US3443608A - Apparatus for filling containers with beverages - Google Patents

Description

May 13, 1969 B. G. COPPING ET AL 3,443,608

APPARATUS FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH BEVERAGES Filed Oct. 22. 1965 Sheet of 4 l @25% f I l i QQQSQ ATTYS.

May 13, 1969 B, G. coPPlNG ET AL 3,443,608

APPARATUS FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH BEVERAGES Filed oct. 22, 1965 sheet ,2

CP OUT SEALING PRESSURE oEPREsslNe um PRESSURE CAM- UP S IT ION CP IN 8 L s2 E PRooucT i IE@ DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE F/ G. 2 F/ 6.- 3

mvENToRs BRUCE 6. COPP/N6 KENNETH E FRIENDSHIP BYE/@kwam ATTORNEYS Sheet 3 of 4 INVENTORS. BRUCE G. COPPING @wma @Mm ATTYS. E

B. G. COPPING ET Al- A /ZZ May 13, 1969 APPARATUS RoR RUMNG CONTAINERS wlTR BEVERAGES Filed OC. 22, 1965 KENNETH E FRIENDSHIP May 13, 1969 B, Q CQPP|NG ET AL 3,443,608

APPARATUS FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH BEVERAGES Sheet Filed Oct. 22, 1965 coNTRoL MEANS 1 1 i la L-as LE l PRODUCT STOP VALVE F/G-/O H DIFFERENTIAL M I PRESSURE INVENTORS BRUCE 6. COPP/N6 6 fYE/VNETH E FRIENDSHIP M i* ma ATTORNEYS 3,443,608 APPARATUS FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH BEVERAGES Bruce G. Capping and Kenneth F. Friendship,Akron, Ohio, assignors to Geo. J. Meyer Manufacturing C0., Cudahy, Wis.

Filed Oct. 22, 1965, Ser. No. 500,863

Int. Cl. B65b 31/00, 57/14, 3/04 U.S. Cl. 141-46 13 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A filling head for carbonated beverage container filling machines is provided and includes a cylindrical hollow frame for engaging a container by a container engaging seat at its lower end. A valve seat is provided within the frame bore and a tubular valve means is slidably positioned within the frame. Means engage the valve means to move it to open and close position and capillary passage fiow restricting means for fiow of beverage therethrough to reduce the pressure on the beverage with a minimum of foaming is provided while a counter pressure supply tube extends axially through the frame and extends into any container engaged by the frame seat. Control means are provided in the apparatus to regulate action of the valve means for control of beverage fiow only when predetermined operating conditions exist.

The present invention relates to a novel and improved apparatus for filling containers with beverages.

Heretofore there have been many different types of container filling methods and apparatus that have been proposed and many of such types of machines and methods are in wide use commercially. Obviously, it is always desirable to provide more rapid container filling action wherein carbonated beverages can be forced into or otherwise fio-wed into containers to fill them with such beverages with a minimum of foaming action. Also, the use of readily removable and/or replaceable filling heads with bottle filling controls therein is desirable.

Liquids of the type to which the present invention pal'- ticularly relates includes all carbonated soft drinks, and beer, While wines and other conductive liquids also may be processed by the present apparatus.

The general object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved apparatus for filling containers with carbonated beverages, which apparatus is characterized by the novel and improved construction of the filling heads in the apparatus and by the control means provided for automatic container filling and liquid supply shut-oil` action.

Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved lightweight filling heads for use in processing carbonated beverages rapidly for container filling action, where the entire filling head can be moved to and from engagement with a positioned container, and where novel positioning means for the filling heads are present.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a plurality of capillary size paths for rapid fiow of beverages through a filling head while reducing the pressures on the beverages and with a minimum of foam being created in the processed beverage; to provide sturdy apparatus adapted to have a long service life with a minimum of maintenance, or repair thereon, to provide a novel counter-pressure gas supply means for a filling head, and a new gas shut-off means if a container is not engaged by the filling head; to provide a counter-pressure gas supply tube and an electrical contact carried thereby for termination of beverage flow through the filling head when a container is filled; to provide a simple adjustment in a filling head for ice control of the operation thereof; to provide improvedvalve and fiow control means in a filling head or member; and to provide a novel air spring and associated means for positioning and moving a filling head in a container filling machine.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be made more apparent as the specification proceeds.

The present apparatus is particularly adapted for use with carbonated beverages that have been stabilized in accordance with the invention disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 491,690 filed Sept. 30, 1965.

These stabilized carbonated beverages normally are supplied as a steady owing stream ready for container filling action.

Obviously the apparatus of the invention can be used for filling any suitable container, such as cans, bottles or the like, with any beverage of the type indicated.

Attention now is particularly directed to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, vertical section through a container filling apparatus embodying the principles of the invention and wherein a portion of the apparatus is shown diagrammatically or is omitted for clarity;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, enlarged side elevation of a container filling head assembly and associated positioning and control means, with a portion of the apparatus being broken away and shown in vertical section;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, horizontal section taken on line 4 4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a vertical section through the filling head assembly and. associated positioning means;

FIG. 6 is a vertical section taken through a typical filling head embodying the principles of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, enlarged elevation of a portion of the valve means of the filling head shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the lower end of the Valve member shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a vertical section taken through one of the restrictor shells used in the filling head of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 10 is a top plan of the restrictor shell of FIG. 9.

When referring to corresponding members shown in the drawings and referred to in the specification, corresponding numerals are used to facilitate comparison therebetween.

