US2972214A - Method of and means for filling and closing bottles and other containers under aseptic conditions - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 21, 1961 G, M. gum

, METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR FILLING AND CLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERS UNDER ASEPTIC CONDITIONS 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledvMaroh 13, 1959 Feb. 21, 1961 e. M. JUIN METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR FILLING AND CLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERS UNDER ASEPTIC comnzwzous Filed March 13, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 L I I I I I v I I l I l I I l I I I I I i I I f l l I l E I I l I I I I I I I I I J Illalllilll llIhHHl I I lllllllfllllil illlllllllfl HIIIIIIIIIIIIII. III I. flu." nuhv l l l ldb nfl dl l l h hl l I uh u-lii'b u Feb. 21, 1961 G. M. JUIN 2,972,214

METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR FILLING AND CLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERS UNDER ASEPTIC connrrrons Filed March 13, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 pl i FTeB 15 M .11! i r 1 I 24 G. M. JUIN ANS F0 Feb. 21, 1961 2,972,214 METHOD OF AND ME R FILLING AND CLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERS UNDER ASEPTIC CONDITIONS Filed March 15, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 v/rrlll/ll \l-MM r 1 4. MI 0 9 1-1-: I w '5 Al 7 I I I I l l I II I T 7 7 E X [ILL m T 12:}. u 4 5 H 6 m. QJ IIIIIIIIFIII 1 c I r 3.... u 1 w. e n 1 w W F----||- K \Illlllulj w k a 1961 G. M. JUIN 2,972,214

METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR FILLING AND CLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERS UNDER ASEPTIC commons 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 13, 1959 o of Feb. 21, 1961 2,972,214 I G. M. JUIN METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR FILLING AND CLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERS UNDER ASEPTIC CONDITIONS Filed March 13, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 18 VIII/[III United States Patent METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR FILLING AND CLOSING BOTTLES AND OTHER CONTAINERS UNDER ASEPTIC CONDITIONS Guy Marcel Juin, Asnieres, France, assignor to E. P.

Remy et Cie., Poissy, Seine-et-Oise, France, a corporation of France Filed Mar. 13, 1959, Ser. No. 799,139

Claims priority, application France Apr. 23, 1958 27 Claims. (Cl. 53-37) This invention is concerned essentially with a method of effecting under aseptic conditions the filling of bottles or other containers with a sterilized liquid, for example milk, and subsequently the closing of said bottles or other containers.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a method whereby the steps of sterilizing, filling and closing the bottles or containers are combined into a single phase as contrasted with known double-sterilization methods in which the provisional filling and closing of the containers require a second sterilizing operation.

The method according to this invention is remarkable notably in that is consists of isolating from the surrounding medium the inside of the bottle or container, causing the latter to communicate with a closed space held in an aseptic or sterilized condition, eifecting within said closed space the final sterilization of the bottle or container as Well as of its closing device, and subsequently filling and closing the bottle or container in a provisional or defini tive manner.

This method is characterized by many advantageous features, notably in that it permits sterilizing by a single and same operation, for example by means of high-temperature inert steam or gas and within a very short time period, according to the so-called flash sterilization method, not only the inner capactiy of the empty bottle and that face of the preformed capsule which is to be subsequently in contact with the sterilized liquid after the filling operation, but also the entire closed space in which the filling and closing operations take place.

According to another feature of this invention, the aforesaid closed space is kept in a sterilized condition by feeding same continuously with sterile air or other gas providing for example a slight overpressure within said space.

Under practical conditions and by providing adequate and known synchronizing means for co-ordinating the movements of the different devices associated with said closed space, the following cycle of operations may be carried out in accordance with the teachings of the present invention:

Positioning the container to be filled and the closing means, for example a capsule or the like, on fixed or movable seats provided in said closed space;

Fast sterilization of the container and beginning of the sterilization of the closing means;

Filling the container;

Relative displacement of the closing means within said closed space in order to position said means over the aperture of the container;

Provisional or definitive closing operation, for example by capsuling, of the container;

Removal of closed container.

