U.S. patent application number 13/327935 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-20 for product filler assembly having a nozzle cutoff assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Steven Davis. Invention is credited to Steven Davis.
Application Number | 20130153086 13/327935 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48608901 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130153086 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Steven |
June 20, 2013 |
PRODUCT FILLER ASSEMBLY HAVING A NOZZLE CUTOFF ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A product filler assembly (i.e., fill valve) configured for use
in association with any number of flowable material, however, it is
particularly well suited for flowable material that is otherwise
difficult to fill due to viscosity, surface tension and/or poor
separation characteristics. Most preferably, the device is
configured to provide a laminar flow of the product being filled,
proportional to the size of the package. The product filler
assembly includes a nozzle cutoff assembly which directs air or
other fluids at the opening of the product filler assembly to
separate the flowable material from the filler assembly and to
reduce seal contamination of packages or containers.
Inventors: |
Davis; Steven; (Amelia,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Davis; Steven |
Amelia |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48608901 |
Appl. No.: |
13/327935 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/90 ; 222/148;
222/559 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 39/001 20130101;
B65B 39/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/90 ; 222/559;
222/148 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/26 20060101
B65B003/26; B65B 3/04 20060101 B65B003/04 |
Claims
1. A product filler assembly comprising: fill tube having an
opening for the passage of a flowable material, the opening being
selectively opened and closed to selectively allow or preclude the
passage of a flowable material therethrough; and a nozzle cutoff
assembly including at least one nozzle fixed in orientation to the
opening of the fill tube, the nozzle being selectively activated to
direct one of a gas and a fluid therethrough.
2. The product filler assembly of claim 1 wherein the nozzle cutoff
assembly includes a pair of nozzle cutoff assemblies on opposing
sides of the opening, each nozzle configured to selectively direct
a stream one of a gas and a fluid toward the opening of the fill
tube.
3. The product filler assembly of claim 2 wherein the stream from
the first of the pair of nozzles and the stream from the second
pair of nozzles are mirror images of each other on opposing sides
of the opening of the fill tube, wherein the pair of streams are
angled to meet under the opening in a centrally located
orientation.
4. The product filler assembly of claim 2 wherein the stream from
the first of the pair of nozzles and the stream from the second
pair of nozzles are radially offset from each other so as to impart
a rotational flow downstream of the opening of the fill tube.
5. The product filler assembly of claim 2 wherein the stream from
the first of the pair of nozzles and the stream form the second
pair of nozzles are spaced apart from the opening so that the first
one of the pair of nozzles is downstream of the opening further
than the second one of the pair of nozzles so as to have the
streams intersect in an offset manner downstream of the opening of
the fill tube.
6. The product filler assembly of claim 2 wherein each of the
nozzles is inclined at an angle relative to the opening, at an
angle of between 15.degree. and 60.degree..
7. The product filler assembly of claim 1 wherein the fill tube
includes a lower fill tube member having a lower cavity, the lower
cavity having a reduced cross-sectional configuration and being
elongated so as to facilitate laminar flow of the flowable material
therethrough.
8. The product filler assembly of claim 1 wherein the fill tube
further includes a plunger which selectively opens and closes the
lower opening passage, thereby selectively allowing and precluding
the flow of flowable material therethrough.
9. The product filler assembly of claim 8 wherein the plunger
further includes a sealing end which is of a substantially
hemispherical configuration.
10. The product filler assembly of claim 1 wherein the lower fill
tuber member further includes an elongated duckbill valve, the
duckbill valve including an elongated passage to facilitate a
laminar flow of the flowable material therethrough, and the
duckbill valve having a duckbill opening at a second end thereof,
whereupon the direction of flowable material toward and into
contact with the second end of the duckbill valve at a
predetermined pressure causes the duckbill opening to open and
allow the passage of flowable material therethrough.
11. The product filler assembly of claim 1 wherein the fill tube
includes an adapter member and a retainer member, each with a
central passage, the elongated duckbill valve including a flange
which is sandwiched between the adapter member and the retainer
member in sealing engagement.
12. The product filler assembly of claim 11 wherein the nozzle
cutoff assembly includes at least one cutoff nozzle which is
integrally formed with the retainer member.
