초록 ▼

A filling system is set fort that assists in maintaining the hygienic nature of the filling process. The filling system includes a fill pipe having an inlet for receiving a liquid product and an outlet overlying a container path along which the containers are successively transported for filling ben

A filling system is set fort that assists in maintaining the hygienic nature of the filling process. The filling system includes a fill pipe having an inlet for receiving a liquid product and an outlet overlying a container path along which the containers are successively transported for filling beneath the fill pipe. A drip-prevention structure is disposed about the outlet end of the fill pipe and includes a downwardly directed honed edge. The filling system further includes an umbrella valve assembly. The umbrella valve assembly comprises a linear actuator, an umbrella valve cone disposed proximate the outlet end of the fill pipe, and a valve rod disposed in the fill pipe between the linear actuator and the valve cone. The linear actuator is connected to move the valve rod and umbrella valve cone between a first position in which product is prevented from exiting the fill pipe and a second position that allows product to flow from the outlet of the fill pipe. The downwardly directed honed edge of the drip-prevention structure wipes the umbrella valve cone when the linear actuator moves the valve rod and umbrella valve cone between the second and first positions during each successive filling cycle.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A filling system comprising:a) a fill pipe having an inlet for receiving a liquid product and an outlet overlying a container path;b) a drip-prevention structure disposed about the outlet end of the fill pipe and including a downwardly directed honed edge;c) an umbrella valve assemb

[ I claim:] [1.] A filling system comprising:a) a fill pipe having an inlet for receiving a liquid product and an outlet overlying a container path;b) a drip-prevention structure disposed about the outlet end of the fill pipe and including a downwardly directed honed edge;c) an umbrella valve assembly comprisingi) a linear actuator,ii) an umbrella valve cone disposed proximate the outlet end of the fill pipe,iii) a valve rod disposed in the fill pipe between the linear actuator and the valve cone, the linear actuator connected to move the valve rod and umbrella valve cone between a first position in which product is prevented from exiting the fill pipe and a second position that allows product to flow from the outlet of the fill pipe;d) the downwardly directed honed edge of the drip-prevention structure being resiliently deformable and wiping an exterior surface of the umbrella valve cone as the linear actuator moves the valve rod and umbrella valve cone from the second position to the first position to thereby directing any excess product on the exterior surface of the umbrella downward from the outlet end of the fill pipe into a container being filled with product.