capper capable of pressurizing the headspace of a container; show enlarged views of part of one possible embodiment of the cap of Figures 3a-c; show part of one embodiment of enclosing the cap of Figures 5 with a pressure application device; show part of one embodiment of a cap-sealing device suitable for use in the pressure application device of Figures 6; show part of one embodiment of cap-sealing device of Figures 7 closing the cap while under compression; show withdrawal of the cap-se
  • Figure 11a-c show enlarged views of part of a further embodiment of the cap of
  • Figure 11 d-f show enlarged views of a further part embodiment of the cap of
  • Figures 12a-c show part of one embodiment of a cap-sealing device suitable for use in the sterilising application device of Figures 11 ; show part of one embodiment of cap-sealing device of Figures 12 piercing the cap while under sterilisation; show withdrawal of the piercing and delivery device of Figures 13 following sterilisation and subsequent pressure equalisation of the heads pace; show the resealing of the container cap of Figures 14 prior to container release from the sterilisation chamber (container not shown fully); show additional views of the cap of Figures 12,13,14,15 according to one possible method of headspace modification; shows a method according to a further possible part embodiment of this invention;
  • Figure 19a-b show a possible part embodiment of the invention in the form of a sealing machine;
  • Figure 20 shows diagrammatically a possible capping system;
  • Figures 27 a-d show further alternative embodiments of the invention using a cold Figures 28 a-d: water spray or cold water bath to cool the containers; and
  • Figure 29 shows a method according to one embodiment of the invention with a Sealing Unit or Capper capable of pressurizing the headspace of a container prior to capping or sealing, optional cooling of the container surface within the Sealing Unit and following release;
  • a capping and pressure dosing apparatus 102 is disclosed embodying some of the principles of the present invention.
  • the present apparatus includes a rotary capping machine which is configured for high speed application of closures to associated bottles or like containers.
  • this type of machine serially receives filled bottles from an associated in- feed conveyor or so-called star-wheel, with a machine being configured to substantially continuously apply threaded closures to respective ones of the containers as they are moved through the machine about a generally circular path.
  • the closures are typically applied by rotation to inter-engage the screw threads of each closure with its respective container before the container is moved out of the machine and received by an associated output conveyor or star-wheel. While such equipment exemplifies the configuration of the present invention, it is to be understood that the present capping and pressure dosing apparatus can be configured to operate in accordance with the principles of the present invention by use of other, like equipment, including linear or in-line capping machines.
  • the pressure dosing system of the present apparatus may also be generally configured in accordance with known capping systems, such as disclosed in US Patent 7,219,480 to Winters et al, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference.
  • the pressure dosing system of the present system has been electronically integrated within the capping machine to facilitate injection of pressure medium into each of the containers being filled simultaneously with the application of the closure to the container.
  • this is effected by providing the pressure dosing system within a sealing chamber which is positioned to extend generally over and seal off the upper neck finish or cap of the filled containers as they are moved by the capping machine.
  • the present apparatus includes a capping machine 102, as described above.
  • Capping machine 102 is configured to receive containers 1 , such as bottles, from an infeed conveyor or starwheel 66 along a circular path designated "infeed” in FIG. 1 b, and to deliver the filled and sealed containers to an output conveyor or starwheel 77 along a circular path designated “output” in FIG. 1 b.
  • the capping machine 102 includes a rotatably driven carrier or turret which rotates around a centerline (FIG. 1a) and moves the containers 1 along and about a generally circular path which intersects the circular paths defined by the input and output starwheels 66 and 77.
  • the capping machine includes a plurality of capping heads 101.
  • Each of the capping heads 101 is rotatably driven so that a closure 80 received thereby can be positioned above a respective one of the containers 1 , and the closure rotated downwardly onto the container into sealing relationship therewith, closing the container and completing packaging of its contents.
  • the containers each move along the generally circular path defined by the capping machine from an input point to an output point.
  • the input point is sometimes referred to as the transfer point, that is, the theoretical point at which filled container 1 is positioned for receiving a closure thereon.
  • pressure dosing with any medium, for example compressed air in Figure 1 b is effected within a sealing chamber 84 to facilitate consistent dosing of the containers 1.
  • the present invention includes a pressure dosing system within operative association with the pressure sealing chamber 84, which is integrally connected to the capping or sealing head of the capping machine 102.
