US3500879A - Container filling apparatus - Google Patents

Description

G. L. N. MEYER CONTAINER FILLNG APPARATUS March 17,1970

Filed Oct. 24. 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. GEORGE L.N. MEYER JOHN K. CRUMP A TTORNE Y March 17, 1970 G. L. N. MEYER 3,500,879

CONTAINER FILLNG APPARATUS Filed 001;. 24, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 6O VENTOR.

- GEORG .N.MEYER o 22 BY 82 JOHN K. CRUMP A T TOR/YE Y March 11, 1910 G. .-;.MEY:R 3,500,879

conmmm Fmm APPARATUS and cm. 24, 1966 v a sheets-sheets j INVENTOR. |4Q 44 GEORGE L. N. MEYER I42 F I 6. 6 so BY Q JOHN K. CRUMP ATTORNEY United States Patent Office 3,500,879 Patented Mar. 17, 1970 3,500,879 CONTAINER FILLING APPARATUS George L. N. Meyer, Milwaukee, Wis., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Automatic Sprinkler Corporation of America, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed Oct. 24, 1966, Ser. No. 588,420 Int. Cl. B65b 1/04, 31/00, 3/04 US. Cl. 141----1 11 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A counterpressure type filler valve for introducing liquids into containers from a filler bowl. A vertically extending liquid passage connected to the filler bowl and having a filling opening at its lower end. A reciprocally mounted vent tube member mounted in the liquid passageway for establishing an initial counterpressure within the container and for thereafter drawing off counterpressure gas from within the container until the liquid reaches a predetermined level in the container. A liquid control valve assembly is mounted on the vent tube which includes a liquid valve for controlling liquid flow through the liquid passage and a swirl inducing member positioned upstream of the liquid valve. The swirl inducing member is adapted to impart a swirling motion to the liquid upstream of the valve so that the liquid flowing past the valve will flow in close proximity to the inner surface of both the passageway and container to thus avoid substantial contact with the valve and vent tube to thu permit free flow of counterpressure gas from the container. A check valve is also provided to effect a gas seal in the liquid passageway upon the liquid reading the predetermined level in the container to prevent gas escape back up through the passageway.

The present invention is directed generally to the filling of containers with liquid and more particularly concerns means and methods for effecting the high peed filling of containers such as bottles.

The present invention is intended to overcome certain limitations and drawbacks in presently known methods and apparatus for filling containers with liquids having a relatively high content of di solved gas such as beer and carbonated soft drinks for example.

The inventive concepts herein described are particularly adapted for incorporation within counterpressure filling mechanism of the type shown and described in U.S. Letters Patent No. 2,063,326, issued Dec. 8, 1936, to George L. N. Meyer.

Heretofore, to achieve satisfactory filling of bottles with beer, soft drinks and the like, it has been necessary to limit the flow rate of the liquid into the bottle as by maintaining the liquid head in the supply bowl to a height of not more than 4 to 6 inches. Attempts to increase the liquid flow rate by increasing the head of liquid in the bowl and/ or by enlarging the liquid flow handling areas in the valve apparatus used to control the filling operation have resulted in excessive foaming within the liquid and this in turn has led to the production of erratic fill heights in the bottles.

This limitation which exists with conventional filling systems in respect to liquid flow rates has materially limited the speed with which the filling operation may be accomplished and has had the effect, therefore, of restricting the rated operational speed and capacity of conventional counterpressure type filling apparatus. Accordingly, it may be stated that a principal objective of the present invention is the improvement of known methods and apparatus for effecting the counterpressure filling of containers with liquids whereby to permit the attainment of substantially faster filling speeds without sacrifice in fill quality and without loss of fill height control in the containers being filled.

A further limitation of known counterpressure filling systems and apparatus such as represented in the aforesaid patent to George L. N. Meyer resides in the necessity of providing a deflector or spreader element on the vent tube which exhausts the counterpressure gas from the bottle, to direct the liquid to the interior walls of the bottle and thus prevent the incoming liquid from clogging the gas exhaust apertures in such vent tube and creating a partial fill. Because the mechanical deflector means is required to be placed at different distances from the top of the bottle for different inside neck configurations of the particular bottle being filled, it was necessary to change the vent tube on which the spreader is mounted to enable the filling of bottles varying from one run to the next in neck configuration.

Then too, in the filling of certain types of containers, namely bottles having re-entrant angles in their neck regions, the spreader sometimes proved incapable of maintaining the gas exhaustion apertures free of incoming liquid. Proper filling of this type of container was thus difficult to achieve with conventional filling apparatus.

The presence of the spreader element in the path of liquid flow in the bottle was further objectionable in that it led to an undesirable agitation of the liquid. Moreover, an aspirating effect was produced by the movement of the liquid over the spreader and this resulted in the counterpressure gas within the bottle and such air as was present therein being drawn along with the liquid as it descended into the bottle. The absorption of air by the flowing liquid was thus facilitated to the detriment of fill quality and stability. This agitation and turbulence of the liquid stream by the deflector was generally in addition to that produced in valve mechanism proper, principally by the main liquid valve which controls the flow of liquid therethrough.

It may be stated, therefore, that a further object of the instant invention is the provision of counterpressure filling means which obviates the necessity of a spreader or deflector element on the vent tube and which avoids any appreciable interference between the liquid control valve and the liquid flowing to the container.

Ancillary to this object is the provision of counterpressure filling means which permits altering of the fill height of the liquid in the bottle without the necessity of changing the vent tube as was necessary with heretofore known counterpressure type filling systems and apparatus.