The present invention, generally speaking, as to one embodiment thereof, relates to a beverage container filllng apparatus including filling means individually engageable Awith containers for container filling action and where the filling means each may be considered to include a carrier frame; an air spring means, including a fixed member and a movable member telescopically engaging the fixed member; means supplying air to the air spring to move said members normally into their extended telescopic relation, means engaging the movable member to move it upwardly of the carrier frame, a filling head for engaging a container to supply beverage thereto, means engaging the filling head to secure it to the movable member to move there-with, which filling head can be moved downwardly to engage the lower end of the cylinder with the upper end of the container to terminate movement of the filling head and associated air spring means, a counter-pressure gas supply means, a counter-pressure supply tube extending axially of and carried by the filling head and protruding from both ends thereof and adapted to be connected to a counter-pressure gas supply means, and

control means for the counter-pressure gas connected to the counter-pressure supply tube to regulate the supply of such gas to the filling cylinder by the relative position of the filling cylinder with relation to the carrier frame and to terminate gas supply by the position of the filling cylinder in relation to the carrier frame if it should move downwardly beyond its normal container engaging position. The invention also relates to certain sub-combinations of the apparatus broadly defined hereinabove and to novel control features for adjusting the position of the counter-pressure supply tube in the filling cylinder and to a special contact member associated with the supply tube to control the height of fill of beverage or liquid in a container, and to other novel subcombinations and portions of the filling head positioning means and elements forming the filling head of the invention.

Reference now is particularly made to the details of the structure shown in the accompanying drawings, and a bottle or container filling machine or apparatus is indicated as a whole by the numeral 1. The apparatus 1 includes a suitable conventional fixed center support 2 which has a substantially conventional filling table' 3 journalled thereon for rotary movement in a horizontal plane. The filling table 3 is adapted to have a plurality of bottles 4 or other suitable containers supplied to a peripheral portion thereof and be carried thereby through a substantially complete rotation of the table. The empty bottles 4 are supplied to the table 3 in a conventional manner and are removed therefrom after being filled for further processing in accordance with conventional bottle filling techniques. In all events, the filling table 3 is suitably driven by means (not shown) whereby a plurality of the bottles 4 will be positioned on the filling table and will be rotated therewith for bottle filling action and subsequent removal. A plurality of individual filling assemblies 5 are operatively secured to and carried by an upper support spider or disc 6 at peripheral portions thereof in circumferentially spaced relation for registering with and engaging with the upper ends of the bottles 4 on the filling table and for arcuate movement therewith, as hereinafter described. This support disc 6 is suitably secured to and moves with an upper support column or sleeve 7 that is engaged .with a lower support tube 8 which in turn is suitably supported or journalled on the upper end of the center support 2 of the frame of the apparatus for rotary movement thereon.

Any conventional means, not shown, are associated with the apparatus 1 for driving the filling table 3 in timed relation to supply and remove bottles with relation theret0.

For purposes of clarity, portions of the filling apparatus 1 of the invention are either shown diagrammatically or else are eliminated from FIG. 1 of the drawings.

Beverage or other liquid to be flowed into the bottles or containers used in the apparatus 1 is supplied thereto from any conventional supply source and this beverage fioiws into the apparatus 1 through a center tube 9 positioned within the center support 2 and connecting to a distributor or manifold 10 secured to the upper end of the center tube 9. This distributor 10 has a plurality of individual supply tubes or conduits 11 connected thereto and individually extending therefrom to the individual filling heads 5 as indicated in FIG. l.

FILLING HEAD ASSEMBLY The filling head assembly 5 is shown in detail in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, with some operative components connected thereto being indicated in FIG. l of the drawings. Each of these filling head assemblies includes a suitable carrier, or frame 12 to which, in this instance, a cylindrical filling cylinder or head 13 is removably secured, as hereinafter described. These carriers or frames 12 are each individually suitably secured to and carried by the support member or Spider 6 of the apparatus at properly spaced circumferential portions thereof by any conventional means. Each of these carriers 12 includes a vertically extending slot 14, as shown in FIG. 3. Each carrier 12 also includes a cylindrical, downwardly extending section or member 1S that is positioned on a vertical axis and which has a center bore 1.6 provided therein. In order to provide for movement of the filling heads .13 lwith relation to the carriers 12, some suitable member, such as an air spring sleeve 17, is telescopically engaged with the peripheral portion of the cylindrical section 15 and is movable downwardly thereof. A suitable source of operative fiuid pressure, such as a conduit 18, connects to the carrier 12 and connects through a bore 19 in the carrier 12 to the upper end of the center bore 16 in the cylindrical section 15. Preferably a piston 20 is suitably secured to, or formed as a unit with, the lower end of the cylindrical section 15 and this piston is iixedly secured to its carrier means and has at least one aperture 21 therein. A guide or piston rod 22 is secured to the piston and extends vertically downwardly therefrom. The air spring sleeve 17 has an end or cover 23 secured thereto, or formed as a unit therewith, which end or end plate slidably engages with the guide rod 22 and forms a fluid tight connection therewith. The lower end of the guide rod 22 normally is attached to a foot portion 24 provided at the lower end of each of the carriers 12. Hence, the air spring sleeve 17 is positioned for reciprocating ymovement on a vertical axis. It will be seen that normally the air spring sleeve 17 is moved to its extended position with relation to the cylindrical section 15.

As a feature of the invention, means are provided in association with the apparatus 1 to aid in controlling the positioning of the filling head 13 in relation to its individual carrier 12. Thus, a suitable guide or roller 25 is shown journalled on a pin or shaft carried by the carrier 12 adjacent its upper end and a similar guide or roller 26 is suitably journalled on the air spring sleeve 17 by a member or shaft 27 secured to and extending laterally from the lower end thereof through the slot 14. The position of the air spring sleeve then is controlled by an external member, in this instance shown as being a substantially iiattened C-shaped cam plate or ring 28, that is suitably associated with the apparatus 1 as by an arm 128 and associated means (not shown) to be retained in a fixed but but vertically adjustable position with relation to the support disc or member 6 and means carried thereby. The cam plate or ring 28 is obviously of suitable arcuate length in the apparatus to perform the functions stated therefor. Such cam plate 28 preferably is vertically positioned by engagement Iwith and support by the upper rollers 25. Hence, as the support or Spider 6 is moved vertically on its support column 7 to adjust the apparatus for filling containers of different heights, the cam plate 28 automatically rides up and down with the filling heads as the spider 6 moves to maintain its correct operative position. It is seen that a lower ledge or shelf 29 on this cam 28 engages the lower guide 26, and, by the relative arcuate movement of the support spider 6 and the associated filling head assemblies, this arcuate movement can be used to cause the lower roller or guide 26 to be moved from a normal extended position, as indicated on the lefthand side of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, up to the telescoped upper position or limit of movement for the air spring sleeve 17 and means carried thereby, as shown on the right hand side of the apparatus in FIG. l. Hence, during proper operative cyclic movement of the filling table 3 and bottles thereon, the different air spring sleeves 17 can be moved to their uppermost positions whereas for the primary portion of the arcuate movement of the filling table 3, the air spring sleeves 17 will be urged to their normal extended positions, all as explained hereinafter in more detail, for proper functioning of the apparatus of the invention.