This invention is also concerned with a method of arranging an installation adapted to cary out in an aseptic manner the filling and closing of bottles and other containers according to the method broadly set Z,97Z,Zl4 Patented Feb, 21, 1961 forth hereinabove, which is remarkable notably in that it consists in mounting on or associating with a liquiddispensing or similar apparatus a closed space, connecting with or mounting in, said closed space feed means for the liquid to be distributed which is delivered by said liquid-dispensing or like apparatus, fixed or movable means or devices for sterilizing the container and its closing means, seat-forming means adapted to receive the neck or opening at least of said container and its closing means, and operating means arranged for positioning and securing at least temporarily said closing means on said neck or opening upon completion of the filling operation, and providing means such as a supply of sterile air or other gas for maintaining the inner capacity of said closed space in a sterile state.

This invention is also concerned with an installationfor filling and closing under aseptic'conditions bottles and other containers with a sterilized liquid, for example milk, this installation being arranged in accordance with the method broadly set forth hereinabove and being remarkable notably in that it comprises essentially the following means mounted on or associated with a liquiddispensing or similar apparatus: a closed space, filling means communicating with said liquid-dispensing or similar apparatus and disposed in or opening into said closed space, fixed or movable means or devices for sterilizing the container and the closing means therefor, and operating means arranged for positioning or securing at least temporarily said closing means on the opening of said container upon completion of the filling operation, means such as the supply of sterile air or other gas being provided for maintaining the inner volume of said closed space in a sterile state.

Other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming 1 part of this specification and illustrating diagrammaticaliy by way of example two forms of embodiment of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing in elevation and fragmentary axial section an installation or device forfilling and closing containers according to this invention;

Figure 2 is a lateral View taken in the direction of the arrow F and in fragmentary section taken upon the line IIII of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken upon the line III-III of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary section taken upon IVIV of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a section taken upon the line V-V of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating in elevational view the successive operations of filling, sterilizing and closing a container by means of the device shown in Figures 1 to 5;

Figure 7 illustrates diagrammatically in plane view and in connection with Figure 6 respectively the same operations, and

Figure 8 shows diagrammatically in elevation an inthe line stallation according to a modified form of embodiment of the invention.

In the example shown in Figures 1 to 5 the installation or device for filling and closing bottles or other containers 1 comprises essentially, according to the present invention, a closed space (designated as a whole by the However, the installation described hereafter is designed primarily for filling and capsuling bottles with sterilized milk under aseptic conditions.

The closed space 2 comprises an upper fixed portion 4 secured under the'vessel 3 and a movable lower portion this movable portion may be mounted for sliding vertical movement on and relative to the upper stationary portion 4. Both portions 4 and 5 may constitute tubular telescopic elements slidably engaged in each other, an adequate joint being provided therebetween for example in the form of a piston packing or like sealing device 6 adapted to prevent any liquid leak-age.

The relative movement between these portions 4 and 5 may also be a rotational movement or a combination of a movement of translation with a movement of rotation. The relative sliding movement and the fluid tightness between the contacting surfaces of these telescopic tubes or cylinders 4, 5 may be facilitated not only by the provision of the piston packing or like seal 5 but also by a film of silicone or like material coating the inner surface of cylinder 4 to reduce the friction between the two cylinders to a minimum.

The filling device proper, consisting for example of a depending filler tube 7 formed at its lower end with a suitably shaped filler head 8 extends through the assembly of the aforesaid two portions 4 and 5, for example coaxially thereto.

The lower tubular portion 5 carries at its lower end a casing 9 of substantially parallelepipedic prismatic or other adequate shape which constitutes the capsuling chamber. This term should be understood in its broadest meaning to designate a cage, housing, space or the like in which are disposed according to this invention on the one hand the seat-forming means adapted to receive at least the upper opening or neck portion of the bottle or container to be filled and the closing means, capsule or the like, to be filled on this container, and on the other hand the means or devices for sterilizing the whole during the filling and closing operations.

