US3766709A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sterilizing device for container filling machines
Assignee: Zausner Foods Corp
•
Filing: 1972-01-28
•
Granted: 1973-10-23
•
Expires: 1992-01-28
Abstract
Abstract Various parts of an automatic container filling and capping machine are improved with respect to the feeding and denesting of the containers, the provision of a sterilizing tunnel having a removable cover, modified forms of sterilizing medium inlets and transport of the containers as well as other details of construction which render the machine more efficient.
Inventors
- 👤 S Zausner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 03:52
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B55/00; B65B55/02; B65B55/04; B65B55/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
In a machine for automatically feeding, capping and sealing a succession of containers, an enclosed tunnel conTaining therein means for sterilizing each container by passing it through a zone of elevated temperature for a sufficient period of time to render the containers sterile, means for cooling the underside of each such container, means for filling the containers, means for capping them and means for aseptically discharging the filled, capped and sealed containers from the machine wherein a forward extension for said tunnel is provided comprising an inclined plate for receiving sterilized containers propelled through said tunnel on a support therefor and means for transferring said sterilized containers to a conveyor belt synchronously connected with the conveyor belt operating in said tunnel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
In a machine for automatically feeding, capping and sealing a succession of containers, an enclosed tunnel conTaining therein means for sterilizing each container by passing it through a zone of elevated temperature for a sufficient period of time to render the containers sterile, means for cooling the underside of each such container, means for filling the containers, means for capping them and means for aseptically discharging the filled, capped and sealed containers from the machine wherein a forward extension for said tunnel is provided comprising an inclined plate for receiving sterilized containers propelled through said tunnel on a support therefor and means for transferring said sterilized containers to a conveyor belt synchronously connected with the conveyor belt operating in said tunnel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The machine according to claim 1, said tunnel is constructed in a plurality of sections each of which has a removable cover portion and an inspection glass of heat resistant material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
59 words
The machine according to claim 1, wherein means are provided for feeding empty unsterilized containers into the entrance end of the tunnel, said means comprising a transverse row of vertical tubes continuously supplied with nested containers and means for de-nesting said containers as they leave the bottom of the tubes and for propelling the individual containers into the tunnel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
The machine according to claim 3, wherein means are provided in advance of the entrance end of said tunnel in the form of a shield having a horizontal portion extending toward the tunnel entrance and protecting the propelling conveyor mechanism therebelow and defining a space for the introduction of the containers from the supply tubes therefor into the tunnel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The machine according to claim 1, wherein said cooling means is disposed within said forward extension of the tunnel for cooling the underside of each such sterilized container as the same passes thereover on said synchronously connected conveyor belt.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
The machine according to claim 1, wherein the tunnel has a plurality of sterilizing medium inlets located in spaced relationship along the tunnel cover, each such inlet comprising a tubular portion disposed in an opening in the tunnel cover and having diverging leg portions for distributing the fluid or gaseous sterilizing medium within the adjacent space in the tunnel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
The machine according to claim 1, wherein said means for applying a lid to each container is disposed beyond the filling means and further comprising means associated with said lid applying means for sterilizing each such lid, said sterilizing means turning each lid through an angle of 90* and exposing it for approximately 1.8 seconds to associated infrared light prior to application of each such lid to its container.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-22 | 1977-04-23 | 1977-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-22 | 1981-04-23 | 1981-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-22 | 1985-04-23 | 1985-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |