METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TOPPING OFF CONTAINERS WITH LIQUID TO PREDETERMINED HEADSPACE LEVEL

摘要

2025238 9008065 PCTABS00001 Accurately reproducible filling to a selected headspace level of a rapidly moving line of containers (13) is obtained by using a single feeder screw (31) through at least a final portion of a filling region and an outfeed zone following the filling region. The containers are tilted to a predetermined angle, depending on the selected headspace level, during their progress through the filling region and then return smoothly to an upright condition in the outfeed transition zone, without splashing any of the liquid content. Apparatus for filling the containers includes a container support structure (54, 55) in the filling region that can be adjusted through a range of tilt angles in an arc centered on the longitudinal axis of the feeder screw. The apparatus also includes an elongated funnel (77) for delivering liquid to the containers and that can be pivoted forward to permit access to the filling region.