This capsuling chamber 9 is secured for example by its upper wall under a tubular portion 16 of reduced cross-sectional area which constitutes the lower extension of the lower portion 5; besides, this chamber 9 communicates through an upper aperture 11 and said tubular portion 10 with the tubes or like elements 4, 5.

The assembly comprising the tube 5 and the capsuling chamber 9 may be driven for vertical movement through the intermediary of any adequate driving 'means, for example a yoke, strap or other driving member 11' (Fig. 2) engaging the groove shoulder or recess formed between this tube 5 and the casing 9 at the level of the tubular junction portion 11 The capsuling chamber or casing 9 is guided laterally during its vertical displacement by slideways or like members 12 having for example their upper portions secured at 13 under the vat 3 and extending vertically along the tubes 4 and 5. These slideways may consist for example of channel members engageable by guide members or shoes consisting for example of section members or the like 14 secured on the side walls 15 of easing 9.

At their lower ends these slideways 12 areformed with a portion or lip 16 bent inwards to constitute a lower stop or abutment for limiting the downward displacement of the capsuling chamber 9.

The lower wall 17 of this chamber has an aperture 18 coaxial with the upper aperture 11 formed therein for the purpose of permitting the passage of the neck portion 19 of the bottle or like container 1. This aperture 18 is provided with a device adapted to act as a seat for this neck portion 19. This device may consist for example of a guillotine device or mechanism comprising to this end two plates 20 slidably mounted in a common horizontal plane on either side of the aperture 18 above the bottom wall 17. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, these plates 20 extend through the side walls 15 of the chamher, thus providing outer projecting portions 21 engaging the cavities of the corresponding channel slideways 12. The inner edges of these plates are of substantially semicircular configuration (see Figure 3) so that they fit tightly around and clamp the neck portion 19 of the bottle when they are moved towards each other.

Moreover, these plates 29 are guided on the lower wall 17 of the casing for example by means of flanged members 23 or the like (see Figure 4) secured on this wall. Their closing movement is controlled, during the upward movement of the capsuling chamber 9, by camforming members 24 arranged for example in the bottom of the channels or like slideways 12 and adapted to be engaged by the outer ends 21 of these plates 20 when the casing 9 rises to a certain level. Besides, the opening movement of these plates (that is, away from each other) is controlled by return .springs 25 attached for example on the one hand to a pin 26 carried by each plate 20 and on the other hand to the side wall 15 of chamber 9 which is disposed on the same side. The reference numeral 27 designates a stop carried by said plates 'to limit their opening stroke to the proper value.

Mounted in the capsuling chamber is a movable capsuling frame adapted to receive the capsule or other closing means, which consists for example of the combination of two superposed members 28, 29, as shown. This capsuling frame is slidably mounted and guided in the casing 9, for example by means of slideways or races 30 carried by the side walls 15 of the casing and slidably engaged in grooves or splines 31 formed on either side of the upper portion 28 of the capsuling frame. In the example illustrated it is clear that due to the arrangement of these guide means inside the casing 9 the capsuling frame may be displaced bodily in a direction substantially at right angles to the axis 32 of the upper tubular portion of the closed space. This movement of translation of the capsuling frame may be continued up to the end portion 33 of the capsuling chamber 9 formed at this place with an upper aperture 34 constituting a kind of wicket or the like through which the closing capsules or like members are positioned in the frame 28, 29. This positioning step is accomplished as illustrated diagrammatically in chain-dotted lines at 29 and 28 in Figure l by lifting the upper portion 28 of the capsuling frame and inserting a capsule 35 centrally of the lower portion 29 of this frame as shown in Figure 1.

