초록 ▼

A machine and method for filling a container through an opening therein. The machine includes a machine frame defining a container conveying zone through which a container loaded into the machine moves during a filling operation. A container sterilizing assembly is mounted on the machine frame and d

A machine and method for filling a container through an opening therein. The machine includes a machine frame defining a container conveying zone through which a container loaded into the machine moves during a filling operation. A container sterilizing assembly is mounted on the machine frame and defines a sterilizing station in the conveying zone, the sterilizing assembly being operable to aseptically sterilize the container, at least in a region incorporating the opening, when positioned at the sterilizing station. A container filling assembly is also mounted on the machine frame and defines a container filling station in the conveying zone, the filling assembly being operable to receive the sterilized container and fill the container through the opening therein with a product while maintaining at least the opening region of the container in an aseptic condition.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of filling flexible containers under aspetic conditions, each container having a spout adapted to be closed by a separable cap and a plurality of the flexible containers being joined together end-to-end to form a continuous row of containers, said method including: packaging the joined row

A method of filling flexible containers under aspetic conditions, each container having a spout adapted to be closed by a separable cap and a plurality of the flexible containers being joined together end-to-end to form a continuous row of containers, said method including: packaging the joined row of containers in an outer container and sterilizing the row of containers and the interior of the outer container; placing the packaged row of containers in a loading station maintained under aseptic conditions and subjecting the outer container to sterilization in the loading station; opening the outer container and feeding the joined row of containers packaged therein one by one to a filling station, the filling station being provided with a continuous stream of sterilized gas which maintains the filling station at a pressure at least marginally above atmospheric pressure; subjecting each separable cap and spout to a sterilization operation by sterilizing the separable caps and spouts by irradiation with sterilizing radiation; removing the cap and filling each container at the filling station; replacing each cap; and, feeding each filled container to a discharge station.