As another feature of the individual filling head assembly 5, a counter pressure gas control valve 30 is provided in an upper portion of each one of these filling head assemblies. FIG. 2 of the drawings shows that a suitable bore 31 is provided in each of the carriers 12 and extends horizontally thereof thereinto from one marginal portion thereof. A source of counter pressure gas, such as a tube 32, that connects to a supply manifold 33, as shown in FIG. 1, connects to the carrier and gas thus fiows to and through the carrier through a suitable bore therein to the inner end of the bore 31 in each of the carriers. A slidable valve body 34 is suitably positioned in and sealed in engagement with the bore 31 for axial movement therein. The valve body 34 has a suitable counter bore 35 formed in one end thereof and an exhaust port or bore 36 is provided in the valve body and extends radially thereof to connect the counterbore to the periphery of the valve body. Suitable means, such as a spring 37, is resiliently received between the inner end of the valve body 34 and the associated closed end of the bore 31 to urge the valve body axially outwardly of the valve normally and position the bore 36 in register with an outlet bore or port 38 provided in each of the carriers 12 at an upper end thereof. Thus, normally the counter pressure control valve 30 is in its open position. The position of the -valve body 34, in proper cyclic operation as the individual filling head assemblies 5 as they are moved arcuately with the support member 6, then brings a cam roller 39, that is suitably journalled on an axially outer end of the val-ve body 34, into engagement with a suitable cam or control 40 that is carried by the cam 28 and extends upwardly from an upper portion thereof to engage the cam roller 39. This action forces the valve body axially inwardly to its valve closed position when the supply of the counter pressure gas is to be shut off from supply to the individual filling head 13 associated with this particular filling head assembly. This counter pressure gas valve control action particularly must be pro-vided when the individual filling head assemblies are in their elevated positions, as indicated in FIG. l, when a filled container is being removed from association with the individual filling head and a new empty bottle is being brought into operative association therewith for engagement thereby. As described hereinafter in more detail, it will be seen that the downward movement of the individual filling heads 13 in the different filling head assemblies is terminated by operative engagement of a lower end portion of the filling head with the upper end of a container for container filling action.

The present invention provides yet an additional control upon the supply of counter pressure gas in the apparatus dependent upon proper engagement of the individual filling head with an individual container or bottle. This additional control includes a cam or lock plate 41 that is pivotally secured at one end thereof by a suitable pin or shaft 42 to an individual carrier 12 to be positioned above the individual carrier resiliently for limited downward movement in relation thereto by any suitable means (not shown). This lock plate 41 has a suitable slot 43 provided in an end thereof that lies above but not in exact alignment with a shaft 44 on which the cam roller 39 is positioned. Such shaft 44 is itself received in a slot 45 formed in the carrier 12 so that the shaft 44 moves with the valve body 34 as controlled by the cam 40.

For a purpose as described hereinafter in more detail, each of the individual filling heads 13 has a counter pressure gas supply tube, or assembly 46 carried thereby and normally extending therethrough to protrude from both ends thereof. l

As a further control feature of the invention, a control rod 146 is secured to the upper end of the air spring sleeve 17 and it extends through suitable apertures in the carrier 12 and lock plate 41. The upper end of the rod 146 normally has suitable means such as a washer 47 carried thereon as by being resiliently urged against a Shoulder on the rod by a spring 147. This washer 47 normally will not move downwardly of the apparatus with the individual filling head 13 to which it is connected far enough as to contact the lock plate 41 due to interruption of the downward movement of the individual filling head by engagement with a properly positioned container. However, should no container or bottle be present in the apparatus for engagement by the lower end of the individual filling head 13, then it twill move downwardly past its normal extended position and such action will bring the washer 47 into engagement with the lock plate 41 and press it downwardly of the apparatus. Such movement of the individual filling heads only occurs when the counter pressure control valve 30 is in its closed or innermost position and at such time, the slot 43 in the lock plate 41 then will be pressed down to engage with the head of the shaft 44 to retain the valve in a locked, closed position. Hence, any improper downward movement of the individual lling heads 13 in the filling head assemblies 5, as indicated by the washer 47 contacting the lock plate 41, will result in a maintenance of the control valve 30 in its closed or shut-off position and will prevent escape of counter pressure gas from the individual counter pressure gas supply tubes 46, as described hereinafter in more detail. Such lock plate 41 will retain the counter pressure gas supply valve in its shut-off position until the full cycle of operation of the individual filling head 1with which it has been associated theoretically occurs and then on the next elevation of the individual filling heads 13 in their carriers `12, by the cam 28 raising the individual filling head 13 to its uppermost position, the cam 40 will again engage the cam roller 39 to hold it in its innermost position. Usually simultaneously the lock plate 41 will be released from engagement with the head of the shaft 44 when the cam 40 has engaged the cam roller 39 to move or hold the valve in its closed position, and it will resiliently spring up to its released position.

FILLING HEAD CONSTRUCTION FIGS. 6 through 10 illustrate in detail the construction of the individual filling heads 13 or cylinders used in the apparatus of the invention. Such individual filling heads 13 each include a suitable frame means which may cornprise a 2-part cylinder 50, as shown in the drawings where the upper and lower cylinder sections are telescopically engaged with each other and may be secured together as by a lock, or centering pin 51 and/ or by the inner end of a beverage supply valve 52 that resiliently engage the cylinder sections. This beverage supply valve 52 connects to one of the tubes 11 for flow of beverage thereto, and preferably the supply valve 52 is of the type that-automatically and instantaneously closes when the valve is removed from engagement with the cylinder 50. However, Iwhen the supply valve is in its opeartive position in engagement lwith the cylinder, the valve is automatically opened for liow of beverage to the interior or bore of the cylinder 50 for fiow to the individual bottles for filling action.

