ASEPTIC FILLER FOR FLOWABLE PRODUCTS

摘要

An aseptic filler apparatus (30) includes an actuatable fitment plug assembly (500) that may be placed against the bottom of a fitment collar, which is in communication with a flexible bag to be filled with flowable food products, thereby to prevent steam or other gasses or liquids from entering the fill bag when undesirable to do so. The plug assembly (500) includes a plug (502) mounted on a distal end portion of a pivot arm (504). The opposite end of the pivot arm is rotatably axled on a cross pin. A linear actuator (518) is connected to the distal end of a lug (512) projecting transversely from the pivot arm. The opposite end of the linear actuator (518) is pinned to a stationary location, enabling the actuator to pivot the plug (502) from an engaged position against the fitment collar and a retracted position away from the fitment collar.

主权项

1. An aseptic filler apparatus operable in a fill cycle to fill flexible bags with food products, the flexible bag fitted with a fitment composed of a collar nominally in food flow communication with the bag and a removable cap engageable with the collar, said filler apparatus comprising:
a. An enclosed filler chamber; b. A filler head disposed in the filler chamber to direct food products into the bag through the fitment; c. A fitment chamber in communication with the filler chamber, said fitment chamber being of a substantially smaller volume than the volume of the filler chamber; d. A holder assembly to hold the fitment within the fitment chamber; and e. A fitment plug assembly moveable between: an actuated position to bear against the fitment collar to block food flow communication between the fitment collar and the bag during desired portions of the fill cycle; and a retracted position wherein the fitment plug is spaced away from the fitment collar to not hinder food flow communication between the fitment collar and the interior of the bag.