In accordance with the present invention, the high speed filling of containers such as bottles is advantageously effected by imparting a centrifugal component of motion to the liquid as it flows from a source of liquid supply to the container such that in descending into and effecting filling of the same, the liquid is caused to flow outwardly to and in a generally spiraling flow path around the inside face or wall of the container by centrifugal force. This spiraling flow of liquid aling the side of the container tends to produce a fairly heavy, homogeneous liquid film on the walls of the container and effectively permits a high volumetric flow rate of liquid thereto without an excessive production of foam within the liquid and without other adverse affect on the quality or stability of the resultant fill obtaining in the container. The filling technique contemplated in the invention enables significant reductions in filling times in the counterpressure system of filling containers.

With the foregoing in mind, it may be stated that the present invention is more particularly directed to filler valve mechanism wherein the liquid in flowing therethrough to a container is initially provided with a spiralg or spinning motion and is thereafter subjected to a tbstantial circumferentially accelerating force by the .oduction in the liquid stream of an inward swirling or rticular flow motion.

In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment f the invention, this flow motion is obtained in a filler tlve mechanism comprising a pair of movable valve as- :mblies cooperating to initiate a filling flow of liquid the container and to automatically terminate liquid 3w thereto when a predetermined liquid level is attained the container, and a series of curved liquid deflector mes arranged to impart a radially outward, spinning moon to the liquid as the latter flows through the mechaism under the control of the valve assemblies. These )operating assemblies include a main liquid flow control tlve located below the vanes in the direction of liquid ow through the mechanism and a generally tubular check tlve means surrounding the vanes and formed in thewet end thereof with a funnel-like seat portion norially positioned in the path of liquid flow from the vanes the container and operable in such position to effect 1 inward swirling or vorticular motion in the liquid and lovable to a closing position against the liquid valve hen a predetermined height of liquid is attained in the )ntainer to prevent further liquid flow thereto.

The construction of the present invention enables the quid to be delivered to the container with a relatively lpid spinning motion and with a consequent high com- )nent of centrifugal force acting thereon despite a low :ad of liquid in the filler bowl or other liquid supply for re valve mechanism. The described arrangement is of articular advantage in that the desired motion is attained l the liquid by a relatively simplified, compact arrangerent of parts and elements and which function further t close the valve mechanism to liquid flow at the desired aim in the filling cycle. The described arrangement is irther conducive to the maintenance in the liquid stream E a substantially streamlined flow condition as a minitum of flow obstructive surfaces are present in the mechanism. Moreover, the present construction eliminates 1e need of a mechanical deflector or spreader element in re container as the liquid is carried outwardly to the all thereof by the motion imparted to it in the valve roper. The deleterious affects which such deflector elelents have on the incoming liquid are thus avoided. In llS regard, the invention obviates the necessity of changlg vent tubes in filling differing sizes and shapes of conliners in order to establish a spreader position therein Jnducive to proper conduct of the filling operation.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention 'ill appear in the course of the detailed description of 1c invention appearing hereinafter.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the best mode resently contemplated of carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a vertical sectional view of the novel ller valve apparatus of the invention shown operatively ssembled within a filler bowl and depicting the apparatus l a closed position preparatory to commencing a filling ycle;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the quid valve assembly embodied in the novel filler valve E the invention, with parts removed therefrom for clarity f illustration;

FIGURE 3 is an upper end elevation of the portion of ie liquid valve assembly depicted in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to that of FIGURE 1 but n a 90 plane thereto, depicting the filler valve apparais in filling position;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary side view, partly in section nd partly in elevation, showing the position of the filler alve apparatus when a filling flow of liquid to the continer has been completed; 1

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged side view partly in section and partly in elevation of a portion of the filler valve apparatus of the invention, showing details of construction and assembly of the principal liquid flow controlling elements of the apparatus; and

FIGURE 7 is an enlargement of a structure shown in FIGURE 6, illustrating the angular relationship of the engaging surfaces of the liquid flow controlling members, with parts of the valve apparatus being shown in phantom and others being omitted for clarity of illustration.

Generally speaking, the drawings depict a portion of a counter-pressure filler 10 of the type employed for the high speed filling of containers with liquids having a relatively high content of dissolved gas, beer and carbonated soft drinks being best typical of such liquids. Such a filler 10 comprises a rotationally supported, hermetically sealable filler bowl 12 (shown in part only) adapted to contain both a supply of the liquid which is to be introduced into the containers and a gas. The liquid level 14 in the bowl is maintained within predetermined limits by suitable float actuated controls (not shown) and the gas pressure is also suitably controlled within prescribed limits by conventional control means (also not shown).

The filler bowl is provided with a series of assembly openings 16 arranged in equi-circumferentially spaced relation to one another around the base or bottom wall 18 of the bowl for receiving the novel filler valve assemblies of the invention, indicated generally in the drawings by the reference number 20. Only one such filler valve 20 is depicted in the drawings but it will be understood that it is not uncommon to have as many as 40, 50, 60 or 72 more valves in a commercial filler machine.

The containers requiring filling such as a bottle 22 are adapted to be serially fed into the machine and removed therefrom when filled in conventional starwheels or the like (not shown) and are adapted to be elevated and lowered relatively of the valves at appropriate times in the filling cycle by hydraulic stirrups (also not depicted).

Referring now to the details of construction of the novel filler valve of the invention, a tubular guide or cage 24 is mounted vertically in the assembly opening 16 above and in axial alignment 'with a cylindrical valve head or housing 26 having a radially enlarged extension 28 depending from the base or bottom wall of the filler bowl. The cage and housing are preferably provided with suitable external locator shoulders which cooperate with complementing abutments in the bore of the opening to locate these members properly in the base of the bowl. A packing ring 30 seals the cage and housing to one another and to the filler base 18.