FIG. 6 of the drawings best shorws that the lower end of the cylinder 50 has a container engaging seat S3 provided at its lower end and preferably the seat 53 comprises a resilient annular member suitably positioned in a recess formed in the lower end of the cylinder 50i. Such seat 53 is adapted to engage the upper end of a bottle or other container and seal thereagainst when the individual filling head is moved into container filling position. Also, the seat 53 cushions the impact that would occur if the metal cylinder would directly engage a container.

As indicated, the cylinder 50 is hollow and has a center bore 54 therein which extends down to the lower end of the cylinder and connects to the container engaging sleeve 53 for flow of beverage therethrough into an associated container.

Internally of the cylinder 50, suitable means are provided for providing only ow of beverage downwardly in the individual cylinder or lling head and thus, for example, a restrictor sleeve 55 is received in a fixed position within the cylinder 50 intermediate the ends thereof and it has a port, or bore 56 provided therein that receives the inner end of the beverage supply valve 52 for flow of beverage therethrough to the interior of such restrictor sleeve. A guide sleeve 57 of smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of the restrictor sleeve 55 at some portions thereof, is received within such restrictor sleeve and it may be secured to the restrictor sleeve 55, as by a lock nut 58 engaging a threaded upper end of the guide sleeve 57 to secure it in assembled relationship to the restrictor sleeve.

For pressure reducing action on the beverage flowing through the cylinder 50, a plurality of restrictor shells, in this instance five conical shells 59, are positioned in stacked relationship upon each other intermediate the restrictor sleeve 55 and the guide sleeve 517, being compressed between complementary surfaces formed on sai-d sleeves. Each of these restrictor shells 59 has any siutable longitudinally extending ribs 60, or the like, formed on the outer surface thereof, and extending the length of the shell. A longitudinally extending short slot 61 is formed in the upper end of each of the restrictor shelves S9 as is a short internal rib 61a longer than the slot 61 whereby the ribs 60 will position the restrictor shells in closely spaced stacked relation, with clearance, for example, between the individual restrictor shells being of a capillary size, such as approximately .005 inch. Adjacent shells are positioned 180 out of phase with each other so that a rib 61a engages a slot 61 in the adjacent shell to align and axially space the shells. Hence, beverage will flow down through the stacked restrictor shells from the upper ends thereof and the pressure on the beverage can be dropped, for example, about 25 to 30 p.s.i. as the beverage ows through between the adjacent restrictor shells under these capillary ilow conditions, dependent upon the pressure of the beverage at the inlet through the restrictor sleeve and the counter pressure applied to the container to be lled, as well as the number of shells used. Such pressure reduction action is secured with a minimum of foaming, or gas release in the processed beverage, as the beverage ows from the individual filling heads through the lower end of the cylinders 50.

As yet an additional element and feature of each of the cylinders or fillings heads 50, a hollow or tubular valve spindle 62 is slidably received in each of the cylinders. Such valve spindle preferably is received in the bore of and guided by the guide sleeve S7 with the valve spindle 62 extending down below the guide sleeve and also extending upwardly from the upper end of the individual cylinders 50. Each of the cylinders 50 is provided with a valve seat 63 adjacent the lower end thereof in communication with the bore thereof and the container engaging seat 53 of the individual cylinders. Such valve seat in this instance is shown as being a counterbored cylindrical portion of the bore of the cylinder which is adapted to be in sealed engagement with the cylindrical lower end 57aof the tubular valve spindle or stem as by means of an O-ring 64 carried by the valve spindle adjacent its lower end. In the sealed or closed position of the valve spindle as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings, an upper O-ring 65 carried by the lower end of the valve spindle 62 is in slidable but sealed engagement with a counterbore provided at the lower end of the guide sleeve 57 whereby beverage cannot iiow upwardly of the individual filling head or cylinder and at that valve position, all flow of beverage through the individual filling head is thus prevented. An additional feature of the tubular valve spindles 62 is that they each have a counterbore 66 provided in their lower ends, and a plurality of discharge ports 67 are formed in the wall of the valve spindle and connect to this counterbore 66.

These discharge ports 67 are all formed so that they extend downwardly and inwardly of the individual valve spindles so as to connect tangentially to the counterbore 66. As the beverage being forced to flow through the individual filling heads has some residual pressure, such as between about 3 to 4 p.s.i. thereon, normally, or more as desired, this beverage will ow through the ports 67 with some force and a spinning motion is effected on this liquid to retain the liquid primarily against the wall of the counterbore. When this valve spindle 62 is moved to its open position, the counterbore 66 smoothly blends into the bore of the cylinder and the beverage will iiow down the remaining length of the cylinder against the bore wall. Such centrifugal action or ow of the beverage continues as the beverage flows down into an associated bottle and hence flows thereinto primarily by a swirling action around the wall of the bottle. The lateral discharge action or swirling of the beverage is augmented, or alternatively provided by a conical shield 132 secured to the counter pressure supply tube below the container engaging seat 53.

The position of the valve spindle in each of the filling heads is controlled by suitable means, such as a piston 68, that is secured to an upper portion of each of the valve spindles adjacent the upper portion or end of the cylinder 50 and is in sealed engagement with the bore thereof. The piston normally is moved to its uppermost position abutting on an end portion of the cylinder by means, such as a spring 69, that is compressively received within the bore of the cylinder and abuts on the upper end of the restrictor sleeve 55, for example, and the associated end of the piston 68. A conduit 70 is connected to the upper end of each of the cylinders 50- and it connects to a suitable source of compressed uid, such as gas, that flows inwardly through a fitting 71 carried by the cylinder into an upper end of the cylinder bore that connects to the face of the piston 68 opposed to that engaged by the spring 69. Hence, when operative pressure is supplied through the conduit 70 to the upper face of the piston 68, the valve spindle 62 can be moved rapidly from its closed position to its open position with the lower end of the valve spindle normally abutting against the associated shoulder formed in the cylinder bore, and likewise can be rapidly closed.