13. The product filler assembly of claim 1 wherein the nozzle
cutoff assembly is rigidly coupled to the and rigidly located
relative to the opening, to, in turn, allow for the precise
direction of a fluid or gas from the nozzle relative to the
opening.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The disclosure relates in general to a product filler
assembly (commonly referred to as a fill valve), and more
particularly, to a product filler assembly having a nozzle cutoff
assembly which is configured to fill otherwise difficult to fill
flowable material while minimizing contamination of the seal. The
nozzle cutoff assembly separates the flowable material from the
fill valve once filling has ceased.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Equipment for filling packages or containers typically
includes a fill valve (also termed a product filler assembly in the
present disclosure) that accurately meters flowable material (which
may be a liquid, gel, paste, or other material which can be of
varying viscosity but which can be directed to flow) into a package
or container.
[0005] Whereas liquids that have the viscosity of water or the like
are easily filled through such equipment, syrup and other thicker
or relatively less flowable materials tend to be more difficult to
fill with conventional filling equipment. Often such flowable
material does not properly separate from the fill valve, and thus,
can drip onto the container or package. This can often occur
proximate the seal area, and can cause seal contamination.
[0006] Typically, with such relatively difficult flowable
materials, a cutoff device is positioned so as to cover the
discharge opening. A blast of air is provided to the cutoff device
to aid in the separating of the product from the fill valve.
Generally, the cutoff device comprises tubing that is generally
directed at the fill valve opening. Problematically, the tubing is
not precisely directed and often, the results are less than
desirable.
[0007] To further exacerbate the problems associated with the
discharge of such flowable material, the configuration of the fill
valve leads to spraying and "fan-tailing" due to the flow
characteristics near the opening (i.e., turbulent flow
characteristics).
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to limit
"fan-tailing" and spraying from a fill valve.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to limit the
contamination of seals for packages and containers due to the
failure to separate the flow of flowable material from fill
valves.
[0010] It is another object of the invention to provide a nozzle
cutoff assembly which facilitates the separation of flowable
material from a fill valve.
[0011] These objects as well as other objects of the present
invention will become apparent in light of the present
specification, claims, and drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0012] The disclosure is directed to a product filler assembly
(fill valve) comprising a fill tube and a nozzle cutoff assembly.
The fill tube includes an opening for the passage of a flowable
material. The opening is selectively opened and closed to
selectively allow or preclude the passage of a flowable material
therethrough. The nozzle cutoff assembly includes at least one
nozzle fixed in orientation to the opening of the fill tube. The
nozzle is selectively activated to direct one of a gas and a fluid
therethrough.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle cutoff assembly
includes a pair of nozzle cutoff assemblies on opposing sides of
the opening. Each nozzle is configured to selectively direct a
stream one of a gas and a fluid toward the opening of the fill
tube.
[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the stream from the first
of the pair of nozzles and the stream from the second pair of
nozzles are mirror images of each other on opposing sides of the
opening of the fill tube. The pair of streams are angled to meet
under the opening in a centrally located orientation.
[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the stream from the first
of the pair of nozzles and the stream from the second pair of
nozzles are radially offset from each other. Such a configuration
imparts a rotational flow downstream of the opening of the fill
tube.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the stream from the first of the
pair of nozzles and the stream form the second pair of nozzles are
spaced apart from the opening so that the first one of the pair of
nozzles is downstream of the opening further than the second one of
the pair of nozzles. As a result, the streams intersect in an
offset manner downstream of the opening of the fill tube.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment, each of the nozzles is
inclined at an angle relative to the opening, at an angle of
between 15.degree. and 60.degree..
[0018] Preferably, the fill tube includes a lower fill tube member
having a lower cavity. The lower cavity has a reduced
cross-sectional configuration and is elongated so as to facilitate
laminar flow of the flowable material therethrough.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the fill tube further includes a
plunger which selectively opens and closes the lower opening
passage. Such a configuration selectively allows and precludes the
flow of flowable material therethrough.
[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the plunger further
includes a sealing end which is of a substantially hemispherical
configuration.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the lower fill tuber member
further includes an elongated duckbill valve. The duckbill valve
includes an elongated passage to facilitate a laminar flow of the
flowable material therethrough. The duckbill valve has a duckbill
opening at a second end thereof. When the flowable material is
directed toward and into contact with the second end of the
duckbill valve at a predetermined pressure, the duckbill opening
opens and allows the passage of flowable material therethrough.