  • the pressure sealing chamber is positioned to dispense medium not only to surround and envelope the upper end of the container 1 or cap 80, but also downwardly directly through the open mouth of each of the containers 1 received by the rotary turret of the capping machine 102 just prior to final application of a closure or seal to each of the containers by one of the capping heads 101.
  • the container is substantially stabilized, reducing or eliminating further potential for product spillage, allowing for full pressurization. Additionally, dosing simultaneously with closure application prevents any pressure dissipation.
  • electronic controls are provided which are operatively connected with the electronic controls of the capping machine for accurate timing of the pressure dosing system.
  • the pressure sealing chamber or pressure delivery mechanism supplying the sealing chamber can be provided with a suitable fitting which permits a suitable device to be positioned for controlling and monitoring operation of the system.
  • a method of pressurizing containers whereby the sealing unit or capper receives the filled containers, subsequently seals the headspace from everything but the internal chamber of a sealing chamber, pressurizes the headspace within the sealing chamber and therefore the headspace within the container, and subsequently seals or caps the container so that a raised pressure exists in the sealed container which is then ejected from the pressure sealing unit.
  • a container 1 may enter a capping or sealing station after being filled with liquid contents such that a headspace exists above the fluid level 40.
  • the upper neck region of the container is sealed from the ambient environment by a sealing chamber 84 that has a sealing surface 841 in contact with the container.
  • a pressure is applied within the sealing chamber 84 such that the internal chamber of the container is pressurized, more particularly the headspace above the liquid is pressurized.
  • the sealing mechanism may be of many styles, but there is distinct advantage in ensuring the size of the pressure sealing chamber is kept to a minimum. This ensures rapid pressurization of the chamber in high speed rotary situations.
  • the sealing mechanism may be of any style, for example the chamber could seal some distance from the neck finish 120 of the container and down the shoulder region, as illustrated in Figure 3b, or more preferably immediately under the neck support ring 33, as illustrated in Figure 3c.
  • Figure 3d shows in closer detail one example of a sealing chamber.
  • the chamber is capable of sealing under the neck support ring of a container, and prior to applying a cap.
  • the sealing chamber could be one of many such chambers for example on a rotary system for torque sealing the cap to the container. Sealing under the neck provides for multiple changes in container styling without the need for change parts providing each container has the same neck finish diameters. Further, by providing for support under the neck the container may be raised upwardly and supported in the capper to avoid any top load pressure and to also allow for multiple bottle heights without the need for change parts also.
  • a method of pressurizing containers is illustrated whereby the Pressure Sealing Unit receives the filled containers after the containers have already been through a capping unit and received a cap.
  • the capping unit has not torqued down the cap, such that the headspace within the container is not sealed and is still in communication with the ambient environment through the gap that exists between the cap and the neck finish threads.
  • the Pressure Sealing Unit subsequently seals the headspace from everything but the internal chamber of the sealing chamber, pressurizes the headspace within the sealing chamber and therefore the headspace within the container, and subsequently applies torque to the caps on the container in order to seal off the headspace with a raised pressure existing in the sealed container, which is then ejected from the pressure sealing unit.
  • the process within the sealing chamber for the method is shown whereby a typical cap applied by a standard capping unit but without having been forcibly torqued into position is shown on the container.
  • the neck finish is enclosed within the chamber 84 of the pressure sealing unit.
  • the liquid or gas is forced into the container through the gap between the cap and the thread mechanisms of the neck finish, as shown by passage of liquid 86.
  • the cap as shown in Figure 4c, can then be torqued into position by advancing the torque rod 85 within the chamber 84 while holding the container headspace at pressure.
  • the method may be achieved using standard caps or modified caps as will be discussed next.
  • Figure 4d illustrates removal of the torque rod 85, correctly torqued cap 80, immediately prior to ejecting the container head from the chamber 84.
  • containers will be filled with a hot liquid and then capped before being subjected to a cold-water spray resulting in the formation of a vacuum within the container that the container structure needs to be able to cope with.
  • Figures onward from Figure 3a all refer to upper portions of containers as similarly shown in Figure 3a.
  • a cap following the introduction of a liquid, which may be already heated or suitable for subsequent heating, a cap may be applied including a small opening or aperture 81.
  • a headspace 23a is contained under the main cap body 80 and above the fluid level 40 in the container.
  • the headspace 23a is communicating with the outside air at this stage and is therefore at ambient pressure and allowing for the fluid level 40.