The enlarged portion of housing 28 receives a liquid control valve assembly 32 which in cooperation with a surrounding check valve member 34 controls the flow of liquid through a filling opening 36 defined axially of the housing extension 28 as follows. A fixed valve seat 38, composed of rubber or other resiliently compressible material, is received within the housing below the valve members 32 and 34, being centered relatively thereof by a radially outstanding lip 40 formed integral with the seat. The seat is in sealing engagement with the housing through a packing ring 42 interposed between the lip 40 and an abutment shoulder 44 defined interiorly of the housing. A metal disc 46 is embedded within the valve seat, as shown, to stiffen the centering lip and the valve seat proper. Disposed below valve seat 38 is an annular base or block member 48 of a snift valve assembly 50. The base derives its centering in the housing through the seating engagement of a circumferential ridge 52 formed integrally with the valve seat on the underface thereof with a complementary shaped groove 54 provided in the upper face of block 38. The housing enlargement 28 further receives a container sealing member or fitting 56 which includes an outer ring member 58 frictionally receiving a rubber sealing cup 60 and is sized to fit closely within the bore of the housing immediately below base member 48. The aforementioned parts of the filler valve are removably retained in opening 16 by a clamping bracket 62 engaging upwardly under a clamping shoulder 64 integral with the outer ring 58 of sealing member 56. A machine screw 66 holds clamping bracket 62 to the base of the filler bowl.

The liquid valve assembly 32 will be described in greater particularity hereinafter and it will suffice at this point to note that such assembly includes a substantially frusto-conical enlargement 68 which is an integral part of a tubular valve stem 70 extending centrally the length of the aforesaid cage 24. The stem is supported for axially slidable movement in the cage to provide for opening and closing movement of the liquid valve assembly 32 relatively of the filling opening 36 by structure which includes a collar 72 fixedly secured within the upper end of the cage.

The lower terminus of enlargement 68 is provided with a circumferential groove 74 within which is seated a bevel edged closure member 76 of rubber or other resiliently compressible material and an O-ring 78 for releasably holding the closure 76 in place. The enlargement 68 of the valve stem further supports a vent tube 80 depending axially of the stem and extending centrally through the aforesaid filling opening 36. Vent tube 80 is adapted to be received in the upper portion of a bottle when in filling position with rubber sealing cup 60 of sealing member 56 and is provided with fill height control apertures 82 in its lower tip.

The valve stem is urged relatively towards an upper slide position in the cage and liquid valve assembly 32 to a raised or open position relatively of filling opening 36 by a coil spring 84 compressively held between the aforesaid collar 72 in the upper end of the tubular cage 24 and an upper spring seat 86 slidably assembled to the stem, by an O-ring-retainer clip stop structure 88 mounted to the stem above the seat 86. Upward sliding travel of the stem on the cage is limited by a second such stop structure 90 located on the stem below the collar 72. It will be understood that the liquid head above the liquid valve assembly together with the pressure of the gas in the bowl and the weight of the assembly counter the upward bias of spring 84 and normally retain the liquid valve assembly in a lower or closed position in the housing until the bottle is properly counterpressurized through structure hereinafter described.

The check valve 34 which cooperates with the liquid valve assembly to control the flow of liquid to the containers via filling opening 36 constitutes the subject matter of co-pending patent application Ser. No. 589,482 filing date Oct. 24, 1966, and which has a common assignee with that of the present invention; accordingly, therefore, only a brief description thereof will be set forth herein below. The liquid control function of check valve 34 essentially entails the automatic closing of the valve apparatus to interchange of counterpressure gas in the container and in the housing below the liquid valve assembly with liquid present above the latter assembly when the liquid in the container rises to the level of the fill height control apertures 82 in the vent tube to check the escape of counterpressure gas from the container through the tube and valve stem 70. In general, check valve member 34 comprises a light gauge sleeve member 92 surrounding the liquid valve assembly and a centrally apertured conical valve element 94 supported by the sleeve in operative relation between the liquid valve assembly and fixed valve seat 38.

The sleeve which for reasons to appear hereinafter is composed of a non-magnetic material has a relatively loose sliding fit in the bore of the housing and includes a skirt-like extension 96 below an interior groove 98 provided therein for seating a flanged portion 100 of valve element 94. The skirt 96 is received within an annular liquid trap or well 102 surrounding a radially reduced upper section 104 of valve seat 38 and which is of a depth such that the skirt remains continuously therein with check valve movement between the limits of travel in the housing. During operation, liquid flowing through the housing tends to collect within trap 102 and such liquid in combination with the skirt affords a continuous sliding seal for the check valve in the housing. The reduction 104 in the rubber valve seat is preferably encircled by a rigid ring member 106 to assure constancy of diameter to the liquid trap defining structure.

Valve element 94 which is preferably composed of stainless steel or other magnetic material seats against the upper conical face 108 of the valve seat through its lower face 94' when the check valve is in a lower slide position in the housing and, with the liquid valve assembly in closed position, is engaged on its upper face 94" by the resilient closure member 76. The liquid valve assembly as previously indicated is normally held in this lower position by the liquid head in the bowl and filler valve and by the pressure of the gas above the liquid column and through this gas and liquid media a sealing compression of the valve face 108 and of closure member 76 with the respective surfaces 94 and 94" of valve element 94 is effected whereby to positively close filling opening 36 to flow when liquid valve assembly is in closed position.

