Method and apparatus for aseptically filling containers
US4494363A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 1982 |
| Grant date | Jan 22, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B55/022
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
There is disclosed apparatus for aseptically filling a flexible container having a rigid fitment including a neck, outer flange surrounding the neck, a frangible membrane and an outer rim. The apparatus includes an enclosed filling chamber including a platen with an opening, clamping jaws for holding the fitment in the opening, a vacuum head and sealing unit for removing a lid loosely placed on the fitment and supporting it within the sealing chamber while the sealing chamber, fitment and lid are sterilized, a fill tube which is retractable within a housing and shiftable to a position in sealed engagement with the neck to introduce product into the container. After the container is filled, the fill tube is withdrawn and enclosed in its housing, the lid is transferred back onto the rim and heat sealed in place. The fitment is then unclamped to end the filling cycle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.