Container filling system having fill-pipe with an extended sealing member for reducing mixing of product and air during container filling

摘要

A filling system for filling a container through an open end thereof is set forth. The filling system comprises a fill-pipe having an inlet for receiving a liquid product and an outlet through which the liquid product can be dispensed into the open end of the container when the container is disposed below the outlet. A valve sealing member is disposed within the fill-pipe. The valve sealing member comprises a body portion and a closure portion. The closure portion is dimensioned to seal the outlet of the fill-pipe. An actuator is employed for moving the valve sealing member between a first position in which the closure portion seals the outlet of the fill-pipe and a second position in which the valve sealing member is extended from the outlet of the fill-pipe and into the interior of the container to cause the closure portion to disengage from the outlet. The valve sealing member is dimensioned to displace a substantial portion of air from the interior of the container while also allowing the liquid product to exit the outlet of the fill-pipe. Preferably, the body portion of the valve sealing member has a length that is at least about as long, if not longer than, the height of the liquid product that is ultimately dispensed into the container. Also, the body portion is preferably comprised of a plurality of flow channels that have sidewalls defined by air displacement fins.