  • a sealing chamber 84 is applied over the neck finish and cap combination to seal the liquid from the outside air (the upper, closed end of the structure 84 is not shown).
  • the increased pressure within the sealing chamber provides for a subsequent increase in pressure within the headspace 23b and also forces the fluid level 40 to a lower point due to the subsequent expansion of the plastic container.
  • a heated liquid could be injected, for example heated water. This would provide further advantage, in that the liquid injected would not be subject to the expansion that would normally occur when injecting gas into a heated environment. Thus less force would be ultimately applied to the sidewalls of the container during the early hot-fill stages.
  • the headspace 23b is charged under a controlled pressure, dependant on the amount of gas delivered, and the sealing chamber may provide for withdrawal of the delivery device 83 following a release of pressure within the chamber as the container is ejected and returned to the filling line.
  • the headspace 23b expands as the liquid volume shrinks.
  • the fluid level 40 lowers to a new position 41 and the pressurised headspace 23b expands and loses some or all of its pressure as it forms a new headspace 23c.
  • the plug 92 may be temporarily attached to the cap, for example by member 91 , during production of the cap.
  • a liquid, as in the example illustrated, or steam or gas, could be injected in the same manner under pressure to
  • FIG. 18 A further example of such an alternative is provided in Figure 18.
  • the cap 80 has a plug 92 temporarily attached by a member (not shown).
  • a sealing chamber 84 encloses the cap and provides an internal sealed chamber headspace 87 through the compression of sealing rings 89 against the upper surface of the cap. Gas or liquid, or a combination of both, is injected into the chamber headspace 87 through an inlet 86 and through the spaces around the plug into the headspace of the container.
  • the push rod 88 is advanced downwardly to force the plug 92 into position within the cap and therefore seal the container headspace under the required pressure.
  • This provides for a calculated internal pressure to be achieved precisely at the time of sealing the container, when the plug is advanced into final position. This provides for forward compensation of the effects of subsequent vacuum generated by a cooling of any heated contents within the container.
  • the present invention may be manufactured to function exclusive of cap application and for final sealing of any temporary cap hole or pathway only.
  • a typical capping machine head unit 101 encapsulates the sealing chamber 84 and provides the function of sealing and pressurising the container through the cap to seal the container.
  • a typical capping unit may have optionally already torqued the cap into position, but the container would remain unsealed due to the presence of a plug, being in an 'unplugged' position within the cap, and allowing the passage of liquid or gas between the inside and outside of the container.
  • a headspace modification unit 102 which may optionally be of typical rotary style in mechanics, may receive capped containers 1 , and subsequently pressurise the container immediately prior to sealing the container with a cap sealing plug.
  • a cap following the introduction of a liquid, which may be already heated or suitable for subsequent heating, a cap may be applied including a small opening or aperture 81 which is temporarily covered by a communicating seal 91.
  • a headspace 23d is contained under the main cap body 80 and above the fluid level 40 in the container.
  • the headspace 23d is not communicating with the outside air at this stage and is therefore at typical container pressure during the stages of cooling down on the filling line.
  • the opening may be temporarily covered by a liner seal contained within the underneath side of the cap and affixed to cover the hole.
  • Construction of the cap would be virtually the same as any other cap containing an induction seal or internal liner, except the cap would contain a small hole that is non-communicating when the liner is in situ.
  • a sealing chamber 84 is applied over the neck finish and cap combination to seal the communicating seal 91 from the outside air (the upper, closed end of the structure 84 is not shown).
  • a sterilising medium 66 for example by way of injecting heated water, preferably above 95 degrees C, or a mixture of heated water and steam, or steam itself, or a mixture of steam and gas, the sterilising medium provides for the sterilisation of the internal surfaces of the sealing chamber 84 and the communicating seal 91.
  • a plug mechanism 82 is placed downwardly from a delivery device 83 towards the aperture 81.
  • the plug mechanism pierces the communicating seal 91 and is withdrawn again temporarily as shown in Figures 14a-c, providing for communication between the sterilized volume within the sealing chamber above the cap 80 and the headspace 23e below the cap.
  • the container pressure rises and so the fluid level 40 will drop unless replenished with liquid from the sealing chamber.
  • the sterilising medium for example heated water at 95°C, is immediately drawn into the container through the open hole 81 due to the communicating seal being pierced.