The check valve tends to remain in a lower slide position in the housing when liquid valve assembly is in open position in the housing and when a filling flow of liquid to the container has commenced by the kinetic energy of the flowing liquid acting against valve element 94. An opposing force tending to move the check valve upwardly in the housing and to a position in which the upper face engages the closure member is provided by a magnetic type actuating means and which in the illustrated form of the invention comprises a series of permanent bar magnets 110 located in corresponding of a series of vertical drilled openings 112 in the upper, peripheral portion of the housing extension. These magnets collectively provide a magnetic field which includes the valve element 94 of the check valve when the latter is in its lower slide position in the housing and which field is related in intensity in the region of the valve element to the counteracting kinetic energy of the liquid passing through the housing so as to effect lifting of the check valve to the point where face 94" engages closure member 76 only upon cessation of liquid flow in the housing. Accordingly, therefore, upon cessation of liquid flow to the container, the magnets cooperating with the valve element 94 will cause the latter to move upwardly in the housing in to seating engagement with the closure member simultaneously while applying sufficient pressure to the closure member to effect a gas-liquid seal between the latter and the upper face 94" of the valve element. This sealing of the valve element to the closure member by the magnets provides together with the continuous sliding seal afforded between the housing and sleeve by trap .102 and cooperating skirt 96 a complete and positive obstruction to counterpressure gas flow upwardly past the liquid valve assembly and to liquid flow to the container around the assembly when the check valve is in raised position.

The force developed by magnets 110 on the valve element and tending to raise the check valve in the housing may be adjusted as needed to achieve proper operation of the check valve by varying the strength and number of the magnets and/or by varying the spacing between the lower end of the magnets and the valve element. Bar magnets 110 may be shimmed in openings 112 as by O-rings 114 to permit this latter adjustment.

It is to be noted that during the opening of the liquid valve assembly, the force provided by the flowing liquid and which tends to retain the check valve 34 in seating relation with the upper face 108 of valve seat 38 is momentarily absent. However, inasmuch as the valve element 94 is larger in diameter than the resilient closure member 76, the liquid column present above the valve element is effective against the exposed marginal portion f valve face 94" to prevent the check valve from movlg upwardly in the housing in this interim period.

To facilitate the separation of closure member 76 from alve element 94 during opening movement of the liquid alve assembly, the taper angles of the respective engagrg port ons of valve element 94 and closure member 76 re preferably related to one another in a manner which dmits of line contact only between these members. A milar angular relationship is provided between the valve lement and upper face 108 of the valve seat 38 to in- 1re the check valve lifting properly from the valve seat I: the desired point in the filling cycle.

The counterpressuring of the containers such as bottle 2 is adapted to be effected prior to the opening of the quid valve assembly by a more or less conventional type as charging valve assembly 116 associated with the upper xtremity of the valve stem. This valve assembly .116 comrises a cap member 118, slidably fitted onto the top of 1e stem above liquid level 14. The cap member is rovided with side ports 120 for establishing communiltion between the gas within the filler bowl and the ottle or other container when in sealing engagement with re resilient cup 60 of container sealing member 56 lrough the stem, vent tube 80 and fill height apertures 2, when the cap member is in raised position relatively f the stem. A light spring 122 seating between the upper -ring stop structure 88 on the stern and a raised shoulder 24 on the exterior of the cap member balances the 'eight of the cap and urges the same towards a raised r open position. The upper end of the cap member is rovided with a spool-like closure member 126 which is lreaded onto the upper end of the cap to hold a packing 28 in position to effect a gas seal at the top of the valve :em 70. The closure member presents an upper and a wer shou der 130 and 132 respectively and which are dapted to be operatively engaged by an operating lever 34 which is pivotally mounted on a shaft 136 extendlg through the side of the filler bowl for actuation from utside the bowl in a manner well known in the art.

Referring now to the construction of the aforesaid nift valve assembly 50, the aforesaid base or block lember 48 has a radial outward projection 138 which accommodated within a suitable opening in the side f the housing extension 28, as shown in FIGURE 4. he projection defines a valve chamber 140, the blind ad of which is countersunk to receive a removable screw ushing 142 which is provided with a restricted snift orice 144. A snift passage 146 is provided in the block communicate the valve chamber with the interior of the alve apparatus in the region of the filling opening via 1e bushing orifice 144. A cap nut 148 is threaded to the uter end of the projection 138 and carries an axially slidble snift button 150 having a fiat at 152 to communicate 1e chamber with the atmosphere through the button. he inner end of the button is provided with a valve lement 154 which is held to the nut by screw and washer leans 156.

Snift button 150 is normally urged to a radially outer lide position in the cap nut to retain the snift valve in losed position by a spring .158 disposed in the valve hamber 140. In this position of the button, the snift alve element 154 seats against the inside face of the ap nut 148 to block communication between the filling pening and the atmosphere via passage 146, orifice 144, alve chamber 140 and the flat 152. Upon inward sliding lovement of the button, however, the valve element 154 nseats from the cap nut to place the snift valve in open osition and permit communication between the atmoshere and the filling opening whereby to permit venting f the bottle to atmosphere. The actuator is adapted to e depressed at the proper time in the filling cycle to vent 1e bottle by conventional mechanism which is arranged xteriorly of the filler bowl in a predetermined position round the circumference thereof.

As previously indicated, a principal object of the presnt invention is the provision within a counterpressure type filling system of filler valve apparatus of improved construction and operation and which while capable of effecting a fill within the container which is of consistentlyhigh quality and stability, appreciably reduces the time required to effect the filling operation.

