초록 ▼

An apparatus for filling containers with a liquid which includes a plurality of independent tanks positioned successively along a track that supports a series of containers. Each tank includes a weir for dispensing a liquid into the containers. The tanks are selectively fed with the liquid depending

An apparatus for filling containers with a liquid which includes a plurality of independent tanks positioned successively along a track that supports a series of containers. Each tank includes a weir for dispensing a liquid into the containers. The tanks are selectively fed with the liquid depending on the volume needed in the container. As a result, the volume of liquid dispensed into each container can be more accurately controlled. Funnels are provided for directing the liquid dispensed by the weirs into the open tops of the containers. The funnels are oriented vertically and close to the chain drive, even with the containers inclined, in order to lessen the loads placed on the chain drive for the funnels and thereby increase the mechanism's useful life. In addition, the funnels are passed through a cleaning assembly during a return segment to alleviate the need to shut down the machine to clean the funnels and thereby maximize the efficiency of the operation. The apparatus further includes a filling assembly, a closing assembly and a single drive mechanism for moving the containers through the filling assembly and the closing assembly.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] An apparatus for filling containers with a liquid comprising:a track for supporting a series of containers;a drive mechanism for moving the containers along said track;a plurality of tanks positioned successively along said track, each said tank including a weir which generally over

[ I claim:] [1.] An apparatus for filling containers with a liquid comprising:a track for supporting a series of containers;a drive mechanism for moving the containers along said track;a plurality of tanks positioned successively along said track, each said tank including a weir which generally overlies said track;a feeding assembly which selectively fills said tanks with a liquid so that one or more tanks dispense the liquid over said weirs and into the containers moving along said track, said feeding assembly including funnels for directing the liquid into the containers and a second drive mechanism for moving one funnel with each container, said funnels being moved along an endless course, said endless course including a filling segment where said funnels overlie and move with the containers to fill the containers with the liquid, and a return segment where said funnels are separated from the containers;a cleaning assembly along said return segment to clean residue from said funnels as said funnels move along said endless course; anda drying assembly for drying said funnels which have been cleaned prior to said funnels returning to said filling assembly.