  • the liquid would in fact be injected into the container under a small pressure supplied from the sealing chamber 84 such that the pressure within the container would in fact be a positive pressure and the headspace would in fact be very small.
  • the integrity of the product volume within the container is not compromised as the environment above the cap has been sterilised prior to communicating with the headspace, and the additional liquid supplied into the container replaces the volume 'lost' due to shrinkage of heated liquid within the container prior to the method of headspace replacement described.
  • the delivery device 83 is advanced again such that the plug 82 will be injected into the hole to close it off permanently.
  • the headspace 23f is under a controlled pressure dependent on the volume of liquid having been delivered to compensate for previous liquid contraction, as described above.
  • the sealing chamber may now provide for withdrawal of the delivery device 83 which may now be done following a release of sterilising medium and/or pressure within the chamber as the container is ejected and returned to the filling line.
  • sealing chamber may be utilised, for example the sealing chamber may only seal directly to the top surface of the cap, rather than enclosing the entire cap.
  • the disclosed integrated system generally includes an empty container in-feed station prior to the filling station. This may be through pre-blown containers being fed into the Filling Enclosure, or may be through on-line blowmolding production as illustrated. In the case of on-line
  • the preforms are fed into an integrated blowmolder that also has its own housing that may be continuously shielded alongside and joining the Filling and Capping Enclosures.
  • the system may also contain a continuous container conveying system, a container product fill station, a container head-space dosing station, an optional liquefied gas dispensing station, an optional gas dispensing station, an optional liquid dispensing station, a container sealing station, a container internal pressure sensing station, a discharge conveyor and a reject apparatus.
  • the conveying system, fill station and container sealing station, or capping station may all be integrally contained within an enclosure or integrated enclosures such that the inside environment may be pressurised. This will result in the headspace within each container being pressurised to the desired level as the capper seals the container. Effectively the ambient pressure within the enclosure is artificially elevated, while the container is sealed, and the internal pressure of the container rises immediately upon ejection of the filled and capped containers as they are presented to a lower ambient pressure outside of the system enclosures.
  • the system provides for the on-line control of the head-space volume of each container as it is filled with product through elevated ambient pressure around the container opening.
  • the head- space volume measurement is precisely controlled at the time of sealing so that each container corresponds directly to its individually measured head-space, and generally does not alter once immediately sealed, except for variations caused by temperature changes within the contained liquid and ambient temperature or pressure changes.
  • a particular advantage of the present method and system is the greater and more precise control allows for much lower pressure dosing for hot fill containers.
  • a minimum pressure value can only be assured by over pressurisation on average, such that the lowest dose achieved will meet specifications.
  • This has resulted in generally high pressures achieved during the early stages of hot fill, when the container is hot and malleable.
  • the container is stressed significantly in most occasions, necessitating the need for example for petaloid bases and container designs more suitable to carbonated or pressure vessels. This reduces significantly the design options available for containers, and requires additional weight in the container surrounding the base in order to achieve reasonable results.
  • an alternative embodiment of the present invention also incorporates at least one portion of the sidewall 801 configured to respond to vacuum pressure forces.
  • the amount of gas or liquid required to be forcibly injected into the container 1 within the sealing chamber 84 prior to sealing the cap 800 onto the container is reduced.
  • a particular object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of stress being applied to the sidewalls to the lowest possible amount to prevent unnecessary volume growth in the container.
  • an alternative embodiment of the present invention also incorporates at least one transversely oriented pressure panel 802 in the container 1.
  • the transverse panel is located in the base portion of the container, but may equally be incorporated in the sidewall.
  • the amount of gas or liquid required to be forcibly injected into the container 1 within the sealing chamber 84 prior to sealing the cap 800 onto the container is also reduced.
  • the transverse panel may account for a portion of the required vacuum
  • Inversion of the element 802 may be by way of mechanical force for example.
  • the container can account easily for some of the vacuum compensation required, there is only a need to provide for approximately 60% of the required liquid contraction by way of pressure injecting prior to sealing the cap. In this way there is reduced stress applied to the container during processing.
  • an alternative embodiment of the present invention provides for both sidewall vacuum compensation and transverse panel compensation to be combined with headspace compensation for even less stress to be applied to the container during processing.
  • the sidewall compensation elements 801 provide approximately 30% of vacuum compensation
  • the transverse panel 802 is able to provide approximately 40% of vacuum compensation
  • a charge of gas or liquid into the headspace during sealing would only require approximately 30% of that required in a container not having vacuum compensation elements equivalent to 801 and 802. It will be appreciated that varying amounts of compensation may be attributed to each element.
  • At least one portion of the sidewall may incorporate a vacuum compensation element 803.
  • the element 803 is also configured to expand radially outwardly under internal pressure as illustrated in
  • a container of the present invention may be provided with sidewall vacuum compensation elements or may be provided with sidewall vacuum compensation elements that are able to expand radially outward under pressure to reduce stresses during headspace modification and sealing procedures.
  • These containers may also be provided with transverse pressure panel compensation elements also to further reduce the amount of stress required to be imposed on the container during processing.
  • the transverse panel 802 is placed in the base of the container. It is envisaged by way of example and with reference to Figures 24a-c and Figures 25a-c, that element 803 may be able to provide approximately 30% of the required vacuum compensation and base element 802 may provide approximately 30% of the required vacuum compensation.
  • base element 804 is configured to expand longitudinally outward to relieve the pressure induced during headspace modification and injection of gas or liquid during sealing. This reduces the stresses imposed upon the container sidewall.
  • sidewall element 803 is also configured to expand radially outward under the internal pressure. Therefore substantial ability is provided within the container to reduce the stresses induced as gas or liquid is injected into the container. Upon subsequent cooling of any heated contents inside the container both sidewall element 803 and transverse element 804 are able to be inverted inwardly to assist vacuum pressure compensation.
  • a rotary sealing unit 900 that clamps the hot-filled container 1 by the neck finish and just under the neck support ring 33. As the unit contains the upper neck thread of the container and prepares to increase the pressure contained in the pressure chamber 84 of the sealing unit, and the headspace of the container, the container is subjected to temperature modification.
  • a cold water spray 991 typically below ambient temperature and preferably between approximately 4 degrees C and 15 degrees C.
  • the cold water spray causes the container shell to immediately fall below the glass transition temperature of the sidewall material.
  • the temperature within the container does not fall as rapidly however, and so the liquid contents are able to subsequently be used to sterilise the internal cap surface when the container is released from the Pressure Chamber and laid down in a horizontal position, typically for a period exceeding 30 seconds.
  • the container sidewalls are forcibly cooled until the central core temperature of the container falls below the glass transition temperature of the sidewalls.
  • the cold spray of this example is maintained throughout the pressurisation and sealing period, beyond release from the unit and through the period immediately subsequent when the container is inverted, as is typical.
  • the container liquid temperature will fall below the threshold value required soon after inversion has been completed. Once this has occurred the container may be returned to the production line without further cooling prior to entering the main cooling tunnels typically found some minutes down the production line. As the container has now been 'pre-chilled' the efficiency of the main cooling process is improved also.
  • cooling may be employed, for example a cold water bath 992 or the like, as illustrated in Figures 28 a-d, may be used instead of a spray.
  • the cooling may be directed only at the base region or all over the container.
  • a cooling jet of air may be used instead of a liquid for further example.
  • Other cold gases may be used, eg nitrogen, or even ice may be used in some applications.
  • the cooling is applied for a period of time between 1 and 2 minutes, which time allows for the container to be pressurised, inverted to sterilise the cap underside with still-hot contents, and for the liquid to fall rapidly to below about 60 degrees C.
  • the time required will vary depending on line speed and fill temperature, however, and the cooling time required may be extended to over 2 to 4 minutes.
  • the bottles must have a retained internal temperature above 80°C for up to 30 seconds, and preferably up to 1 minute, more preferably up to 2 minutes, and occasionally even more preferably up to 3 minutes.
  • the temperature of the container body shell must be kept differentially below 70°C and preferably below 60°C for this time.
  • the containers may be inverted or laid horizontally to sterilize the inside underneath of the cap.
  • the containers are rotated through an angle of between 70 degrees and 110 degrees, more preferably between 80 degrees and 95 degrees, so that they are transported approximately in a horizontal orientation.
  • the temperature of cooling medium and rate of application must be carefully controlled to provide only for the outside container surface to be held below 70°C, and so cause the internal container temperature to be maintained above 70°C, and more preferably above 80°C, and even more preferably above 90°C.
