Apparatus for filling

Abstract

The invention relates to apparatus for filling a container with product under sterile conditions during filling thereof in a filling cycle, comprising means having a part for dispensing product in a sterile manner during the filling cycle, by a part adapted for sterilizing at least a part of the container during the filling cycle, and by means adapted to provide flushing of the second-mentioned part during the filling cycle. The means comprises a closure of the second-mentioned part, the arrangement being such that there is a relative reciprocable motion between the means and the remainder of the second-mentioned part, whereby to effect a pulsating flushing action in the second-mentioned part.

I claim:  
     
         1 . Apparatus for filling a container with product under sterile conditions during filling thereof in a filling cycle, comprising means having a part for dispensing product in a sterile manner during the filling cycle, a part adapted for sterilising at least a part of the container during the filling cycle, and means adapted to provide flushing of the second-mentioned part during the filling cycle.  
     
     
         2 . Apparatus as defined in    claim 1   , the means comprising a closure of the second-mentioned part, the arrangement being such that there is relative reciprocal motion between the means and the remainder of the second-mentioned part, whereby to effect a pulsating flushing action in the second-mentioned part.  
     
     
         3 . Apparatus as defined in    claim 2   , there being means to reciprocate the closure with respect to the remainder of the second-mentioned part.  
     
     
         4 . Apparatus as defined in    claim 2   , there being means to reciprocate the remainder of the second-mentioned part with respect to the closure.  
     
     
         5 . Apparatus as defined in    claim 2   , there being means to providea flushing liquid medium within the interior of the second-mentioned part.  
     
     
         6 . Apparatus as defined in    claim 5   , the means to provide a flushing liquid medium comprising means to provide a sterile water flushing medium.  
     
     
         7 . Apparatus as defined in    claim 6   , the closure comprising a door of the second-mentioned part.  
     
     
         8 . Apparatus as defined in    claim 7   , the door comprising opposed jaws which are adapted to hold a drain during flushing.  
     
     
         9 . Apparatus as defined in    claim 8   , the jaws and drain having complementary interengageable support means.  
     
     
         10 . Apparatus as defined in    claim 6   , the means to provide a sterile water flushing medium comprising a fixed inlet of the second-mentioned part.  
     
     
         11 . Apparatus as defined in    claim 10   , there being two inclined inlets.  
     
     
         12 . Apparatus for filling a container with product under sterile conditions during filling thereof in a filling cycle, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
     
     
         13 . A container whenever filled using apparatus according to any preceding claim.