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Title:
METHOD AND MACHINE FOR METERING LIQUID PRODUCTS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2000/046103
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
According to a method for filling containers (2) with a metered quantity of products (10), the products are supplied to a reservoir (3), inside which there is a metering receptacle (7). In its upper part, the metering receptacle (7) is open and its lower part features a discharge pipe (8), which communicates with a container (2) to be filled. A moving element (13) moves between a filling position in which it causes the raising of level of the products (10) over the opening (7a) of the metering receptacle (7), so that the latter is filled with the products and a non-filling position, in which the level of the products (10) is lowered below the opening (7a) of the metering receptacle (7). Thus a metered quantity (11) of products is collected inside the metering receptacle (7). The metered quantity (11) of products is delivered to the container (2) through the discharge pipe (8), by opening of valve means (9).

Inventors:
STAGNI MILENA (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2000/000099
Publication Date:
August 10, 2000
Filing Date:
January 31, 2000
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
STAGNI MILENA (IT)
International Classes:
B65B3/30; B67C3/20; G01F11/22; G01F11/28; G01F11/32; (IPC1-7): B65B37/00
Foreign References:
BE901407A1985-06-28
US5156193A1992-10-20
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Dall'olio, Giancarlo (Via delle Armi 1, Bologna, IT)
Download PDF:
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Claims:
CLAIMS
1. A method for metering products, in particular liquid products, and for filling containers with metered products, characterized in that it includes: feeding products (10) to a reservoir (3), which is in communication with a metering receptacle (7), said metering receptacle (7) having an upper part with an opening (7a) and a lower part equipped with a discharge pipe (8) directed to a container (2) to be filled, and with valve means (9) situated along said discharge pipe (8); operating level changing means for filling said metering receptacle, said level changing means increasing the level of products (10) contained in said reservoir (3), so as to cause the filling of said metering receptacle (7) with said articles (10) and the definition of a metered quantity (11) of said products inside said metering receptacle (7); delivery of said metered quantity (11) of products to said container (2) through said discharge pipe (8), by opening said valve means (9).
2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said metering receptacle (7) is situated inside said reservoir (3) and operation of said level changing means includes: bringing a moving element to a filling position located inside the mass of said products, so that the level of said products rises over said opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7) and said products fill up said receptacle; and bringing said moving element back to a non filling position, in which the level of said products lowers below said opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7).
3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that said moving element (13) is reciprocated between a lowered position, in which it is dipped in said products (10) contained in said reservoir (3), and a raised position, which is over the level of said products (10).
4. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the level of said products (10) inside said reservoir (3) is sensed by sensor means (5,6), so that said level of said products (10) is maintained constant within a range delimited by a minimum and maximum values situated below said opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7) when said moving element (13) is in the non filling position.
5. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that, with said metering receptacle situated inside said reservoir (3), operation of said means for feeding said metering receptacle includes: bringing a moving element (60) inside said reservoir; feeding said products to said reservoir until said products reaches a predetermined level over said opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7), so as to fill up said metering receptacle; removing said moving element from said reservoir, so as to lower the level of the products (10) therein below said opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7).
6. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that, with said metering receptacle situated outside said reservoir (3), operation of said means for feeding said metering receptacle includes: bringing a moving element (60) inside said reservoir; feeding said products to said reservoir until said products reaches a predetermined level over said opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7), so as to fill up said metering receptacle; removing said moving element from said reservoir, so as to lower the level of the products (10) therein below said opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7).
7. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that it includes detecting, by sensor means (5), said predetermined level of said products (10) inside the reservoir (3), and determining interruption of said products supply when said predetermined level has been reached.
8. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that it includes detecting, by sensor means (5), said predetermined level of said products (10) inside the reservoir (3), and determining interruption of said products supply when said predetermined level has been reached.
9. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that it includes introduction of a second moving element (70) into said metering receptacle (7), before introduction of products (10), and adjusting the position of said second moving element, so that said metered quantity (11) is reduced by a desired entity with respect to the nominal volume of said metering receptacle (7).
10. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that it includes introduction of a second moving element (70) into said metering receptacle (7), before introduction of products (10), and adjusting the position of said second moving element, so that said metered quantity (11) is reduced by a desired entity with respect to the nominal volume of said metering receptacle (7).
11. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that operation of said level changing means includes: reciprocatory motion movement of said metering receptacle (7) between a lowered position, dipped in the products (10) contained in said reservoir (3), in which said metering receptacle (7) is filled up with said products (10), and a raised position located over the level of products (10), so as to define a metered quantity of products inside said metering receptacle (7); delivery of said metered quantity of products to said container (2) through said discharge pipe (8) by opening said valve means (9) of said metering receptacle (7).