In general, the above and other objects and advantages of the invention are achieved in the present counterpressure filler valve mechanism by providing means therein for causing the liquid to be delivered to the container being filled with a rapidly spinning or swirling motion such that the liquid in descending into and effecting the filling of the container or other container is caused to flow outwardly and smoothly and rapidly around the interior wall of the same by centrifugal action. This spinning flow motion results in a build-up in the liquid film thickness obtaining along the walls of the container with an increasing volumetric flow rate of liquid thereinto and further tends to create a condition of substantial homogeneity in the liquid film passing over the container walls. Under these flow conditions, liquid transfer to the container may be accomplished with a minimum of gas loss from and. air absorption within the liquid such that despite an increase in the rate of liquid flow into the container and a consequent reduction in the time required for effecting the filling operation, the fill obtained thereby is of characteristically high quality and stability and is unaccompanied by the formation of an excessive amount of foam such as would prevent close control over the final fill height of the liquid in the container.

In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, this spinning or swirling motion is adapted to be induced in the liquid by the cooperation of the aforesaid check valve member 34 with a series of large diameter, liquid flow directing blades or vanes formed integrally with the aforesaid frusto-conical enlargement 68 of the liquid valve assembly 32. Generally speaking, the blades 160 are angularly arranged with respect to the axis of the housing and to the normal path of liquid flow therethrough so as to provide, on a sustained or continued basis, a component of centrifugal force to the liquid as the latter is urged downwardly through the housing by the gravitational energy of the liquid in the filler bowl. In the illustrated construction, the blades or vanes have a generally spiral or helical formation with the center of the spiral or helix coincident with the axial centerline of the housing and extend continuously around the enlargement from a position adjacent the upper end thereof to adjacent the resilient closure member 76 of the liquid valve assembly 32.

The particular embodiment selected for illustrating the novel concepts of the invention employs three identical blades or vanes arranged in equi-circumferentially spaced relation around the enlargement. The blades are preferably of uniform outside diameter over their length and to enhance the deflection or spinning action thereof on the flowing liquid correspond fairly closely to the inside diameter of the tubular sleeve portion 92 of the check valve 34. It will be observed that the root diameter of the vanes increases progressively in proceeding downwardly along the length of the vanes due to the frusto-conical form of the enlargement; accordingly, therefore, the liquid flow paths defined between the vanes will, of necessity, decrease in area in proceeding from the upper to the lower terminals of the vanes. For reasons to appear hereinafter, the root diameter at the lower ends of the vanes is slightly less than the outside diameter of the closure member 76.

The vanes themselves are characterized by a substantial depth or radial projection from the enlargement 68, particularly in the upper end portion thereof, and have a fairly wide axial spacing whereby to afford relatively large, unobstructed flow passages for the liquid between the blades. To this same end, the vanes are preferentially provided with a constant, fairly light gauge or thin cross-sectional construction.

It will be appreciated that with the arrangement and configuration which has thus far been described for the vanes, the liquid upon passing through the housing will be confined for flow between the vanes by the surrounding sleeve 92 of check valve 34 and as a consequence thereof will be forcibly spun around the center of the housing concomitantly while advancing axially thereof. This action of the blades on the liquid flowing therethrough is enhanced by the constantly decreasing flow area defined for the liquid by the vanes inasmuch as the liquid in proceeding between the vanes will be caused to undergo a continuous accelerating movement. This acceleration produces a desirable increase in the magnitude of the centrifugally acting component of force imparted to the liquid by the vanes. At the same time, the varying root diameter of the vanes results in the liquid being carried progressively further outwardly of the center of the housing as it moves axially thereof and upon exiting from the vanes, the liquid mass is for the most part able to flow past the marginal portions of the valve closure member 76 without contacting the same. This, of course, is highly desirable as any interference from the closure member with the flowing liquid is extremely detrimental to the maintenance in the liquid stream of a spinning or circulatory motion and further tends to produce an undesirable agitation of the liquid to the substantial detriment of the quality and stability of the resultant fill obtaining in the bottle.

This progressive radial outward displacement of the liquid in the housing as it moves downwardly therein carries the liquid well outwardly, in a radial direction, of the filling opening 36 and, in exiting from between the vanes and moving to and through the opening, the liquid is forced to flow back towards the center of the housing by the funnel or conical-like valve element 94 of the check valve. This arrangement produces a novel swirling or vortex action in the liquid as it leaves the vanes and results in the importation to the liquid of a significant, further circumferentially accelerating force and, in turn, results in a consequent appreciable increase in the magnitude of the centrifugal force acting on the liquid prior to the latter entering the bottle. Thus, it can be appreciated that the action of the vanes on the liquid is augmented in a novel and significant manner with the result that the liquid 1s enabled to enter the bottle with an appreciable component or centrifugal motion.

The particular construction described for the hquld flow directing vanes and the specified arrangement of the same in the housing has been found to eflect a pronounced spinning o1" spiraling flow of liquid within containers of widely varying shapes and lengths despite a comparatively low gravitational energy level of the liquid in the filler bowl. It will be understood, however, that other arrangements and configurations of the vanes may be utilized and that the particular design shown and described herein is merely for purposes of explanation.