[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the fill tube includes an
adapter member and a retainer member. Each includes a central
passage. The elongated duckbill valve includes a flange which is
sandwiched between the adapter member and the retainer member in
sealing engagement.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle cutoff assembly
includes at least one cutoff nozzle which is integrally formed with
the retainer member.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle cutoff assembly is
rigidly coupled to and rigidly located relative to the opening, to,
in turn, allow for the precise direction of a fluid or gas from the
nozzle relative to the opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the
drawings wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of a first
embodiment of a product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff
assembly of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 2 of the drawings is a cross-sectional perspective view
of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the
nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken generally
about lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, and, showing, in particular, the plunger
in the closed configuration;
[0028] FIG. 3 of the drawings is a cross-sectional perspective view
of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the
nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, which corresponds
to that which is shown in FIG. 2, with the plunger in the open
configuration, allowing for the passage of flowable material
therethrough;
[0029] FIG. 4 of the drawings is a cross-sectional side elevational
view of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having
the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken
generally about lines 4-4 of FIG. 1, and, showing, in particular,
the opposing guide members as well as the plunger in the closed
configuration;
[0030] FIG. 5 of the drawings is a cross-sectional perspective view
of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the
nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken generally
about lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, and, showing, in particular, the streams
A and B of air (or other fluid or gas) extending beyond the lower
opening passage and the sealing end of the plunger, with the
streams A and B being symmetrical and meeting centrally
therebelow;
[0031] FIG. 6 of the drawings is a partial cross-sectional view of
the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the
nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken generally
about lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, and, showing, in particular, the streams
A and B of air (or other fluid or gas) extending beyond the lower
opening passage and the sealing end of the plunger, with the
streams A and B being symmetrical and meeting centrally therebelow,
and showing the inclination angle a of the nozzle opening 66;
[0032] FIG. 7 of the drawings is a cross-sectional perspective view
of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the
nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken generally
about lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, and, showing, in particular, the stream
B of air (or other fluid or gas) extending beyond the lower opening
passage and the sealing end of the plunger;
[0033] FIG. 8 of the drawings is a perspective view of a variation
of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the
nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, showing, in
particular, the streams A and B of air (or other fluid or gas)
extending beyond the lower opening passage and the sealing end of
the plunger, with the streams A and B being radially offset to
impart a circular or otherwise rotational circulation;
[0034] FIG. 9 of the drawings is a perspective view of a variation
of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the
nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, similar to that
shown in FIG. 8, showing, in particular, the streams A and B of air
(or other fluid or gas) extending beyond the lower opening passage
and the sealing end of the plunger, with the streams A and B being
radially offset to impart a circular or otherwise rotational
circulation, and with the streams being displaced downstream from
the lower opening passage different distances, so as to offset the
intersection of streams A and B;
[0035] FIG. 10 of the drawings is a side elevational view of the
variation of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly
shown in FIG. 9, showing, in particular, the offset of the
intersection of the two streams;
[0036] FIG. 11 of the drawings is a perspective view of a second
embodiment of a product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff
assembly of the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 12 of the drawings is a cross-sectional perspective
view of the second embodiment of the product filler assembly having
the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken
generally about lines 12-12 of FIG. 11; and
[0038] FIG. 13 of the drawings is a cross-sectional side
elevational view of the first embodiment of the product filler
assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present
disclosure, taken generally about lines 13-13 of FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0039] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described
herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that
the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification
and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment
illustrated.
[0040] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or
components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the
drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be
understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations
of the invention, and some of the components may have been
distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.
[0041] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1,
the product filler assembly (fill valve) is shown generally at 10.
The product filler assembly is configured for use in association
with any number of flowable material, however, it is particularly
well suited for flowable material that is otherwise difficult to
fill due to viscosity, surface tension and/or poor separation
characteristics. Most preferably, the device is configured to
provide a laminar flow of the product being filled, proportional to
the size of the package or container.