In this position it is clear that the lower portion 29 of the capsuling frame is guided by slideways or like members 36 carried laterally by the lower portion of the casing 9 at the level of the aforesaid wicket 33 in the same manner as in the case of the slideways 30 described in the preceding paragraph. These slideways 36 engage grooves 37 formed in the lower portion 29 of the capsuling frame, On the other hand, the upper portion 28 released from the guide rails or slideways 30 discontinued at this place may be brought to the upper position 28 by operating members (not shown) engaging these lateral grooves or splines 31. Both elements 28 and 29 of the capsuling frame form in their centre a cavity 38 in which the capsule 35 may be inserted, this cavity being bound at the top by a wall element 39 of member 28 which has a contour corresponding substantially to that of the neck portion 19 of the bottle 1.

Guide rods 40 solid with the lower portion 29 of the capsuling frame project therefrom and are adapted to engage orifices 41 formed in the upper portion 28 in order properly to guide the vertical displacements of the upper portion 28 of the frame in relation to the lower portion 29.

The capsuling casing 9 is also provided with inner means or devices adapted to eifect the momentary or extended sterilization of the bottle together with its capsule. It comprises for example a nozzle 42 supplied with steam from a duct (not shown) and slidably'mounted in the casing 9 in adequate horizontal guide means. To this end, the same slideways 30 may be extended and engaged in grooves formed in shoes 43 between which the nozzle 42 is held by means of a pair of half-collars or like members 44, 44' assembled together and secured on either side on said shoes 43 (see Figure 5).

Preferably, the movements accomplished by the nozzle 42 and by the capsuling frame 28, 29 are identical. To this end, a plate or like member 45 may be provided for operatively interconnecting on the one hand the guide shoes 43 of the nozzle and on the other hand the lower portion 28 of the capsuling frame.

In the form of embodiment illustrated by way of example the nozzle 42 is adapted, when moving bodily within the casing 9, to assume the position in which it is shown in Figure 1 so that its depending outlet 46 overlies the orifice of the bottle 1.

The casing 9 is also provided with another sterilizing device consisting of a steam delivery duct 47 provided across its outlet aperture with a perforated plate 47a disposed preferably between the aperture 18 receiving the bottle neck and the wicket-forming end portion 33 of the casing.

The reference numeral 48 designates an annular head-- er or like device mounted inside the fixed tube 4 and adapted to blow sterile air or other gas into the closed space in order to maintain therein an aseptic atmosphere at a moderate overpressure in relation to the surrounding atmosphere.

Finally, a plurality of ports 49 are formed through the lower portion of the lateral wall of the fixed tubular portion 4, these ports acting as vent holes when they are uncovered by the movable lower tube 5 while steam is being blown into the casing 9 through the nozzle 42 or duct 47.

The closed space has also associated therewith a movable support (not shown) adapted to carry the bottle or other container 1, this support being controlled and guided for vertical movement to and from an operative position in which the bottle or other container is positioned as shown in Figure 1.

Control means are provided in combination with the different arrangements set forth hereinabove for synchronizing with one another the movements of the lower movable portion of the closed space, those of the movable capsuling flame, those of the nozzle 42 and those of the movable support carrying the bottle or other container to be filled, with a view to obtain a cycle of operations taking place for example as follows:

During a first phase the bottle or other container to be filled is positioned on its movable support and, as the capsuling frame is level with the wicket 33 of the capsuling casing 9, a capsule is inserted by lifting firstly the upper movable portion 28 of the frame (positions A and A in Figures 6 and 7).

Then the movable support is moved upwards to bring the neck of the bottle or other container level with the lower aperture 18 of the capsuling chamber; at the same time, the horizontal displacement of the capsuling frame 28, 29 is brought about in order to bring the outlet 46 of the nozzle 42 operatively connected to this frame above the neck aperture 19 of the bottle (position B and B of Figures 6 and 7).

In this position the inner capacity of the bottle or other container is quickly sterilized by injecting a few jets of steam according to the known flash-sterilization process.

However, at this point a remark is necessary for the thorough understanding of the invention.

Only a very short time period is afforded on the liquiddispensing machine for sterilizing the inside of the bottle as well as the lower or inner face of the filling head up to and including its stop member. Consequently, the bottle must be treated and sterilized beforehand as it leaves the washing machine before entering the circuit of the liquid-dispensing apparatus. This previous treatment may be of thermal or chemical character, or a combination of both, and should take place immediately before the rinsing step.