12. A method for metering liquid products and for filling containers with metered liquid products, characterized in that it includes: feeding a metering receptacle (7) with a quantity of products exceeding the quantity necessary for filling up said receptacle, said metering receptacle (7) having an upper part with an opening (7a) and a lower part equipped with a discharge pipe (8) directed to a container (2) to be filled, and with valve means (9) situated along said discharge pipe (8); completing the filling of said metering receptacle (7) with said products, so as to define a metered quantity of said products inside said metering receptacle (7); putting the quantity exceeding said metered quantity back into a reservoir (3), inside which the metering receptacle (7) is situated; delivering said metered quantity of products to the container (2) through said discharge pipe (8), by opening said valve means (9).
13. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the free surface of the products in the metering receptacle (7) are set under pressure in phase relation to the delivery of the metered quantity to said container.
14. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the free surface of the products in the metering receptacle (7) are set under pressure in phase relation to the delivery of the metered quantity to said container.
15. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the free surface of the products in the metering receptacle (7) are set under pressure in phase relation to the delivery of the metered quantity to said container.
16. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7) is situated flush with a bottom (3a) of said reservoir (3) and is equipped with a closing cover (50), said closing cover (50) being disengaged from said opening (7a) by operating said level changing means, which results in filling the metering receptacle (7), closing said opening (7a) with the closing cover and setting said metering receptacle under pressure in phase relation to the opening of said valve means (9).
17. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that it includes introduction of a second moving element (70) into said metering receptacle (7), so as to make the quantity of products (10) exceeding the quantity necessary to define said metered quantity (11) overflow through said opening (7a) of the metering receptacle (7).
18. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that sensor means (6) detect a minimum predetermined level of said products (10) in the metering receptacle (7) and control the interruption of the introduction of the products, when said minimum level is reached.
19. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that it includes transferring the quantity exceeding the metered quantity to a second metering receptacle (77), said second metering receptacle (77) being set in communication with a second container to be filled, with working cycles of said metering receptacles (7,77) being alternatively operated in the introduction and delivery steps.
20. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that it includes transferring the quantity exceeding the metered quantity to a collection tank (113), from which it is reintroduced into the close product introduction circuit.
21. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that said second moving element (70) is introduced into said metering receptacle (7) before being fed with the products (10) and feeding the metering receptacle (7) continues until the quantity exceeding the metered quantity (11) overflows.
22. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that said second moving element (70) is withdrawn from the metering receptacle (7) before the metered quantity (11) is delivered, which results in lowering of the level of said metered quantity therein.
23. A machine for metering products, in particular liquid products and for filling containers with metered products, characterized in that it includes: a reservoir (3), with a bottom (3a), for feeding products (10); a metering receptacle (7), which is set in communication with said reservoir (3) and with the container (2) to be filled, said metering receptacle (7) having an upper part with an opening (7a) and a lower part equipped with a discharge pipe (8) directed to a container (2) to be filled, with valve means (9) situated along said discharge pipe (8); means for changing level of said liquid products (10) contained in said reservoir (3), so as to fill said metering receptacle (7) with the products (10).
24. A machine according to claim 23, characterized in that said metering receptacle (7) is situated inside said reservoir (3) and in that said level changing means include an element which moves between a filling position, in which said element is at least partially introduced in the mass of products, so as to raise its level over the opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7), and a nonfilling position, in which said element is at least partially removed from the products and the level of the products (10) lowers below the opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7).
25. A machine according to claim 24, characterized in that it includes sensor means (5,6), which verify the level of the products (10) inside said reservoir (3), so that the level of said products (10) is maintained constant within a range delimited by a minimum and maximum values situated below said opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7) when said moving element (13) is in the non filling position.
26. A machine according to claim 24, characterized in that it includes: a first element (60), moving between a lowered, filling position, in which it is introduced into the products (10) contained in the reservoir (3), and a raised, non filling position, in which it is removed from the products; a supply duct (4), which cyclically introduces liquid products (10) into said reservoir (3) until a predetermined minimum level, over the opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7), is reached and in phase relation with the filling lowered position of said first moving element (60); movement of said first moving element (60) to the non filling raised position causing the lowering of the level of products (10) in the reservoir (3) below the opening (7a) of the metering receptacle (7), in which a metered quantity (11) of products (10) is contained, separated from the products contained in the reservoir (3).
27. A machine according to claim 26, characterized in that it includes sensor means (6), which detects said minimum level of liquid products (10) in the reservoir (3) and sends a signal for closing said supply duct (4).
28. A machine according to claim 26, characterized in that it includes a second movable element (70), which moves in said metering receptacle (7), so as to reduce the nominal volume of said metering receptacle (7) by a predetermined entity.
