초록 ▼

Filling and sealing devices and methods of aseptically filling containers are disclosed herein. More specifically, the filling and sealing devices include a sterile filling chamber and an induction sealing device provided within the filling chamber. The induction sealing device is capable of withsta

Filling and sealing devices and methods of aseptically filling containers are disclosed herein. More specifically, the filling and sealing devices include a sterile filling chamber and an induction sealing device provided within the filling chamber. The induction sealing device is capable of withstanding and operating in the adverse conditions required to maintain the sterile environment within the filling chamber. Within the filling chamber, the container may be uncapped, filled, recapped, and foil sealed by an induction sealing process.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A device for filling and sealing a container having a spout, a cap positioned on the spout and a foil seal positioned within the cap, comprising:an enclosed chamber having the at least one wall, wherein one wall includes an opening in communication with the outside environment, the opening being

1. A device for filling and sealing a container having a spout, a cap positioned on the spout and a foil seal positioned within the cap, comprising:an enclosed chamber having the at least one wall, wherein one wall includes an opening in communication with the outside environment, the opening being sized to receive the spout of the container; a filling nozzle positioned within the enclosed chamber, the filling nozzle selectively placeable in fluid communication with the spout of the container, to, in turn, fill the container with a fluid; a capping arm positioned within the enclosed chamber, the capping arm including a means for clamping the cap and the foil seal positioned in the cap of a container having a spout received in the opening of the enclosed chamber; the capping arm capable of moving between a first position corresponding to a capping position to a second position corresponding to an uncapping position, and an induction sealing device positioned within the enclosed chamber, and coupled to the capping arm wherein the induction sealing device seals the foil seal onto the spout of the container through the cap, upon filling of the container by the filling nozzle and repositioning of the capping arm into the first position. 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the enclosed chamber further comprises clamping arms having a first open position and a second closed position, wherein the clamping arms are sized to engage the spout of the container in the second closed position; and wherein the capping arm is capable of removing the cap from the spout of the container.3. The device of claim 2 wherein the induction sealing device comprises a main body coupled to a power source by a conduit, wherein the main body and the conduit are reinforced to withstand temperatures ranging from approximately 150° F. to approximately 260° F., and pressures ranging from approximately 15 psi to approximately 20 psi.4. The device of claim 3 wherein the induction sealing device is coupled to a pivotable arm located within the enclosed chamber, the pivotable arm having a first position and a second position, wherein the induction sealing device is positioned above the cap in the first position.5. The device of claim 1 wherein the capping arm comprises a generally planar member having a first end and a second end, wherein a means for removing the cap from the spout and applying the cap to the spout is positioned at the first end of the capping arm.6. The device of claim 5 wherein the means for removing from the spout and applying the cap to the spout comprises at least one jaw adapted to engage the perimeter of the cap.7. A device for filling and sealing a container having a spout, a cap positioned on the spout and a foil seal positioned within the cap, comprising:an enclosed chamber having an upper plate, a lower plate, and at least one wall positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate, wherein the upper plate includes a first opening and the lower plate includes a second opening in communication with the outside environment and sized to receive the spout of the container; a filling nozzle positioned within the enclosed chamber, the filling nozzle selectively placeable in fluid communication with the spout of the container through said first opening of the upper plate, to, in turn, fill the container with a fluid; clamping arms positioned over the second opening of the lower plate, the clamping arms having a first open position and a second closed position, wherein the clamping arms are sized to engage the spout of the container in the second closed position; a capping arm positioned within the enclosed chamber, the capping arm comprising a generally planar member having a first end and a second end, wherein a means for removing the cap from the spout and recapping the cap to the spout is positioned at the first end of the capping arm; and an induction sealing device coupled to the first end of the capping arm, wherein the induction sealing device seals the foil seal onto the spout of the container through the cap upon recapping of the cap by the capping arm. 8. The device of claim 7 wherein the induction sealing device comprises a main body coupled to a power source by a conduit, wherein the main body and the conduit are reinforced to withstand temperatures ranging from approximately 150° F. to approximately 260° F., and pressures ranging from approximately 15 psi to approximately 20 psi.9. The device of claim 7 wherein the means for removing and applying the cap to the spout comprises at least one jaw adapted to engage the perimeter of the cap.