In other words, an instantaneous and adequate sterilization in the liquid-dispensing apparatus cannot be justified and fully reliable unless its object is limited to the definitive elimination, immediately prior to the filling step, of an unavoidable secondary post-contamination, of minor importance and of strictly superficial character, of the inner capacity of the bottle, which takes place between the two treatments.

A maximum efiiciency as far as this sterilization is concerned may be ensured by virtue of the constricted portion 19 at the bottom of the lower movable cylinder 5, the inner diameter of this portion 10 being slightly greater than the over-all dimensions of the filling head 8, in order to somewhat concentrate the high-pressure jet of steam towards the filling head and tubular outlet 8 just before introducing same into the neck of the underlying bottle. Moreover, the 'efficiency is improved by using a bent outlet 46 on the steam delivery nozzle 42 whereby the the steam jet is directed under a considerable pressure and at a high temperature into the bottle not in the form of a continuous jet but as a plurality of very fast pulsations. This steam is admitted preferably directly from the end of the capsuling casing which is opposite to that constituting the wicket 33 and as one portion of this steam is directed by the outlet 46 into the bottle the remaining portion is carried off by the ascending stream issuing from the bottle and acts jointly therewith to sterilize the filling head 8 and its stop. During this operation the lower cylinder 5 in its lowermost position has uncovered the vent holes or ports 49 in the lower region of cylinder 4 so that during this high-pressure sterilization the used steam can be discharged very quickly to avoid any undue overpressure in the closed space.

Upon completion of this sterilizing step the capsuling casing 9 and the bottle carrier are moved upwards to bring the lower movable portion of the closed space in the upper position shown at D in Figure 6 after passing through an intermediate position C. During this upward movement the plates 20 constituting the jaws of the guillotine device controlling the aperture 18 are closed by their engagement with the cam or ramp-forming portions 24 of slideways 12 in order to clamp the bottle neck and provide a gradual and accurate guiding thereof. Simultaneously, adequate means are controlled to cause a further horizontal displacement of the movable capsuling frame, whereby the latter is brought to a position above the steam outlet 47 (position C of Figure 7 This horizontal movement of translation is attended by the retraction of the nozzle 42 for the reasons set forth hereinabove, whereby the filler head 8 may move downward and penetrate into the neck opening of the bottle to be filled. This downward movement of the filler head 8 may also be controlled through and from any suitable means for example a filling stop (not shown) actuated by the upward movement of the lower tubular portion 5 of the closed space.

The capsule and the capsuling frame are sterilized during the entire filling period, that is, during a relatively long time period, so that a temperature fall and a pressure drop of the steam may be contemplated, inter alia, the steam pressure reduction being controlled for example by a pressure reducing device of known design inserted in the feed circuit of duct 47.

Upon completion of the filling operation the movable lower portion 5 of the closed space is lowered relative to the upper portion 4 from position D (Figure 6) to position C, thus gradually releasing the filling device from the bottle neck and the latter from the guillotine device. At the same time a third horizontal movement of the capsuling frame is effected to bring same over the lower aperture 18 permitting the passage of the neck portion of the container (position D of Figure 7 Then the smart bottle is displaced vertically relative to its movable carrier whereby the upper end of the bottle neck sinks a capsule 35 into the cavity 38 of the upper portion 23 of the capsuling frame by abutting thereagainst; thus, the skirt of the capsule is turned down and crimped either temporarily or definitely around the top edge of the bottle opening.

Thereafter, the bottle carrier is lowered and the bottle discharged while causing the capsuling frame to move in the opposite direction to positions A and A (Figures 6 and 7).

The capsuling frame now underlying the wicket 33 is ready-to receive a fresh capsule.