The angle of the valve element 94 which as previously noted is dependent to some extent upon the configuration of the upper face 108 of valve seat 38 and on that of the beveled closure member 76 is of particular importance to the attainment in the liquid of the desired circumferentially accelerating movement as it flows from the vanes and desirably should be one which is designed to maximize the acceleration which the liquid undergoes as it passes the valve element. At the same time, however, abrupt directional changes in liquid flow through the valve mechanism are to be avoided to prevent undue turbulence and agitation within the liquid. A particularly advantageous taper angle for the valve element has been found to be 35 to the horizontal. A angular gradient between the valve face and the corresponding engaging surfaces of the valve seat 38 and the resilient closure member 76 has been found suflicient to produce the desired freedom of movement between the liquid valve assembly 32 and the valve element 94 and between the latter and the fixed valve seat 38. That is to say, with a taper on the valve element 94, the upper face 108 of the valve seat 38 may be provided with a 40 angular taper to the horizontal and the resilient valve closure member 76 a 30 angle to horizontal, as shown more clearly in FIGURE 7.

OPERATION In operation and with the filler bowl charged in the conventional manner with liquid and gas under pressure, the containers such as bottles 22 are automatically raised into filling position with the individual filler valves and through the sealing member or fitting 56 are both centered relatively thereto and sealed from the atmosphere.

The operating lever 134 controlling the gas charging valve assembly 116 is then actuated by exteriorly positioned control mechanism to allow the cap member 118 to slide up on the valve stem 70 under the bias of spring 122 and thereby admit counterpressurizing gas from the bowl to the interior of the sealed bottle via the side ports 120 in the cap, valve stem, vent tube 80 and fill height ports 82. When the gas pressure in the bottle is approximately equal to the pressure in the filler bowl, the liquid valve assembly is raised to open position by the compression spring 84 whereupon liquid starts to flow through the filling opening into the bottle. Concurrently therewith, the counterpressure gas passes from within the bottle back to the bowl through the aforedescribed flow path provided by the vent tube, valve stem and cap member.

During the opening of the liquid valve assembly 32, the check valve 34 is presented from unseating from the conical upper face 108 of the valve seat 38 by the liquid column thereabove acting against the marginal portion of the conical valve element 94. The presence of line contact only between the resilient closure member 76 and the valve element 94 facilitates this separation of the liquid valve assembly from the check valve, as previously indicated. The check valve is forced to remain seated against the valve seat once filling commences by the kinetic energy of the liquid flowing through the housing. FIGURE 4 illustrates the relative position of the liquid valve assembly and the check valve at the commencement of the actual filling of the bottle.

As the liquid flows through the valve housing, it is confined between the helical blades or vanes 160 of the liquid valve assembly by the check valve sleeve 92 and, in flowing therebetween, the liquid is caused to be spun or rotated about the axis of the housing simultaneously as it is accelerated and passed progressively further out: wardly of the center thereof. This combined action of the blades on the liquid results in the impartation to the liquid of an appreciable centrifugal component of motiori and, as the liquid moves relatively axially of the housing, it is compelled outwardly against and in a generally circular or spiraling flow path around the inside faces of the various valve elements. This outward compulsion of the liquid in the housing is heightened by the vortex eflect of the valve element 94 of the check valve 34 on the liquid as it moves from the vanes to the filling opening 36 such that upon the liquid passing into the bottle, it is possessed of an appreciable component of centrifugal motion. The liquid is thereby caused to flow outwardly and rapidly around the inside face of the bottle as it effects the filling of the same.

When the liquid level in the bottle reaches the fill height control ports 82 in the vent tube 80, gas evacuation from the bottle is substantially retarded which in turn causes an abrupt stoppage of liquid flow through the housing. When this condition occurs, the force developed by the liquid against the check valve and which tends to retain the check valve against the valve seat in opposition to the countervailing force developed by the magnets on the magnetic valve element 94, for all intents and purposes, becomes negligible and the check valve is thereby caused to move upwardly in the housing to bring the valve element 94 into upward seating relation with the resilient valve closure member 76, as shown in FIGURE 5.

The skirt 96 of the check valve remains in the liquid rap 102 surrounding the valve seat when the check valve in this upper slide position and there is thereby effected L positive gas-liquid seal in the housing, blocking communication between the bottle and the filler bowl. Counter- )ICSSUI'B gas within the headspace of the bottle and within he housing below the resilient valve closure member 76 is hereby aflirmatively precluded from escaping back to the iller bowl and, at the same time, liquid flow downwardly )ast the closure 76 is positively prevented. Further liquid low to the bottle is therefore stopped at this point in the illing cycle.

The next stage of the filling cycle involves the closing of he gas charging valve and the liquid valve assemblies vhereby to return the filler valve to the initial closed conlition of FIGURE 1. This is accomplished in the convenional manner; that is, by suitably pivoting the operating ever 134 through the exterior control mechanism to cause he cap member 118 to slide down on the valve stem 70 against the bias of spring 122 to initially cover the side 301128 120 and to thereafter bring the cap to bear against he top of the stem 38 to cause the latter to be lowered Fuller in the tubular cage 24. This downward movement )f the stem returns the liquid valve assembly to closed :osition, simultaneously while causing the check valve to "eturn to its normally inoperative or lower position in the iousing.

Immediately after this step, the head space of the bottle 5 vented to the atmosphere through the snift valve assemaly 30. This is accomplished through the engagement of mother exteriorly positioned control device with the snift Jutton 150 and which effects a depression or inward slidng movement of the latter to lift the snift valve element [54 otf its seat and thereby establish communication be- :ween the atmosphere and the bottle head space via the aassageway 146, orifice 144, valve chamber 140 and the lat 152. The restricted nature of the orifice 144 assures 1 gradual release of the pressure within the bottle wherey to prevent undesirable agitation of the liquid fill luring the venting or snifting operation.

At the completion of the snifting step, the filled bottle s lowered from the filler valve and removed for a final :apping or crowning operation.

