Sterile container filling mechanism

Claim 1

A filling machine for containers moved in at least one line in single file comprising in combination: a. a number of filling nozzles equal to a predetermined plural number of containers in each single file, and positioned thereover, b. an equal number of double compartment chambers each having a first compartment and a second compartment, the compartments being separated from each other by flexible diaphragms, c. means connected together to move as a unit for pumping through periodic pumping cycles a separate, equal, predetermined volume into each second chamber to maintain each said second chamber full of liquid in the absence of gases, the pumping means pumping the predetermined volumes of liquid into each second compartment during each pumping cycle, whereby the diaphragms are flexed and the volume of each first compartment is thereby changed by the same amount, d. a source of liquid to be filled into the containers and one way flow connections from said source to the first compartments of each chamber whereby when the diaphragm in each of said double compartment chambers moves during one portion of the pumping cycle the liquid to be filled is sucked into the first compartment and means connecting said first compartments to each filling nozzle, whereby in each pumping cycle the same volume of liquid is fed to the filling nozzles as is pumped into the second compartment of each chamber, the diaphragm being subjected at all times to a uniform, substantially hydraulic pressure, and there is complete separation of the liquid to be filled from the pumping liquid, e. the pumping means for pumping liquid into the second compartment are piston elements rigidly connected to a plate, the plate being at right angles to the axes of the pistons, a rod, the rod connected to the plate and bushing means surrounding said rod and permitting motion of the rod and the plate parallel to the axes of the pistons but preventing tipping thereof, and f. a rotary plate parallel to the plate attached to the piston elements and connected eccentrically of its axis of rotation to the rod through a connecting rod and a ball and socket joint, supporting means for said rotary plate, a prime mover means mounted on said supporting means for rotating said rotatable plate, parallel link means movably carrying said supporting means, and means for adjustably moving said supporting means in the plane of the rotary plate to vary the stroke of all of the pistons in the second chambers simultaneously, whereby the pistons in all of the second chambers are moved in unison through a predetermined stroke depending on the eccentric location of the ball and socket joint on the rotatable plate.