In the modified form of embodiment shown in Figure 8 a plurality of filling and closing or capsuling stations 51 may be provided beneath the liquid-dispensing apparatus 3, the closed spaces 4, 5, 9 of these stations being arranged at spaced intervals on a circle centred on the axis 50 of the apparatus; thus, a multi-station machine for example of the rotary type is obtained. The supply of steam to these different stations may be effected through a vertical hollow shaft 52 communicating through orifices 55 with an annular member 53 underlying the vessel 3 and fitted by means of a hub-like member 56 on the shaft 52. This annular member 53 acts like a steam header or manifold and is positioned at a height sufiicient to cause its outer end 54 to underlie the relevant end portion of each capsuling casing 9 when the latter is in its lowermost position.

This annular distributor 53 is rotated bodily with the vessel 3 and the bottle carriers or supports, so that any relative rotational movement between these difierent component elements is eliminated.

This arrangement is advantageous in that it provides for each dispensing head a fixed steam outlet, the only connection to be effected being a vertical extensible connection, for example a tubular telescopic connection or a dipper-tube connection, between the liquid distributor and the capsuling casings.

Of course, many modifications and alterations may be contemplated in the practical embodiment of the device or installation described and shown herein; thus, the sterilizing means and devices may differ from those contemplated herein; again, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the few forms of embodiment illustrated and described herein, as these are mere examples to which many modifications may be brought without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A method of aseptically filling with a sterilized liquid and closing a container comprising the step of associating said container in a tight manner with a closed space containing slidable and fixed sterilizing means and fed with closing means, the step of injecting into said container a sterile fluid in the form of very fast pulsations by means of said movable sterilizing means while beginning the sterilization of said closing means with sterilizing fluid jets delivered by said fixed sterilizing means, the step of filling said container while continuing the sterilization of said closing means, the step of positioning said closing means over the aperture of said container, the step of urging the aperture of said container against said closing means and thereby closing the latter, and the step of removing said closed container.

2. Method as claimed in claim 1 comprising the step of causing said slidable sterilizing means to be brought momentarily above the opening of said container positioned for receiving said sterilized liquid.

3. Method as claimed in claim 2 comprising the step of causing said closing means to be positioned above said fixed sterilizing means during said container sterilizing and filling operations.

4. Method as claimed in claim 1 comprising the step of providing a plurality of filling and closing stations and 8 a the step of associating therewith a movable distributing device adapted to feed each station with a sterilizing medium.

5. Installation for aseptically filling with a sterilized liquid and closing a container, comprising associated with a stocking vessel of a liquid-dispensing apparatus, a filling and closing station consisting of a closed space having provided therein a movable filling pipe means connected to said stocking vessel and extending through said closed space, seat-forming means adapted to receive and to clamp the neck portion of the container, a movable frame carrying closing means and adapted at least temporarily and subsequent to the filling operation to bring and set said.

closing means on said neck portion, slidable and fixed sterilizing means for sterilizing the container and its closing means respectively and means for supplying a sterile fluid for maintaining in a sterile condition the inner volume of said closed space.

6. Installation as claimed in claim 5 in which said closed space is arranged under said stocking vessel.

7. Installation as claimed inclaim 6 in which said closed space comprises a fixed upper portion secured under said stocking vessel and a movable lower portion mounted for sliding movement under, and relative to, said fixed upper portion, said movable portion carrying secured at its lower end a casing carrying said slidable and fixed sterilizing means, said seat forming means and said frame whereby said movable portion may fit over the neck of the container to be filled and accomplish therewith the different upward and downward movement according to the cycle of operations contemplated.

8. Installation as claimed in claim 7 in which said fixed portion and said lower movable portion consist of two telescopically interfitting tubes.

9. Installation as claimed in claim 8 in which packing means are provided between said interfitting tubes for providing the necessary fluid-tightness of the closed space.

10. Installation as claimed in claim 9 in which said means for supplying a sterile fiuid are provided in said fixed upper portion.

11. Installation as claimed in claim 10 in which the wall of the tube constituting the upper fixed portion of said closed space has a port means formed therethrough and so arranged as to be uncovered when the tube constituting the lower portion of the closed space is in its lower position.