With the novel filler valve apparatus described herein, .imitations which heretofore existed in conventional filling ipparatus in respect to the level of liquid which could 9e maintained in the filler bowl and yet obtain a fill within the containers of consistently acceptable quality iave effectively been removed and as a consequence thereof the time required to effect the filling of containers such as bottles is significantly reduced with the present inven- :ive apparatus. As an indication of the improved opera- :ional results obtainable with the valve of the invention, 1 series of test runs were made under actual filling coniitions using a conventional counterpressure type filler valve and a valve embodying the herein described construction.

These test runs which involved some six different types 3f liquids varying widely in volumetric gas content and in their respective proclivity towards foaming and involving with a range of bottle shapes and sizes showed that an average reduction in filling time of 36% was possible with the valve of the invention.

In addition to the significantly faster filling speeds which are attainable with the valve of the invention, the present :onstruction eliminates the necessity of providing the vent tube with a spreader or deflector element for directing the liquid onto the inside face of the container as it flows thereinto, to prevent the gas escape ports in the tube from becoming prematurely closed by the liquid and creating a partial fill within the bottle. This not only avoids the deleterious effects which such element had on the incoming liquid it further avoids the necessity of changing vent tubes in filling bottles having differing neck configurations from one run to the next in order to maintain the spreader in a predetermined relation with the gas escape ports in the tube. In this same connection, the present valve construction enables the liquid level obtaining in the bottle to be varied within limits without changing vent tube as is required in valves of conventional design, merely by replacing the resilient sealing cup 60 of the container sealing member 56 with one of differing axial dimensions, depending upon the nature of the change required in the liquid level. This change may be effected quite readily since the center element is held by frictional engagement in the outer ring element and may be removed and replaced with the valve apparatus intact in the filler bowl.

While the present invention has principal utility in the filling of bottles or other similar containers which are characterized by a relatively small or restricted filling opening in the end thereof, the herein delineated inventive concepts are susceptible of application to the filling of a wide variety of other types of containers or receptacles by appropriate modifications or additions to the filling structure.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims, particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

I claim: 7

1. In a counterpressure filler valve mechanism for introducing liquids into containers having a filling opening in the end thereof and including a liquid passage, a liquid valve for controlling liquid flow through said passage to a container to be filled, and a gas passage extending centrally the length of the liquid passage for establishing an initial counterpressure within the container and for thereafter drawing oft counterpressure gas from within the container until the liquid reaches a predetermined level in the container said gas passage including vent tube means adapted to be received within the container when in filling position to prevent gas escape from the container upon the attainment of a predetermined liquid level in the container, means for producing a vorticular flow motion in the liquid as it flows through said liquid passage which causes the liquid on entering the container to flow outwardly and under increased velocity to and circularly .of the inner walls of the container being filled so as to prevent accidental closing of the gas passage by the liquid prior to the predetermined liquid level being attained in the container, comprising a series of curved vanes disposed in said liquid passage in coaxial relation with said gas passage, said vanes defining a series of curved flow paths for the liquid in said liquid passage; and movable check valve means adaped to provide a gas seal in said liquid passage upon the liquid attaining the predetermined level in the container to prevent counterpressure gas from within the container escaping through said liquid passage and which comprises a sleeve member disposed in surrounding relation with said vanes to confine the liquid for flow within the curved flow paths defined by flow paths defined by said vanes and a centrally apertured, conical valve element carried by said sleeve and disposed below said vanes in the direction of liquid flow through said liquid passage, said valve element adapted to produce by vortex action an acceleration in the liquid prior to entering the container whereby to increase the tendency of the liq uid to flow outwardly to and circularly of the inner walls of the container upon entry thereto.

2. The construction of claim 1 wherein the curved vanes are disposed above the liquid valve in the direction of liquid flow and said conical valve element is disposed below said liquid valve.

3. In a counterpressure type filler valve for introducing liquids into containers having a filling opening in one end and including liquid passage, a liquid valve for controlling the flow of liquid through said liquid passage to a container which is to be filled, and a gas passage extending centrally of the liquid passage for establishing an initial counterpressure within the container and for thereafter providing for the escape of counterpressure gas from within the container until the attainment of a predetermined level of liquid therein: means for producing a vorticular flow motion in the liquid as it flows through the liquid passage and which comprises a series of liquid flow directing vanes arranged in helical-like formation relatively of the center of said gas and liquid passages, said vanes defining a series of flow paths for the liquid and formed with an increasing root diameter in proceeding along the length of the vanes in the direction of liquid flow therethrough; and a check valve means adapted to effect a positive gas seal in said liquid passage upon the attainment of the predetermined liquid level in the container and which comprises a cylindrical member disposed in surrounding relation with said liquid flow directing vanes and a centrally apertured valve element carried by said cylindrical member and arranged below said liq uid flow directing vanes in the direction of liquid flow therethrough, said check valve means normally positioned with said-valve element in spaced relation from the lower extremity of said liquid flow directing vanes during liquid flow to the container.

4. Theconstruction of claim 3 wherein the liquid flow directing vanes are arranged above said liquid valve and have a root diameter at their respective lower extremities which is substantially equal the diameter of the liquid valve.

5. A counterpressure filler valve for introducing liquids into containers, comprising a liquid conduit, valve seating means defining a filling opening in said conduit and having a radially inwardly tapered, upstream face portion, a liquid flow controlling valve disposed in said liquid conduit upstream of said valve seating means, and liquid flow directing means arranged in said liquid conduit above said liquid flow controlling valve for imparting an increased velocity and a spinning motion to the liquid as it passes through said liquid conduit whereby in flowing into and effecting filling of the container, the liquid is caused to be retained by centrifugal force on the inside face of the container, said tapered face portion of the valve seating means providing a flow directing surface for the liquid between said liquid flow directing means and said filling opening and serving to effect a gain in the rate of spinning motion imparted to the liquid by the liquid flow directing means by vortex action whereby to amplify the magnitude of the centrifugal force acting on the liquid as it flows into and effects filling of the container.

