초록 ▼

An apparatus for aseptically dispensing measured quantities of sterilized particulate garnish, includes identically constructed inlet and outlet valves each having a valve body with a radial port for communication with either a header/reservoir or a product conduit, substantially cylindrical valve m

An apparatus for aseptically dispensing measured quantities of sterilized particulate garnish, includes identically constructed inlet and outlet valves each having a valve body with a radial port for communication with either a header/reservoir or a product conduit, substantially cylindrical valve members positioned within the valve bodies each with a radial port which when the valve members are rotated communicate with said radial ports in the valve body, enlarged cleaning and sterilizing zones within the cylinder bores of each of the valve bodies for in-line use, and a metering valve. The radial port on the valve member has a cutting edge which is engaged in the normal course of use whenever traversed by fibrous particulate matter such as meats, vegetables, or pulpy fruit. On the suction stroke of the metering valve piston, sterilized particulate garnish is drawn from the supply header/reservoir and is delivered through the outlet valve and nozzle on the dispensing stroke of the piston.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for aseptically filling a container with a measured amount of sterilized particulate garnish from a dispensing apparatus comprising inlet and outlet valves, each with interconnected radial and axial ports, connected by a product conduit which includes a piston-type metering valve, wherein t

A method for aseptically filling a container with a measured amount of sterilized particulate garnish from a dispensing apparatus comprising inlet and outlet valves, each with interconnected radial and axial ports, connected by a product conduit which includes a piston-type metering valve, wherein the inlet and outlet valves are provided with means on the radial ports to shear garnish particulates that tend to prevent complete closure of the valve, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a supply of sterile particulate garnish suspended in a transport fluid; (b) rotating said inlet valve to an open position and said outlet valve to a closed position, said outlet valve shearing any garnish particulates that are in the path of closure of said outlet valve to prevent incomplete closure of said outlet valve; (c) flowing a measured quantity of said suspended particulate garnish through said inlet valve, and into said product conduit on the suction stroke of said piston-type metering valve; (d) rotating said inlet valve to a closed position and said outlet valve to an open position, said inlet valve shearing garnish particulates that are in the path of closure of said inlet valve to prevent incomplete closure of said inlet valve; and (e) displacing said measured quantity of suspended particulate garnish on the discharge stroke of said metering valve through said outlet valve and into a container to be filled.