[0042] Generally, and with reference to FIG. 2, the product filler
assembly includes fill tube 12, plunger 14 and nozzle cutoff
assembly 16. The fill tube 12 includes upper fill tube member 20
and lower fill tube member 22. The upper fill tube member includes
first end 24, second end 26 and includes a cross-sectional
configuration 28. In the embodiment shown, product is supplied to
first end 24 in any one of a number of different manners. In some
embodiments, the first end 24 is coupled to a reservoir or other
flowable material storage container. The second end 26 is spaced
apart therefrom so that the upper fill tube member 20 comprises an
elongated tubular member. The cross-sectional configuration 28
comprises a substantially uniformly circular configuration,
although other configurations are likewise contemplated. Generally,
the upper fill tube comprises a stainless steel member, although
other materials are likewise contemplated.
[0043] The lower fill tube member 22 comprises a first end 30,
second end 32, upper cavity 34 and lower cavity 36 (FIG. 3). The
first end 30 is in fluid communication with the second end 26 of
the upper fill tube member 20. Generally the second end 32 is
spaced apart therefrom and includes the opening from which the
flowable material exits the fill tube. The upper cavity includes a
cross-sectional configuration 40 which includes a portion that is
of greater cross-sectional area than the upper fill tube, and a
transition is provided from the upper fill tube to the larger
cross-sectional area. This area is commonly referred to as the
spreader. Opposing guide member 42 (FIG. 4) are provided within the
upper cavity which serve to guide the plunger to insure that the
plunger remains in position to seal the lower opening passage. As
the upper cavity meets the lower cavity 36, the cross-sectional
configuration transitions to a smaller cross-sectional area. In the
embodiment shown, the inner configuration of the lower end of the
upper cavity 34 comprises a substantially hemispherical
configuration 44. Of course other configurations are likewise
contemplated.
[0044] The lower cavity 36 extends from the upper cavity 34. The
lower cavity is configured to cooperate with the plunger 14 to seal
the lower opening passage 49. The lower cavity includes an
elongated walled portion 48 which is configured to allow the
flowable material to resume a laminar flow after passing the
plunger 14 (when the plunger 14 is spaced apart from the lower
opening passage 49). The lower opening passage 49 is of a smaller
cross-sectional area than the elongated walled portion 48 so that
it seals with the plunger 14 to control flow therethrough.
[0045] The plunger 14 includes upper shaft portion 50 and lower
shaft portion 52. The upper shaft portion 50 extends through the
upper and lower fill tube members 20, 22 and is controlled through
any number of different means. For example, the plunger can be
controlled through an air cylinder, pneumatic systems, a stepper
motor or the like. The lower shaft portion 52 includes a sealing
end 54 with an outer surface shape 56. In the embodiment shown, the
outer surface shape is substantially hemispherical, so that a
hemispherical portion extends beyond the lower opening passage 49.
The plunger can be cycled between an open position and a closed
position. In the open position, flowable material is directed
through the opening. Of course, the amount and rate of flowable
material can be varied by the positioning of the plunger. In the
closed position, the flowable material is precluded from direction
through the opening.
[0046] The nozzle cutoff assembly 16 comprises a first cutoff
nozzle 60 and second cutoff nozzle 70. The first cutoff nozzle 60
is mounted proximate the lower cavity and the second cutoff nozzle
70 is likewise positioned proximate the lower cavity and spaced
apart from the first cutoff nozzle 60. Specifically the two cutoff
nozzles, in the embodiment shown, are on opposite sides of each
other. As the lower fill tube member is substantially circular in
cross-section, the two cutoff nozzles are separated by
approximately 180.degree.. The two cutoff nozzles are fixedly
attached to the fill tube so that they do not move relative to the
fill tube and so that they are fixedly locatable with respect to
the lower opening passage 49. It will be understood that the nozzle
cutoff assembly extends about the lower fill tube member and the
nozzle openings are machined therein, so that the rigidity and the
fixed relationship between the nozzle openings and the lower
opening passage can be carefully maintained. Indeed, the nozzle
cutoff assembly fully encases the lower fill tube assembly to
enhance rigidity.
[0047] The first cutoff nozzle 60 includes inlet 62 and outlet 64.
The inlet 62 is coupled to an outside source of air or other gas or
fluid (i.e., oxygen, nitrogen or other gasses or combinations of
gasses, as well as liquids). In addition, a valve is positioned
upstream of the inlet 62 which is configured to controllably allow
or preclude the passage of gas through the first cutoff nozzle 60.