6. In a counterpressure filler valve for introducing liquids into containers and characterized by the absence of any liquid flow means in the top of the container which is to be filled, a liquid conduit having a filling opening in one end thereof and adapted to be connected with a supply of the liquid to be introduced to said container, a liq uid valve disposed in said conduit in upstream relation to the filling opening therein, gas passage means disposed centrally of said liquid conduit for conducting counterpressure gas from the container as liquid is flowed thereinto and until the liquid is at a predetermined level in the container, said gas passage means including a vent tube disposed centrally of said filling opening and adapted to be received in the container during filling of the same, movable valve means disposed in said liquid conduit above said filling opening for forming a gas seal in said conduit when the liquid reaches the predetermined level in the container to prevent gas escape from the container through said liquid conduit, and a series of curved vane means arranged in said liquid conduit upstream of aid liquid valve, said vane means positioned in sliding engagement with the wall of said liquid conduit and adapted to guide the movement of said valve means in said conduit said vane means further defining a series of curved flow paths for the liquid in said conduit wherein an increased velocity and a spinning motion is imparted to the liquid as it flows therethrough, said spinning motion causing an outward flow of liquid in the container whereby to permit the unimpeded flow of counterpressure gas from the container into said vent tube.

7. The construction of claim 6 wherein the liquid valve, vent tube and vane means have a common support in the liquid conduit.

8. In a counterpressure filler valve mechanism for introducing liquids into containers, a liquid passage, a gas passage located centrally of said liquid passage for exhausting counterpressure gas from the container until the attainment of a predetermined liquid level therein, a container sealing member in said liquid passage and adapted to engage and effect sealing of a container to be filled, a liquid flow controlling valve disposed in said liquid passage above said container sealing member in the direction of liquid flow through said liquid passage, vortex inducing means located in said liquid passage upstream of said liquid valve above said container sealing member for inducing an increased velocity and a spinning motion in the liquid as it flows through said liquid passage, and check valve means disposed in said liquid passage above said container sealing member for forming a gas seal in said liquid passage upon the attainment of the predetermined liquid level in the container to prevent counterpressure gas from the container escaping through said liquid passage, said check valve means forming a part of said vortex inducing means.

9. In a counterpressure filler valve mechanism, a liquid conduit provided with a filling opening, a liquid flow controlling valve disposed above said filling opening in the direction of liquid flow through said liquid passage, an actuating stern for said liquid valve for movement between open and closed positions relatively of said filling open ing, said stem extending centrally of said liquid conduit and provided with an axially extending passage to selectively admit counterpressure gas to the container prior to liquid flow thereinto and to draw ofl counterpressure gas from the container as the latter is filled with liquid, a vent tube forming a continuation of the gas passage in said actuating stem and adapted to be received in the container during the filling thereof, a series of liquid flow directing vanes carried by said actuating stem above said liquid valve and formed at a lead angle to the stem, said vanes arranged in equi-circumferentially spaced relation to one another, said vanes imparting an increased velocity to the liquid and urging the liquid circularly of the axis of the liquid conduit while advancing the liquid axially thereof, and movable check valve means located in said liquid conduit for forming a gas seal in said liquid conduit when liquid flow therethrough is stopped to prevent counterpressure gas escaping from the container through said liquid conduit, said check valve means including a sleeve disposed radially intermediately of said liquid flow directing vanes and said liquid conduit and a two seated, centrally apertured valve element disposed below said liquid flow controlling valve and said filling opening, said valve element providing a liquid flow directing surface between the vanes and filling opening and having an inwardly tapered configuration to effect by vortex action a circumferential acceleration of the liquid.

10. The method of filling a container with a foamable liquid through a passageway having a control valve therein comprising the steps of:

imparting a swirling motion to the liquid upstream of said valve so that the liquid flowing past said valve will flow in close proximity to the outer surface of the passageway and thus avoid substantial contact with the valve member;

simultaneously imparting an acceleration to the flowing liquid during the time the swirling motion is being imparted thereto.

11. The method of filling a container with a foamable liquid through a passageway having a control valve therein comprising the steps of:

imparting a swirling motion to the liquid upstream of said valve so that the liquid flowing past said valve FOREIGN PATENTS will flow in close proximity to the outer surface of the passageway and thus avoid substantial contact 33333 g i with the valve member; 371498 4/1932 g i simultaneously imparting an acceleration to the flowing 5 mat f liquid during the time the swirling motion is being im- 4331986 8/1935 Great Bntam' parted thereto; and 1,004,828 9/1965 Great Britain. further accelerating the swirling flow of liquid after it OTHER REFERENCES flows past the control valve so that as it enters the container it will flow along the sides thereof 10 German printed application 1,184,233, December 1964.

References Cited LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS E. I. EARLS, Assistant Examiner 3,385,327 5/1968 Grainer 14139 1,641,550 9/1927 Ross 141-302 X 15 -S- r 1,737,233 11/1929 Grifiiths 251-126 X 1416, 40, 46, 48, 286, 302; 251-126 2,646,071 7/1953 Wagner 25165 X 3,143,151 8/1964- Denis 14148 X 3,348,543 10/1967 Stafford 251-65 X 20

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