29. A machine according to claim 24, characterized in that it includes a cover (50), complementary to said opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7) and featuring sealing means (51) and a hose (52,152) which can be connected to an air compressor, said cover (50) being moved between a position in which it is disengaged from the opening (7a) and a position in which it closes said opening (7a) in phase relation with the delivery of the metered quantity of products to said container, so as to set the free surface of said metering receptacle (7) under pressure.
30. A machine according to claim 26, characterized in that it includes a cover (50), complementary to said opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7) and featuring sealing means (51) and a hose (52,152) which can be connected to an air compressor, said cover (50) being moved between a position in which it is disengaged from the opening (7a) and a position in which it closes said opening (7a) in phase relation with the delivery of the metered quantity of products to said container, so as to set the free surface of said metering receptacle (7) under pressure.
31. A machine according to claim 29, characterized in that said cover (50) is integral with a stem (9C), which operates said valve means (9).
32. A machine according to claim 30, characterized in that said cover (50) is integral with a stem (9C), which operates said valve means (9).
33. A machine according to claim 29, characterized in that said cover (50) is operated, by an arm (68), in phase relation with the activation and deactivation of said valve means.
34. A machine according to claim 30, characterized in that said cover (50) is operated, by an arm (68), in phase relation with the activation and deactivation of said valve means.
35. A machine according to claim 24, characterized in that it includes: sliding means (17), which operate said metering receptacle (7) to move between a lowered position in which it is dipped in the liquid products (10) contained in said reservoir (3), so as to be filled, and a raised position in which said receptacle (7) is over the level of the liquid products (10), so as to define a metered quantity of products inside said metering receptacle (7) to be delivered to said container (2) through said discharge hose (18).
36. A machine according to claim 24, characterized in that the opening (7a) of said metering receptacle (7) is set flush with said bottom (3a) of the reservoir (3), with a cover (50), complementary to the opening (7a) of the metering receptacle (7) and featuring a hose (52) which is connected to a source of compressed gas, said cover (50) moving between a raised position (S1), in which it is disengaged from the opening (7a), and a lowered position (S2), in which it closes tightly said opening (7a) in phase relation with the opening of said valve means (9), so as to set said hose (52) under pressure.
37. A machine according to claim 36, characterized in that said cover (50) is connected to a shaft (40), situated outside the metering receptacle (7) and operated by actuation means (100).
38. A machine for metering products, in particular liquid products, and for filling containers with metered products, characterized in that it includes: a metering receptacle (7), situated inside a reservoir and connected with the container (2) to be filled, said metering receptacle (7) having an upper part with an opening (7a) and a lower part equipped with a discharge hose (18), with valve means (9) situated along said discharge hose (18); means for feeding said metering receptacle with a quantity of products exceeding the capacity of said metering receptacle (7), so as to define a metered quantity of products inside the metering receptacle (7) to be delivered to said container through said discharge hose (18); means for emptying the reservoir from the products, which have overflown therein during the filling of said metering receptacle.
39. A machine according to claim 38, characterized in that it includes: a supply duct (4) which cyclically feeds said metering receptacle (7) with a quantity of said liquid products (10) exceeding a metered quantity to be obtained; a moving element (70), which is introduced into said metering receptacle (7), so as to reduce the nominal volume thereof up to a value equal to the metered quantity (11), said moving element thus causing overflowing of the quantity of products exceeding the metered quantity (11), through said opening (7a) of the metering receptacle (7); means for collecting the exceeding quantity of products (10) expelled from the metering receptacle (7).
40. A machine according to claim 39, characterized in that it includes sensor means (6), which detects said minimum level of liquid products (10) introduced into the metering receptacle (7) and sends a signal for closing said supply duct (4).
41. A machine according to claim 39, characterized in that said means for collecting said exceeding quantity of products (10) include a second metering receptacle (77), which is arranged with respect to the first metering receptacle (7) in such a way that the respective upper openings (7a, 77a) are aligned and connected to a plate (33), said second metering receptacle (77) being connected to a relative second moving element (770) and equipped with a respective nozzle (42), which is a branch of said supply duct (4), said second metering receptacle (77) being connected to a corresponding second container to be filled and in that it includes interconnecting means for connecting said moving element (70) and second moving element (770) in a determined phase relation, so that when one moving element is introduced into the relative metering receptacle (7), the other is removed therefrom and viceversa.
42. A machine according to claim 40, characterized in that said moving element (70) and second moving element (770) include volume reducers (70,770), that said interconnecting means of said volume reducers (70,770) include a rocker lever (22), articulated centrally to a stationary structure (20) in a pivot (21), with the opposite ends of said rocker lever (22) being engaged by rods (23,24), which are fastened to said volume reducers (70,770) and are guided to slide vertically by relative bushes (25,26), joined to the stationary structure (20).
