Abstract

A method and apparatus of filing beverage combines pressurized beverage delivery (rather than gravity feed) with variable pressure control of the beverage flow into the can. By modulating beverage flow and especially beverage pressure, it is possible to fill a can's widget (gas reservoir) with gas with a shorter set of fill steps. In addition, the speed of beverage filling can be dramatically increased compared to small scale systems normally used. Unlike known large scale pressure systems, the beverage bowl may be located beneath the rest of the apparatus and modulated pressure may be used, making for a smaller and more portable unit.

IPC Classes  ?

• B67C 3/00 - Bottling liquids or semiliquidsFilling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatusFilling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
• B67C 3/10 - Bottling liquids or semiliquidsFilling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus using counterpressure, i.e. filling while the container is under pressure preliminary filling with inert gases, e.g. carbon dioxide
• B67C 3/26 - Filling-headsMeans for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
• B67C 7/00 - Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottlesProcesses or devices for at least two of these operations
• B67C 3/12 - Pressure-control devices
• B67C 3/28 - Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves

Abstract

A continuous motion position controlled in-line linear seamer allows a manufacturer or brewery such as a microbrewery to have high speed can seaming (attachment of lids to full cans of beverage) with a single compact, inexpensive, independent and repositionable seaming machine. The seaming is carried out in-line with production, and is done using a linear can path with no need for a large carousel. The motion is continuous because a variable pitch worm drive is constantly operating, driving cans at different speeds for different portions of the can path, including one portion of the path at which the can may remain motionless while being seamed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B21D 51/32 - Folding the circumferential seam by rolling
• B21D 51/00 - Making hollow objects
• B21D 51/26 - Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects cans or tinsClosing cans or tins in a permanent manner
• B21D 51/30 - Folding the circumferential seam
• B21D 51/34 - Folding the circumferential seam by pressing
• B67C 3/02 - Bottling liquids or semiliquidsFilling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus

Abstract

A continuous motion position controlled in-line linear seamer allows a manufacturer or brewery such as a microbrewery to have high speed can seaming (attachment of lids to full cans of beverage) with a single compact, inexpensive, independent and repositionable seaming machine. The seaming is carried out in-line with production, and is done using a linear can path with no need for a large carousel. The motion is continuous because a variable pitch worm drive is constantly operating, driving cans at different speeds for different portions of the can path, including one portion of the path at which the can may remain motionless while being seamed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B21D 51/26 - Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects cans or tinsClosing cans or tins in a permanent manner
• B65G 33/04 - Screw or rotary spiral conveyors for articles conveyed between a single screw and guiding means
• B21D 51/32 - Folding the circumferential seam by rolling
• B65G 33/26 - Screws