Abstract:
A machine for automatically filling plastic bags with liquid or particulate material moves a continuous web of such bags through a number of serially positioned work stations. The bags are completely sealed when they enter the machine. As each bag passes through a slitting work station, a specially shaped opening is cut into the bag near an end of it which will become its top. When the bag proceeds to a filling work station, it is held vertically and a specially shaped fill nozzle is moved downward and rotated for entry into the bag through the slit opening. A valve is provided within the fill nozzle for controlling entry of the material into the bag. The valve and fill nozzle are cooperatively controlled by a single mechanism. The bags are transported through the various work stations by a positive toothed belt drive that preferably holds the bags flat until the filling station, wherein the belts are then moveable toward and away from each other in order to allow filling of the bag. After filling, the bag opening is then sealed. The various techniques are especially useful for aseptic packaging of foods, such as milk and wine. Fitments for later use in removing material can also be added to the bag in another work station. The bags and fitments are structured and carried in a way to cooperate with the machine.
Abstract:
A fluid dispenser for a bulk container of the type having a rigid outer box with a sealable flexible plastic inner bag. The dispenser includes a tubular sleeve having a flange that is heat-sealed to the outer surface of the plastic bag and a tubular turncock having a pointed inner end for piercing the bag of fluid. Extending from the tubular surface of the turncock barrel are keys that engage keyways in the bore of the tubular sleeve that both restrict longitudinal movement of the turncock to prevent removal or bag-piercing during storage and shipping and also, after the turncock is fully inserted to pierce the bag, restricts rotational movement of the turncock to prevent accidental removal and possible leakage. A second embodiment of the invention replaces the turncock with a conduit having the keys and the pointed tip, but with a tube fitting at the opposite end for dispensing the fluid at a remote valve or pump.
Abstract:
A filling head apparatus for filling a container in sterile conditions. The filling head comprises a regulating valve displaceable in three positions: open position, closed position, and displacement position. The inner wall of the spout of the container is cleaned by a pushing cylinder of the regulating valve traveling from the closed position to the displacement position. In addition, the filling head can freely move in respect to a sterile filling chamber encompassing the filling tip of the filling head. Furthermore, the filling head of the present invention comprises a diversion path to minimize the "water hammer" effect.
Abstract:
A fitment for a flexible container and method of using the same, especially suitable for use with a dispensing system having a peristaltic pump. The fitment having a generally cylindrical base assembly and an outlet port for providing access to the contents of the container, and a spout body dimensioned to attach to the base assembly to form a fluid flow path between the base assembly and spout body. A cap and barrier material may also be provided to seal the outlet port of the container and protect against contamination.
Abstract:
A spout fitment attached to a liquid filled bag, or other fluid container, of a type having a slidable dispensing valve member to receive a line connector for establishing a fluid path from an interior of the container, through a valve element in the line connector and into a service line attached to the line connector. Although the dispensing valve member is slid into the container when the line connector is inserted therein, the sliding motion does not form the container valve action. The container seal is established by a valve element within the slidable dispensing valve member that is resiliently biased to close an opening therein. The dispensing valve member thus need not be slid in the fitment when the line connector is removed from the dispensing valve member, thereby making it easier to remove and reinsert the line connector. Insertion of the line connector within the dispensing valve member causes their respective valve elements to engage each other to open and form the fluid flow path.
Abstract:
A fluid dispenser operable between opened and closed positions is adapted for attachment to a flexible bag that contains a liquid, particulate matter or other fluid material, where an opening is provided through a wall of the bag into an interior of the dispenser. The dispenser is initially closed to fluid flow, for the purpose of storage and shipping, by a diaphragm that is cut the first time the dispenser is operated to its opened position. A specially designed diaphragm cutting track and cooperative knife shape cause a cut diaphragm flap to be pushed out of the fluid flow path through the dispenser.
Abstract:
A machine for automatically filling plastic bags with liquid or particulate material moves a continuous web of such bags through a number of serially positioned work stations. The bags are completely sealed when they enter the machine. As each bag passes through a slitting work station, a specially shaped opening is cut into the bag near an end of it which will become its top. When the bag proceeds to a filling work station, it is held vertically and a specially shaped fill nozzle is moved downward and rotated for entry into the bag through the slit opening. A valve is provided within the fill nozzle for controlling entry of the material into the bag. The valve and fill nozzle are cooperatively controlled by a single mechanism. The bags are transported through the various work stations by a positive toothed belt drive that preferably holds the bags flat until the filling station, wherein the belts are then moveable toward and away from each other in order to allow filling of the bag. After filling, the bag opening is then sealed. The various techniques are especially useful for aseptic packaging of foods, such as milk and wine. Fitments for later use in removing material can also be added to the bag in another work station. The bags and fitments are structured and carried in a way to cooperate with the machine.
Abstract:
Flexible plastic bags used for the bulk storage and dispensing of fluids are often blocked from dispensing all the contents and/or entrap part of the contents in folds of the plastic as they shrink during dispensing. The invention is for a tongue or dip tube that is attached to the inner wall of the plastic bag near the location of the dispensing aperture. The tongue is formed of a laminate of two dissimilar materials, one non-hygroscopic and the other being hygroscopic, so that upon introduction of moisture into the bag, the hygroscopic layer will expand and the normally flat tongue will curl to form a thick tube that both prevents collapse of the bag and prevents closure of the dispensing aperture by the opposite wall of the bag.
Abstract:
Self-closing fluid dispensing valves particularly for use with soft flexible fluid containers. The valves include a tubular outer housing having one end attached to the fluid container and an inner coaxial tubular barrel which may be rotated to align fluid dispensing holes in both housing and barrel. Tabs extending from both housing and barrel permit "two-finger" opening of the valves against spring forces that operate to automatically close the valves.