FIG. 6 of the drawings clearly shows that the counter pressure gas supply tube 46 extends the length of each of the cylinders 50 and protrudes from both ends thereof. Normally an insulated cover or sleeve 72 is suitably positioned around or secured to the metal gas supply tube 46 and extends the length thereof down to a contact 73 that is exposed at the lower end of the tube 46 for a purpose to be described hereinafter. Usually, the counter pressure supply tube 46 is referred to in the drawings by the numeral 46 even though it has the sleeve 72 thereon and such tube is secured to the upper end of the tubular valve spindle 62 in fixed engagement therewith, as by a lock nut 74 whereby when desired, the lock nut 74 can be loosened and the tube 46 and contact 73 can be changed in its vertical relationship to the valve spindle and to an associated bottle or container that is engaged by the apparatus for filling action to control or adjust the filling height. A suitable scale or indication for this adjustment may be incorporated on the upper end of this tube to facilitate the changing of liquid contents in the containers.

As yet a further feature of the invention, a differential pressure operated switch, or valve 75 is carried by each of the cylinders 5t) adjacent the lower end thereof. This differential pressure switch or valve 75 has a suitable pressure supplied thereto, for example, by a conduit 76 connecting thereto, or by spring means, and the switch or valve is built to move to and from operative positions for control action dependent upon whether or not counter pressure gas is also received in this differential pressure switch or valve 75. The switch or valve 75 connects to a port 77 formed in the cylinder 50` and the apparatus so functions that when the cylinder 50 engages a container and counter pressure gas ows through the tube 46 and from the lower end thereof into a container or bottle, such pressure will flow back up into the lower end of the cylinder and through the bore 77 to control the action of the differential pressure switch or valve 75.

The present apparatus is particularly adapted for use with and controlled by the apparatus and method shown in detail and described in copending patent application Ser. No. 49 1,691, filed Sept. 30, 1965, by Kenneth F. Friendship, one of the co-inventors herein. It could, however, be equally controlled by other methods, for example; by pneumatic or mechanical means for other purposes or when operating at lower speeds. However, certain of the major control functions exercised in the apparatus of the invention may readily be considered to be a part of the present invention and will be described in general in relation to their association with and control of the apparatus of the invention and the functioning thereof.

For purposes of illustration, FIG. l diagrammatically shows one form of a control means 80 that is associated with the apparatus of the invention. Such control means preferably are electrically operated and includes suitable circuit means to perform the functions to be described hereinafter in more detail, and any suitable power supply means (not shown) connect to such control means 80. One or more leads 81 are shown connected to the differential pressure sensing means, usually a switch 75 and extending therefrom to the control means 80 whereby the differential pressure switch must be set in a predetermined operative condition with the proper counter pressure supplied thereto by the bore 77 from a container engaged by the filling head or cylinder 13 in order for the lead or leads 81 to transmit proper information to the control means 80 to enable it to set the filling head .13 for beverage flow therethrough. The piston operating pressure supplied to the tube or conduit 70, FIG. 6, is controlled by a member, such as a magnetically or electrically operated control valve, switch or other sensing means 82 that in turn is connected to a suitable source of operative fluid, such as compressed air by the conduit 182. Hence, when the valve 82 is properly set, as by receiving electrical energy or impulses through a lead or leads 83 that connect to such valve 82 and extend to the control means 80 which control energization of the leads 83, then the valve 82 is actuated to move to open or closed position to pass fluid to the piston 68 or to exhaust fiuid therefrom, respectively. Thus, it is insured that operative pressure will only be supplied to the piston 68 when the differential pressure switch 75 has proper counter pressure supplied thereto and transmits such information to the control means 80` which thereby can then energize the valve 82 and depress the the piston 68 to open the valve ports or bores 67 in the tubular valve spindle 62 for fiow of beverage through the the individual filling head 13.

Termination of flow of beverage through the individual filling head naturally must occur when the individual container or bottle engaged thereby is filled to the desired level. The contact 73 provided at the lower end of the counter pressure supply tube 46 is connected back through the metal counter pressure supply tube 46 by a lead 84 to the control means 80 and the metal frame of the apparatus 1 likewise connects back to the control means 80 by a lead 85 whereby an open circuit is provided between the leads 84 and 85. Such circuit is then completed through the contact 73 when conductive liquid received within the container or bottle 4 flows up to the level indicated by the line 86 in the bottle shown in FIG. 6 and a circuit is thereby closed between the beverage swirling into or fiowing into the the bottle 4 along the Walls thereof and still in contact with the metal components of the filling head or cylinder 13 whereby a shutoff impulse will then be transmitted to the control means 80 and the valve 82 will be actuated so that the valve spindle 62 will be snapped or be moved rapidly to its closed potition.

If it is desired to adjust the filling height of liquid or beverage to be supplied to the bottle 4, then one only needs loosen the lock nut 74 -and move the counter pressure supply tube assembly 46 vertically of the individual filling head 13 upwardly or downwardly to its new position at which the desired shut-off action for container or bottle filling action will be provided. It will be seen that some beverage will fiow down or drain from the lower end of the bore 54 when the valve spindle 62 is moved to its closed position and such amount of fiuid or beverage which has already passed through the valve means of the filling head is of a predetermined substantially constant volume whereby the ultimate filled height indicated by the liquid level line 87 is obtained in the bottle when disengaged from the individual filling head. Any desired number and size of exhaust ports 88 are shown provided in the lower end of the counter pressure supply tube 46, and the insulation sleeve thereon, to permit ready exhaust or fioW of the counter pressure gas to the bottle or container engaged therewith. Usually the counter pressure gas supplied in the apparatus of the invention would be in the vicinity of about 6 p.s.i. and in all events, is lower than the resultant pressure applied to the beverage fiowing through the filling heads 13. It Will be seen that independent control of this counter pressure and of the resultant pressure on the beverage being flowed to the bottles 4 is possible by practice of the present invention.