  • the glass transition point of an alternative sidewall material is above the fill temperature then applying a cooling period during sealing or inversion would not be required.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil de scellage et de dosage de pression, et un procédé de remplissage de récipient, comportant une machine à capsuler (102) qui reçoit des récipients (1). Des capsules (80) sont appliquées aux récipients (1) immédiatement après augmentation de la pression à l'intérieur des récipients (1) par un système de dosage de pression dans un chargeur de scellage par pression (84). De préférence, un système de refroidissement est intégré avec la machine à capsuler.
PCT/NZ2011/000243 2008-05-19 2011-11-18 Ajustement contrôlé d'espace libre de récipient et appareil correspondant WO2012067524A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/884,954 US20130239522A1 (en) 2010-11-19 2011-11-18 Controlled container headspace adjustment and apparatus therefor
US15/275,450 US10703617B2 (en) 2008-05-19 2016-09-25 Method for controlled container headspace adjustment
US16/449,292 US20190330038A1 (en) 2008-05-19 2019-06-21 Controlled container headspace adjustment and apparatus therefor
US16/921,584 US20200331740A1 (en) 2008-05-19 2020-07-06 Apparatus and method for controlled container headspace adjustment
US17/855,165 US20220332558A1 (en) 2008-05-19 2022-06-30 Apparatus and method for controlled container headspace adjustment

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ589386 2010-11-19
NZ58938610A NZ589386A (en) 2010-11-19 2010-11-19 Headspace pressure adjustment method and apparatus for a hot fill container with forced cooling of an outside wall portion subsequent to sealing
NZ591553 2011-03-04
NZ59155311 2011-03-04

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NZ2009/000079 Continuation-In-Part WO2009142510A1 (fr) 2008-05-19 2009-05-18 Procédé de modification d'espace de tête pour l'évacuation d'une pression de vide et appareil pour celui-ci
US12/993,253 Continuation-In-Part US20110094618A1 (en) 2008-05-19 2009-05-18 Headspace modification method for removal of vacuum pressure and apparatus therefor

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/884,954 A-371-Of-International US20130239522A1 (en) 2010-11-19 2011-11-18 Controlled container headspace adjustment and apparatus therefor
US15/275,450 Continuation-In-Part US10703617B2 (en) 2008-05-19 2016-09-25 Method for controlled container headspace adjustment

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FR3050439A1 (fr) * 2016-04-26 2017-10-27 Sidel Participations Procede de formation d'un emballage a partir d'un recipient, comprenant une mise sous pression du recipient par le vide
DE102016119890A1 (de) * 2016-10-19 2018-04-19 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Herstellen von Getränkebehältnissen mit Rückkühlung und Gaszufuhr
DE102017124332A1 (de) * 2017-10-18 2019-04-18 Krones Ag Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Beaufschlagen des Kopfraums von Behältnissen
EP3500496A4 (fr) * 2016-08-18 2020-04-22 Niagara Bottling, LLC Système de dosage d'agent cryogénique à vitesse variable
EP3699100A1 (fr) * 2019-02-21 2020-08-26 Krones AG Dispositif et procédé de fabrication de récipients remplis
EP3699102A1 (fr) * 2019-02-21 2020-08-26 Krones AG Dispositif et procédé de fabrication de récipients remplis
CN112299341A (zh) * 2020-10-29 2021-02-02 轻工业杭州机电设计研究院有限公司 一种瓶罐封口机的真空封口腔装置

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WO2014023683A2 (fr) * 2012-08-07 2014-02-13 Cedrex A/S Appareil d'encapsulation et de désencapsulation de tubes à essai
US20160115008A1 (en) * 2014-10-24 2016-04-28 The Coca-Cola Company Containers and Processes for Filling Containers
US9643746B1 (en) 2016-09-20 2017-05-09 Paul E. Lunn System and method of transferring matter through a sealed container
US10464109B2 (en) 2016-11-30 2019-11-05 Nolan Smith Bottle cap thread rinsing system

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FR3050439A1 (fr) * 2016-04-26 2017-10-27 Sidel Participations Procede de formation d'un emballage a partir d'un recipient, comprenant une mise sous pression du recipient par le vide
EP3500496A4 (fr) * 2016-08-18 2020-04-22 Niagara Bottling, LLC Système de dosage d'agent cryogénique à vitesse variable
DE102016119890A1 (de) * 2016-10-19 2018-04-19 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Herstellen von Getränkebehältnissen mit Rückkühlung und Gaszufuhr
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