12. Installation as claimed in claim 7 comprising guide means secured under the stocking vessel and oo-acting with the movable sliding portion of said ciosed space in order to guide same during its upward or downward movements.

13. Installation as claimed in claim 7 in which said casing communicates with the inner capacity of said upper portion through an orifice formed through its upper wall.

14. Installation as claimed in claim 12 in which said movable filling pipe means is disposed coaxially with said upper portion and substantially in axial alignment with said orifice formed through the upper wall.

15. Installation as claimed in claim 12 in which said seat-forming means for receiving the neck of the containcr to be fuled consists of an orifice formed through the lower wall of said casing substantially in axial alignment with the aforesaid orifice formed through the upper wall and comprises gripping means for clamping the neck of said container.

16. Installation as claimed in claim 14 in which said closed space comprises between said movable lower portion and said casing a portion of reduced cross-sectional area forming shoulder engageable by operating means for driving said movable lower portion.

17. Installation as claimed in claim 15 in which said guide mean are provided internally on a certain height with cam-forming elements controlling said gripping means for the clamping of the neck of the container by said gripping means during the upward movement of said casing.

18. Installation as claimed in claim 7 in which said movable frame is slidably mounted in said casing and is guided therein by means of slideways carried by the walls of said casing.

19. Installationas claimed in claim 18 in which said movable frame is displaceable in said casing between said seat-forming means and a wicket means formed in said casing and through which the frame may be fed with closing means.

20. Installation as claimed in claim 19 in which said movable frame consists of two portions fitting into each other so that they can receive and maintain the closing means therebetween.

21. Installation as claimed in claim 20 in which the two portions of said movable frame comprise internal grooves engaged by said slideways.

22. Installation as claimed in claim 7 in which said slidable sterilizing means consist of a slidable nozzle mounted in said casing so as to momentarily overlie the neck of the container to be filled with a view to sterilize same.

23. Installation as claimed in claim 22 in which said nozzle is carried by two shoe means engaging inner slideways formed in said casing.

24. Installation as claimed in claim 23 in which said slidable nozzle and said movable frame are interconnected by assembling means so as to move bodily together according to identical movements inside said casing.

25. Installation as claimed in claim 19 in which said fixed sterilizing means consists of a fixed nozzle opening into the lower portion of said casing between said seatforming means and said wicket.

26. Installation as claimed in claim 25 wherein said casing, said slidable nozzle and said movable frame are adapted as to provide a cycle of operation substantially as follows: bringing the container under gripping means of the casing and simultaneously positioning a closing means in said movable frame; bringing the neck of the container substantially in the plane of said gripping means by raising said container and simultaneously causing the translation of said movable frame and the movable sterilizing means associated therewith in said casing in order to bring said movable sterilizing means above the container; sterilizing said container byf a so-calle d flash-sterilization operation; moving said casing and said container upwards, this movement being attended by the closing of said gripping means to clamp the neck of the container and simultaneously causing the transla tion of the movable frame to bring same above said fixed sterilizing means associated therewith, and lowering of said filling pipe means on and into the neck of said container; filling the container and sterilizing said closing means; lowering said casing and said container while opening said gripping means and simultaneously causing the translation of said movable frame to bring same above the neck of said container; moving said container upwards to bring its neck in contact with the closing means and causing by abutment against. the movable frame the fixation of said closing means on the neck of the container; moving said container downwards and removing the closed container while causing said movable frame to move back to the wicket means in the casing.

27. Installation as claimed in claim 25 wherein a plurality of filling and closing stations are provided and disposed on a circle centered on the axis of said stocking vessel, and comprising a rotatable annular distributor for distributing said sterilized liquid to said filling and closing stations.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1 ,270,797 Dunkley June 2, 1918 1,894,403 Konopak Jan. 17, 1933 2,174,745 Hoffman et a1. Oct. 3, 1939 2,695,743 Williams Nov. 30, 1954 2,874,523 Ryan Feb. 24, 1959

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