It will be realized that any conventional types of rotary or slip joints can be provided to form connections between fixed air pressure, fluid pressure, or liquid supply means as associated with the apparatus of the invention and which must be connected to rotary portions of the apparatus. Usually the individual air pressure supply means for supplying differential pressure to the switches or valves 75 when air pressure means are used, will be connected to a suitable manifold or other supply means from which the individual filling heads can be supplied. Likewise, the counter pressure supply gas means may comprise a manifold moving with the movable part of the apparatus of the invention and having suitable gas supplied thereto through conventional coupling means in the apparatus.

A manifold 89 is suitably secured to and carried by the support spider or disc 6 and has a suitable source (not shown) of compressed fluid secured thereto. Such manifold 89 connects to the individual filling head assemblies by the individual tubes or conduits 18 which operatively connect to the carriers 12. Air or other fiuid hence is continually supplied under pressure to the bores 16 in the carriers and just flows into or out of such center bores 16 dependent upon whether or not an external force is applied to the air spring sleeve 17 by the cam 28. Some of such members are indicated somewhat diagrammatically in FIG. 1 of the drawings but in general conventional means are used for pressure supply purposes in the novel and improved apparatus of the invention.

The individual filling heads 13 preferably are formed as units that can be readily secured to, or removed from the carriers or frames 12. FIG. 4 best shows that a cam arm 90 is pivotally carried by a rod or stud 91 which is secured in a tapped hole formed in a lug 92 on the air spring sleeve 17. A cam surface 93 on the cam arm 90 engages a clamp arm or plate 94 bearing at one end thereof on the lug 92 to force the filling head against an arcuate seat on the periphery of the sleeve 17 for movement therewith but for ready release therefrom.

The various means that operatively connect to the individual filling heads 13 can be connected thereto by any conventional quick release couplings or the like.

Another feature of the filling heads or cylinders 50 is that each head has an exhaust port 95 formed therein above the upper end of the restrictor sleeve 55 and in communication with the spring engaging face of the piston 68. If liquid should leak upwardly of the filling head when operatively vertically positioned, or if fluid or air leaks downwardly by the piston 68, such fluid will exhaust through the port 95. This avoids any possible contamination of the beverage by the pressure fluid. Air trapped by the head of the valve spindle 62 exhausts up along a slot 96, FIG. 6, in the valve spindle when the valve spindle is moved up to its closed position. The slot 96 connects to an annular recess 97 formed in the upper portion of the valve spindle. A bore 98 in the upper part of the guide sleeve 57 connects the recess 97 to the periphery of the guide sleeve that is sealed from a fiuid distributing chamber 99 at the upper ends of the restrictor sleeves by an O-ring 100, or the like. The port 95 connects to the bore 98 or a chamber formed thereat by a bore 101 in the upper end of the restrictor sleeve 55.

It will be noted that the cam 28 is of limited arcuate extent and is positioned in the apparatus at the bottle release and replacement stations thereof to move and retain the individual filling heads 13 in their upper positions at such stations. The ledge 29 has an inclined section 29a, indicated in FIG. 3, to engage the roller 26 when the air spring sleeve 17 is in its extended position and move, or force it upwardly after the bottle associated with such filling head is full.

The carriers or frames 12 usually are made from several special interrelated parts suitably secured together. These carriers are removably secured to the support member or spider 6.

In general, the novel filling head assemblies can be attached to conventional, or at least substantially conventional, bottle filling apparatus and conventional bottle supply and processing machines.

From the foregoing, it is believed that it will be seen that a novel and improved container filling apparatus and control means therefor has been provided by the present invention. Such apparatus will provide a long service life, the apparatus is easily disassembled in that the individual filling heads 13 can be removed for cleaning or repair purposes, or for inspection, as desired, and only minimum effort is required to detach the individual filling heads from their supports. Furthermore, the apparatus is so constructed that all passages and surfaces therein can be cleaned and sterilized by the circulation of suitable detergent or other cleaning agent. Scouring action is further assisted to these ends by the careful regulation of ports and passageways to a size where the velocity of such cleaning agents through them is high.

While one complete embodiment of the invention has been disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that modification of this particular embodiment of the invention may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. In a filling head for a carbonated beverage container filling machine that has means for positioning containers for filling and where the filling head and containers are vertically aligned and engaged, said filling head comprising a hollow cylinder means having a bore,

a plurality of restrictor shells arranged in spaced stacked relation to said cylinder means so that the flow of beverage therethrough will be around and between adjacent stacked shells under pressure reducing conditions,

means for supply of beverage connected to the bore of said cylinder means for flow of beverage only down through said restrictor shells,

a hollow valve spindle having a bore slidably positioned within said cylinder means to engage a lower portion of said cylinder means for axial movement therein, said valve spindle being movable vertically from a closed position sealing the lower ends of said restrictor shells from the bore of said cylinder means to an open position connecting the lower ends of said restrictor shells to the bore of said cylinder means for liow of beverage out through the lower of said cylinder means,

means operatively engaging said valve spindle to move it to open and closed positions, and

a counter-pressure supply tube received in the bore of said valve spindle and extending beyond the ends of said cylinder means to protrude into any container engaged by the lower end of said cylinder means for filling such container.

