Method and apparatus for filling bottles or cans with beer or the like

Claim 3

A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said circulating step takes place simultaneously with said pressure reducing step.

Claim 4

A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the steps of relieving the pressure in the interior of the filled container and thereupon sealing the container.

Claim 5

A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said pressure raising step comprises raising the pressure of inert gas in the container to a pressure which equals the pressure to which the supply of liquid is subjected during introduction of liquid into the container.

Claim 6

A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the container consists of a material which is deformed by the pressure of surrounding atmospheric air in response to a reduction of pressure in its interior to a predetermined pressure and wherein said pressure reducing step comprises reducing the pressure of air in the container to a pressure which is at least slightly below said predetermined pressure so that the container remains in substantially undeformed condition during circulation of inert gas through the interior thereof.

Claim 7

Apparatus for filling bottles, cans or analogous containers with liquids, particularly with liquids which are adversely affected by contact with air, comprising a source of pressurized liquid; means for supporting an open air-filled container in a predetermined position with reference to said source and for sealing the interior of the container from the atmosphere; first valve means openable to permit liquid to flow from said source into the container in said position; a suction chamber; second valve means openable to connect said chamber with the container in said position to thereby evacuate some air from such container; a source of compressed inert gas; third valve means openable to connect said source of inert gas with the container in said position; and control means for effecting opening and closing of said valve means in a predetermined sequence to effect first partial evacuation of air from and circulation of inert gas through the container in said position whereby the circulating gas evacuates the remaining air from the container, to thereupon raise the pressure of inert gas in the container, and to thereupon admit pressurized liquid into and to simultaneously expel gas from the container.

Claim 8

Apparatus for filling bottles, cans or analogous containers with liquids, particularly with liquids which are adversely affected by contact with air, comprising a source of pressurized liquid; means for supporting an open air-filled container in a predetermined position with reference to said source and for sealing the interior of the container from the atmosphere; first valve means openable to permit liquid to flow from said source into the container in said position; a suction chamber; second valve means openable to connect said chamber with the container in said position to thereby evacuate some air from such container; a source of compressed inert gas; third valve means openable to connect said source of inert gas with the container in said position; and control means for effecting opening and closing of said valve means in a predetermined sequence to effect first partial evacuation of air from and circulation of inert gas through the container in said position whereby the circulating gas evacuates the remaining air from the container, to thereupon raise the pressure of inert gas in the container, and to thereupon admit pressurized liquid into and to simultaneously expel gas from the container.

Claim 9

Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said control means is arranged to open said third valve means in the open position of said second valve means and to effect closing of said second valve means prior to closing of said third valve means.

Claim 10

Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said control means is adjustable to change the length and timing of intervals during which at least one of said valve means remains in open position.

Claim 11

Apparatus as defined in claim 6, further comprising means for regulating the pressure in said suction chamber.

Claim 12

Apparatus as defined in claim 6, further comprising a vessel for said sources, said second source being adjacent to the upper level of liquid in said first mentioned source so that the compressed gas pressurizes the liquid.