Constant level filler spout and a filler carousel including it

Abstract

The constant level filler spout comprises a spout body comprising: an annular connection portion configured to press in leaktight manner against the neck of a container, co-operating therewith to define a delivery zone; a delivery duct connected to a liquid feed source via a delivery valve and opening out into the center of the delivery zone; and an exhaust vent connected to an exhaust orifice via an exhaust valve and opening out into the periphery of the delivery zone.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A constant level filler spout comprising a spout body having:
 an annular connection portion configured to press in leaktight manner against the neck of a container, co-operating therewith to define a delivery zone;   a delivery duct connected to a liquid feed source via a delivery valve and opening out into the delivery zone; and   an exhaust vent connected to an exhaust orifice via an exhaust valve and opening out into the delivery zone;   wherein the delivery duct opens out into the center of the delivery zone while the exhaust vent opens out into the periphery thereof.   
     
     
         2 . A filler spout according to  claim 1 , wherein the exhaust vent opens out laterally into an annular slot extending at the periphery of the delivery zone. 
     
     
         3 . A filler spout according to  claim 2 , wherein the delivery duct defines one side of the annular slot. 
     
     
         4 . A filler spout according to  claim 3 , wherein the delivery duct is a straight tube passing through the spout body. 
     
     
         5 . A filler spout according to  claim 1 , wherein the exhaust valve lies outside the delivery zone. 
     
     
         6 . A filler spout according to  claim 1 , wherein the delivery valve is controlled independently of the presence of a container. 
     
     
         7 . A filler spout according to  claim 1 , wherein the exhaust valve is offset laterally from the delivery duct. 
     
     
         8 . A filler spout according to  claim 7 , wherein the exhaust valve includes an enclosure connected to the exhaust vent and having a wall including the exhaust orifice, and a floating body arranged in the enclosure in register with the exhaust orifice. 
     
     
         9 . A filler spout according to  claim 8 , wherein the floating body comprises a ball arranged inside the enclosure between the exhaust orifice and a float. 
     
     
         10 . A filler spout according to  claim 9 , wherein the float is bell-shaped. 
     
     
         11 . A filler carousel including a rotary platform carrying a series of filler spouts according to  claim 7 , the exhaust valve of each spout being disposed radially on the outside relative to the delivery duct.