2. In a filling head for a carbonated beverage container filling machine that has means for positioning containers for filling and where the filling head and containers are vertically aligned and engaged, said filling head comprising a hollow cylinder means having a bore,

a restrictor sleeve positioned within said cylinder means intermediate the ends thereof,

means for supply of beverage being connected to the bore of said restrictor sleeve,

a guide sleeve positioned within said restrictor sleeve and sealed against flow of liquid upwardly thereof,

a plurality of conical restrictor shells positioned in spaced stacked relation between a lower portion of said guide sleeve and said restrictor sleeve for flow of beverage therethrough under pressure reducing conditions,

a hollow valve spindle having a bore slidably positioned within said guide sleeve and extending from the lower end thereof to engage a portion of said cylinder means for axial movement therein, said valve spindle being movable vertically from a closed position to an open position connecting the lower ends of said restrictor shells to the bore of said cylinder means,

a piston enga-ging said valve spindle at an upper portion of said cylinder above said restrictor sleeve,

means operatively engaging said piston to move said valve spindle to open and closed positions, and

a counter-pressure supply tube received in the bore of said valve spindle and extending beyond the ends of said cylinder means to Iprotrude into any container engaged by said cylinder means.

3. In a filling head for a carbonated beverage container filling machine that has means thereon for positioning containers for filling,

a cylindrical frame having a bore with a container engaging seat at its lower end,

means engaging said frame to move it down to engage said seat with a container,

a valve seat being formed within said frame bore and connecting to said container engaging seat,

a tubular valve means slid-ably positioned within said frame to move to and from engaging said valve seat to control flow of beverage from said frame bore to an engaged container,

control means engaging said valve means to move it to open and closed positions,

means connecting to said frame bore to supply beverage under pressure thereto,

capillary passage flow restricting means for flow of beverage to said valve means to reduce the pressure on said beverage with minimum foaming thereof,

a metal counter pressure supply tube extending axially of said frame through the bore thereof and protruding therebelow into any container engaged by said frame seat, said supply tube being adjustable vertically of said frame and valve means,

means engaging said supply tube to retain it in a given position, said tube also extending through said valve means and having a contact at its lower end,

insulating means covering said supply tube for the length thereof in said frame but exposing said contact on said supply tube, and

powered electrical circuit means connecting to said supply tube to be closed by beverage contacting 13 the lower end of said supply tube and operatively connecting to said control means to close said valve means when a container is filled. 4. In a filling head for a carbonated beverage container filling machine that has means thereon for posicured to and extending .axially of said frame through the bore thereof and protruding therebelow into any container engaged by said frame seat, said i4 ow of beverage from said bore to an engaged container, control means operatively connecting to said valve means to move it to open and closed positions, means connecting to said bore above said valve seat tioningcontainers for filling, 5 means to supply beverage under pressure thereto, a frame having a bore with a container engaging seat beverage passage flow restricting means in said bore at its lower end, and having at least a section with a circumferential acontainer being engageable by said seat, component in its flow for liow of beverage therea valve seat being formed within said frame bore and through to and through said valve means when connecting to said container engaging seat, open while reducing the pressure on said beverage, a tubular valve means slidably positioned within said a counter-pressure supply tube carried by said frame frame to move to and from engaging said valve and extending through the bore thereof and proseat to control flow of beverage from said frame truding therebelow into any container engaged by bore to an engaged container, said seat to supply counter pressure to said concontrol means engaging said valve means to move it tainer,

to open and closed positions, a differential pressure sensing means loperatively conmeans connecting to said frame bore to supply bevernecting to said cylinder bore to receive the counter age under pressure thereto, pressure from any container engaging said conelongate tubular capillary passage flow restricting tainer engaging seat on one side of such valve,

means having a radial component in its flow path means for supply of a differential pressure to the other for flow of beverage to said valve means to reduce side of said differential pressure sensing means, and the pressure on said beverage with minimum foamcontrol means operatively connected to said differening thereof, and tial pressure sensing means and to said control a metal counter-pressure supply tube operatively semeans to open said valve means when the counter pressure is applied to said differential pressure sensing means.

7. In a filling head for a carbonated beverage consupply tube extending through said valve means.

5. In a filling head for a carbonated beverage container filling machine that has means thereon for positioning containers for filling,

tainer filling machine that has means for positioning containers for filling and where the filling head and containers are vertically aligned and engaged, said filling head comprising a hollow cylinder having a container engaging seat at its lower end,

a hollow cylinder means having a lower end adapted to engage a container upper end,

said seat being engageable with a container for seala restrictor sleeve positioned within said cylinder ing with the same, means intermediate the ends thereof,

a valve seat means being formed within said cylinder means for supply of beverage being connected to the and connecting to said container engaging seat, bore of said restrictor sleeve,

a valve means slidably positioned within said cylinder a guide sleeve positioned within said restrictor sleeve to move to and from engaging said valve seat means and sealed against flow of liquid upwardly thereof, to control flow of beverage from said cylinder bore a plurality of conical restrictor shells positioned in to an engaged container, closely spaced stacked relation between a lower control means engaging said valve means to move it portion of said guide sleeve and said restrictor to open and closed positions, sleeve for flow of beverage through or between said means connecting to said cylinder bore above said shells under pressure reducing conditions,

valve seat means to supply beverage under presa hollow valve spindle slidably positioned within said sure thereto, guide sleeve and extending from the lower end elongate beverage passage ow restricting means for thereof to engage a portion of said cylinder means iiow of beverage therethrough to said valve means for axial movement therein, said valve spindle being and including a ow section having a component movable vertically from a closed position to an extending circumferentially, open position connecting the lower ends of said a counter pressure supply tube carried by said cylinder restrictor shells to the bore of said cylinder means, and extending through the bore thereof and prosaid valve spindle having a counterbore in its lower truding therebelow into any container engaged by end and a plurality of downwardly and inwardly said cylinder seat, and directed bores in its wall at such counterbored end a sensing means operatively engaged with said cylinder connecting to said counterbore substantially tanand connecting thereto to receive the counter presgentially thereof to spin beverage tangentially out sure from any container engaging said container of said counterbore to flow into a container along engaging seat, said sensing means being connected the sides thereof, and operatively to said control means to enable said means engaging said valve spindle at an upper porvalve means to be opened only when counter pressure is applied to said sensing means.

6. In a filling head for a carbonated beverage contion thereof to move it to open and closed positions. 8. In a filling head for a carbonated beverage container filling machine that has means thereon for positioning containers for filling,

a frame having a vertically extending bore with a tainer filling machine that has means thereon for positioning containers for filling,

a frame having a vertically extending bore having a container engaging seat at its lower end,

said seat being engageable with a container for filling the same,

a tubular valve seat means being formed within said bore and connecting to said container engaging seat,

a valve means slidably positioned within said frame bore and havin-g a tubular section to move with relation to said tubular valve seat means to control container engaging seat at its lower end,

means connecting to said frame bore to supply beverage under pressure thereto,

capillary passage flow restricting means in said frame bore for flow of beverage therethrough under pressure reducing conditions,

a metal counter pressure gas supply tube extending axially of said frame through the bore thereof and protruding therebelow into any container engaged by said frame seat, said supply tube being adjustable vertically of said frame and having gas discharge means in its lower end,

means engaging said supply tube to retain it in a given position, said supply tube having a Contact at its lower end,

insulating means covering said supply tube for the length thereof but exposing said contact on said supply tube and said gas discharge means, and

powered electrical circuit means connecting to said supply tube to be energized by beverage contacting said contact to yact on a flow control means to terminate beverage flow through said frame when a container has a predetermined amount of beverage therein whereby the amount of beverage passed to a container can be varied by adjusting the vertical position of said supply tube with relation to said frame.

9. In a filling head for a carbonated beveragecontainer filling machine that has means thereon for positioning containers for lling,

a cylindrical frame having a bore with a container engaging seat at its lower end,

a valve seat being formed within said frame bore and connecting to said container engaging seat,

a tubular valve means slidably positioned within said frame to move to and from engaging said valve seat to control ow of beverage from said frame bore to an engaged container,

control means engaging said valve means to move it to open and closed positions,

means connecting to said frame bore to supply beverage under pressure thereto,

capillary passage flow restricting means for ow of beverage to said valve means to reduce the pressure on said beverage with minimum foaming thereof,

a metal counter pressure supply tube extending axially of said frame through the bore thereof and protruding therebelow into any container engaged by said frame seat, said supply tube extending through said valve means and having va contact at its lower end,

insulating means covering said supply tube for the length thereof in said frame but exposing said contact on said supply tube, and

powered electrical circuit means connecting to said supply tube to be closed by beverage contacting the lower end of said supply tube and operatively connecting to said control means to close said valve means when a container is filled.

10. In a filling head for a carbonated beverage container filling machine that has means thereon for positioning containers for lling,

a frame having a bore with a container engaging seat at its lower end,

means engaging said frame to move it down to engage said seat with a container,

a valve means being operatively positioned within said frame bore for controlling flow of beverage therethrough,

means connecting to said frame bore to supply beverage under pressure thereto,

a metal counter pressure supply tube extending axially of said frame through the bore thereof and protruding therebelow into any container engaged by said frame seat, said supply tube being adjustable vertically of said frame and valve means,

means engaging said supply tube to retain it in a given position, said tube also extending through said valve means and having a contact at its lower end,

a control circuit operatively connected to said frame and to said valve means to regulate the position of said valve means, and

insulating means covering said supply tube for the length thereof in said frame but exposing said contact on said supply tube, said supply tube being connected to said control circuit to complete the control circuit by beverage in a container contacting the contact on said supply tube to close said valve means when a container is lled.

11. In a lling head for a carbonated `beverage container filling machine that has means thereon for positioning containers for lling,

a frame having a vertically extending bore with a container engaging seat at its lower end,

means connecting to said frame bore to supply beverage under pressure thereto,

elongate capillary passage flow restricting means in said frame bore to form the beverage into at least one radially thin substantially tubular stream for ilow of -beverage therethrough under pressure reducing conditions,

a valve for controlling ow of beverage from said frame,

a counter pressure gas supply tube extending axially of said frame through the bore thereof and protruding therebelow into any container engaged by said frame seat, said supply tube having gas discharge means in its lower end,

means engaging said supply tube to retain it in a given position, and,

electric powered circuit means operatively connecting to said valve and to said supply tube to be actuated by beverage contacting a lower portion of said supply tube to terminate beverage ow through said frame by actuation of said valve when a container has a predetermined amount of beverage therein whereby the amount of beverage passed to a container can be varied by adjusting the vertical position of said supply tube with relation to said frame.

12. In a filling head for a carbonated beverage container lling machine that has means thereon for positioning containers for illing,

a hollow cylinder having a bore with a resilient container engaging seat at its lower end,

a valve seat means being formed within said cylinder bore and connecting to said container engaging seat,

a valve means slidably positioned within said cylinder bore to move to and from engaging said valve seat means to control flow of beverage from said bore to an engaged container,

control means engaging said valve means to move it to open and closed positions,

means connecting to said cylinder bore above said valve seat means when said cylinder is operatively positioned to supply beverage under pressure theret0,

capillary passage tiow restricting means in said cylinder for ow of beverage therethrough to said valve means to reduce the pressure on said beverage with minimum foaming thereof, said flow restricting means including at least one elongate device to divide the beverage into at least one radially thin stream and with the device having a relatively high ratio of wetted area to stream thickness, and

a counter pressure gas supply tube operatively secured to and extending axially of said cylinder through the bore thereof and protruding therebelow into any container engaged by said cylinder seat.

13. A iilling head as in claim 12 Where an exhaust port is formed in said cylinder above said beverage supply means, a iuid distributing chamber is formed above said ow restricting means, and means are present in said cylinder for communicating said fluid distributing chamber with said exhaust port for ilow of any beverage leaking up to said fluid distributing chamber to said exhaust port.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS 983,326 2/1965 Great Britain.

Meyer 141-39 5 E. J. EARLS, Assistant Examiner. Meyer 141-39 Meyer 141-286 U.S. C1. X.R. Granier 141-286 141-198,286,`301

Risser 141-147 X Fechhemer et al. 141-141 X 10 LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION Patent No. 3,443,608 May 13, 1969 Bruce G. Copping et al.

It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 14, line 9, after "flow", first occurrence, insert path Signed and sealed this 25th day of November 1969.

(SEAL) Attest:

Edward M. Fletcher, Jr.

Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR.

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