Container filling system and valve for same

US12110225B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• PepsiCo, Inc. · US

Inventors

• John A. Eaton · Sandy Hook, US
• David W. Martin · San Francisco, US
• David Jay WARBURTON · Lexington, US
• Nathan John Coleman · Murrieta, US
• Samuel Frank FELLER · Somerville, US
• Thomas J. Evans · Bedford, US
• Jason Karl SORGE · Richmond, US
• Randy A. STRAUB · Palmyra, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 8, 2023
• Grant date: Oct 8, 2024
• Expiry date: May 8, 2043

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B2220/14
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A container filling valve may include a shuttle and a drive sleeve that are magnetically coupled. Movement of the drive sleeve may move the shuttle from a position in which the filling valve is closed to a position in which the filling valve is open. A container handling arm may include a distal end configured to hold a container and a proximal end that includes a load cell. A low flow setpoint system may be configured to arrest closing of a filling valve when that filling valve is partially closed. A pressure control system may be configured to maintain a desired pressure in a reservoir or in a flow path from that reservoir. A product recirculation system may be configured to adjust flow rate in the product recirculation system.