The outlet 64 includes a nozzle opening 66 which is a carefully
machined opening that is configured to direct, very precisely, the
gas toward the lower opening passage 49 and the sealing end 54 of
the lower shaft portion.
[0048] Similarly, the second cutoff nozzle 70 includes inlet 72 and
outlet 74. The inlet 72 is coupled to an outside source of air or
other gas or fluid (i.e., oxygen, nitrogen or other gasses or
combinations of gasses, as well as liquids). In addition, a valve
is positioned upstream of the inlet 72 which is configured to
controllably allow or preclude the passage of gas through the first
cutoff nozzle 70. The outlet 74 includes a nozzle opening 76 which
is a carefully machined opening that is configured to direct, very
precisely, the gas toward the lower opening passage 49 and the
sealing end 54 of the lower shaft portion.
[0049] Significantly, the first and second cutoff nozzles are
configured to have very specific paths of air that are directed
from the respective nozzle openings 66, 76. Generally, these
nozzles are precisely machined so as specifically direct air (or
other fluid or gas) along a very specifically desired path. The
path of the air stream from the first nozzle opening 66 is denoted
by the reference character A and the air stream from the second
nozzle opening 68 is denoted by the reference character B. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the first and second nozzle
openings are uniformly spaced and the nozzles are substantially
mirror images of each other. As such, the stream A and the stream B
are generally symmetrical and collide with each other directly
below the lower opening passage and about the outer surface of the
sealing end 54 of the plunger 14. Such a direction of air
essentially contacts the outer surface shape of the plunger (which
is substantially hemispherical), tangentially which has the effect
of separating the product from the plunger and the fill tube.
[0050] In an embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 7, the stream
from one of the nozzles can be interrupted or stopped so that only
a single stream from one of the nozzles is presented.
[0051] Additionally, and with reference to FIG. 6 while it is
understood that the nozzles are inclined at an angle a of
approximately 45.degree. in the embodiment shown, variations are
contemplated so that the nozzles intersect are a desired location
and so that the angle at which the resulting gas stream co-acts
with the fill tube and the plunger can be altered. For example,
angles of between 15.degree. and 60.degree. are contemplated, as
well as larger and smaller angles of inclination. Finally, the
distance from the lower opening passage can likewise be varied,
which together with the angle of the nozzle can lead to numerous
configurations of the nozzles and different interactions between
streams of gas flowing from the nozzles.
[0052] In another embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in FIG.
8, the stream A and the stream B can be radially offset such that a
swirling effect can be achieved below the lower opening
passage.
[0053] In yet another embodiment, as is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 the
second nozzle opening 76 can be spaced further downstream from the
lower opening passage 49 than the first nozzle opening 66. In such
an embodiment, the stream A and the stream B meet offset from the
center of the lower opening passage 49. In the embodiment shown,
the two streams are likewise radially offset. In other embodiments,
it is contemplated that such streams may also be at different
inclined angles .alpha., although in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and
10, they are substantially identical inclined angles.
[0054] In operation of these embodiments, it will be understood
that the plunger 14 is moved away from the lower opening passage 49
to initiate the flow of flowable material.
[0055] Generally, the product filler assembly is configured for use
with otherwise difficult to fill flowable materials.
Advantageously, the extended passage allows for the flowable
material to remain in a laminar flow condition which aids in the
filling of containers by the product filler assembly. In addition,
such a configuration, significantly, reduces and/or prevents
"fan-tailing" and/or spraying from the end of the tube.
[0056] Once the desired quantity of flowable material has been
metered through the product filler assembly, the plunger is
directed back into position to stop the passage of flowable
material through the lower opening passage 49. In particular, the
sealing end 54 of the lower shaft portion 52 of the plunger 14
sealingly engages the lower opening passage 49 of the lower fill
tube member 22, thereby stopping the flow of flowable material
therethrough.
[0057] To insure that the flowable material is placed within the
package or container that is to be filled, and not retained at the
lower opening passage 49 or on the plunger 14, the nozzle cutoff
assembly is activated. In particular, the first cutoff nozzle
and/or the second cutoff nozzle are actuated thereby directing a
stream of air (or other fluid or gas) at or near the lower opening
passage 49 and/or the plunger 14. The nozzles are actuated for a
predetermined period of time, at which time the streams are
stopped. It will be understood that one or more streams may be
activated for like or different periods of time, and they may be
actuated continuously, or sequentially or simultaneously in an
intermittent manner. The disclosure is not limited to any
particular pattern of streams that are directed by the nozzles for
any particular time periods or in any particular pattern.
[0058] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9
through 11. In such an embodiment, a duckbill valve is utilized to
control the flow through the product filler assembly in place of a
plunger. Such an embodiment, although having a different
configuration, nevertheless utilizes the nozzle cutoff assembly of
the present invention. It will be understood that similar
structures have been given the same reference number in the second
embodiment as they were in the first embodiment.
[0059] In such an embodiment, the fill tube 12 includes the upper
fill tube member 20 and the lower fill tube member 22. The upper
fill tube member includes first end 24, second end 26 and
cross-sectional configuration 28. The lower fill tuber member 22
includes adapter member 130, retainer member 140 and elongated
duckbill valve 150. The adapter member 130 includes upper end 132
which extends from second end 24 of the upper fill tube member 20,
and lower end 134. The lower end 134 includes cavity 135. As will
be explained, the flange 158 of the elongated duckbill valve 150 is
contained therein.
[0060] The adapter member 130 includes an outer surface 136 upon
which threadform 139 is positioned. Further, a central passage 138
extends through the adapter member 130 which corresponds to the
cross-sectional configuration 28 of the upper fill tube member 20
and which is in fluid communication therewith.
[0061] The retainer member 140 includes upper end 142, lower end
144, central bore 146 and central passage 148 and recess surface
145. The central bore 146 includes threadform 149 which corresponds
to the threadform 139 of the adapter member 130. The central
passage 148 substantially corresponds to the central passage 138 of
the adapter member 130 and is in fluid communication therewith.
[0062] The elongated duckbill valve 150 is shown in FIG. 9 as
comprising first end 152, second end 154 and elongated passage 156.
It will be understood that the duckbill valve 150 comprises an
elastomeric member, which upon the application of pressure will
elastically deform so as to selectively open the duckbill opening
159 of the second end 154. The first end 152 includes flange 158
which is sandwiched within the recess surface 145 of the retainer
member and the cavity 135 of the adapter member, when the
threadform 149 and the threadform 139 are matingly engaged. In
addition, the flange sealingly engages these surfaces in a
substantially fluid-tight configuration.
[0063] In operation, as the fluid is directed through the fill
tube, and through the elongated duckbill valve, the elongated
central passage of 156 provides such distance so as to foster a
laminar flow therewithin. Continued pressure of the fluid
elastically deforms the duckbill opening 159 to permit the passage
of fluid therethrough. Of course, it will be understood that by
varying the materials, the construction and the particular
configuration of the elongated duckbill, different opening
pressures, and sizes of the opening can be achieved.
[0064] As with the first embodiment, when the fluid ceases to be
expelled through the duckbill opening 159, the nozzle cutoff
assembly 16 is employed. Specifically, the nozzles are turned on to
direct the passage of air (or other fluid or gas) near the duckbill
opening 159. The particular timing and duration of the streams of
air (or other fluid or gas) can be varied. The various streams may
be continuous or they may be intermittent and for varying
durations. In addition, the configurations and variations in the
positioning of the nozzles can be applied to the second embodiment
so that different streams can be realized.
[0065] It will be understood that with the present disclosure of
the nozzle cutoff assembly, such an assembly and the principles of
the present disclosure may be adapted to different product filler
assemblies and to different configurations of product filler
assemblies in addition to those that are shown. It will be
understood that through the specific placement of the nozzles and
the particular configurations of the nozzles that direct a very
precise stream of air (or other fluid or gas) to the opening
passage of the product filler assembly (i.e., the lower opening
passage 49, or near the sealing end 54 of the plunger 14, or the
duckbill opening 159 of the second embodiment) insure that the
flowable material is directed properly into the package or the
container and does not remain on the product filler assembly or
does not contaminate the surroundings.
[0066] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates
the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except
insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in
the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make
modifications without departing from the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *