Dual-stream filling valve

摘要

A dual-stream filling valve is used in a flowable material filling apparatus to introducing at least two flowable materials into a container. The dual-stream filling valve defines a material flow path therethrough. The valve includes a primary filling tube having an inlet end and a discharge end and defining a primary filling tube internal flow region. The primary filling tube defines a first opening therein intermediate the inlet and discharge ends. A secondary filling tube has an inlet end and a discharge end and defines a secondary filling tube internal flow region. The secondary filling tube is positioned at least in part within the primary filling tube internal flow region, penetrating the primary filling tube through the first opening. The dual-stream valve includes a valve plug that includes a portion that is movable relative to the secondary filling tube between an opened state wherein flow communication is established between the internal flow regions of the primary and secondary filling tubes and a closed state wherein flow communication is terminated between the internal flow regions of the primary and secondary filling tubes. An actuator is provided for moving the valve plug portion between the opened and closed positions. The actuator is disposed fully external of the secondary filling tube flow region.