| 摘要 |
<p>A separable coupling for transferring a liquid or semi-liquid food product to or from a container (14) comprises a closure (10) on the container, and a coupling member (12) attached to a supply or discharge conduit (62) and which is releasably connectable with the closure. Valves (25,46) on the closure and coupling member are connected in series in the product flow path when the coupling is made. They are connected mechanically together and actuated in series so that the valve (46) of the coupling member is actuated through the agency of the valve (25) on the closure in a fail-safe manner. Provision is made for feeding superheated steam to the region of the product flow path lying between the valves, so that the exposed surfaces of the closure and coupling member can be sterilised or purged before and after a filling or discharging operation.</p> |