43. A machine according to claim 39, characterized in that said means for collecting exceeding quantity of products (10) include a collecting tank (113), from which the products are taken and reintroduced into the product loop circuit.
44. A machine according to claim 39, characterized in that it includes a plurality of metering receptacles (7) arranged in a ring inside the collection tank (113), said collection tank (113) having a circular base and being set into rotation in synchrony with carrousel means, which move the containers to be filled, so as to place them below the corresponding metering receptacles (7), said metering receptacles (7) being connected with relative volume reducers (70), which are driven to move vertically by respective guiding means (17) engaged by a track (80) of a ringlike cam (180), which is coaxial with the carrousel and fastened thereto.
45. A machine according to claim 43, characterized in that it includes a plurality of metering receptacles (7) arranged in a ring inside the collection tank (113), said collection tank (113) having a circular base and being set into rotation in synchrony with carrousel means, which move the containers to be filled, so as to place them below the corresponding metering receptacles (7), said metering receptacles (7) being connected with relative volume reducers (70), which are driven to move vertically by respective guiding means (17) engaged by a track (80) of a ringlike cam (180), which is coaxial with the carrousel and fastened thereto.
46. A machine according to claim 44, characterized in that said guiding means are rollers.
Description:
INTERNATIONALSEARCHREPORT Intemationai Application No PCT,300/00099 C.(Continuation) DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Category'Citation af document, with indication, where appropriate,oftherelevantpassagesRelevanttoclaimNo. XUS3270784A(MISTARZ)12,38 6September1966(1966-09-06) column4,line21-56;figures5-7 A43 XUS5224526A(METTEETAL.)12,17, 6July1993(1993-07-06)21,38, 39,43 column8,line52-column9,line10; figures1-3 XUS1483861A(HEULINGS)12 12February1924(1924-02-12) claim1;figure1 A38,39, 44,45 XDE2257449A(CROMBACH)16,36,37 30May1974(1974-05-30) page6;claims1,9;figures1-3 XGB336975A(STURTEVANT)16 16October1930(1930-10-16) page3,line50-85;figures1,2 A36,37 2 2 Into ationai applicationNo. INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT PCT/IB 00/00099 Box IObservationswherecertainclaimswerefoundunsearchable(Continu ationofitem1offirstsheet) ThisIntemationalSearchReporthasnotbeenestablishedinrespectof certainclaimsunderArticle17(2)(a)forthefollowingreasons: 1.Claims Nos.: becausetheyrelatetosubjectmatternotrequiredtobesearchedbythi sAuthority,nameiy: 2.2 ClaimsNos.: becausetheyrelatetopartsoftheInternationalApplicationthatdon otcomplywiththeprescribedrequirementstosuch anextentthatnomeaningfulInternationalSearchcanbecarriedout,s pecifically: 3.2 Cíaims Nos.: becausetheyaredependentclaimsandarenotdraftedinaccordancewit hthesecondandthirdsentencesofRule6.4(a). Box 11 Observationswhereunityofinventionislacking(Continuationof item 2 of firstsheet) ThisIntemationaiSearchingAuthorityfoundmultipleinventionsint hisinternationalapplication,asfollows: seeadditionalsheet 1. F-Asallrequiredadditionalsearchfeesweretimelypaidbytheapplic ant,thisInternationalSearchReportcoversall searehabie eiwns. 2.FAsailsearchableclaimscouldbesearchedwithouteffortjustifyi nganadditionalfee,thisAuthoritydidnotinvitepayment ofanyadditionalfee. 3.As onlysomeoftherequiredadditionalsearchfeesweretimelypaidbythe applicant,thisinternationalSearchReport covers onlythoseclaimsforwhichfeeswerepaid,specificallyclaimsNos.: 1-10,12,13,15-34,36-46 4.Norequiredadditionalsearchfeesweretimelypaidbytheapplicant .Consequently,thisInternationalSearchReportis restrictedtotheinventionfirstmentionedintheclaims;itiscovere dbyclaimsNos.: RemarkonProtestThe additionalsearchfeeswereaccompaniedbytheapplicant'sprotes. u nôNo protestaccompaniedthepaymentofadditionalsearchfees. au FURTHER INFORMATION CONTINUED FROM PCT/ISA/210 This International Searching Authority found multiple (groups of) inventions in this international application, as follows: 1. Claims: 1-10,13,23-34 Method and machine for metering products using level changing means for increasing the product level in the reservoir for the purpose of filling the metering receptacle, in which a moving element is brought into the reservoir, which is then filled to a level above the receptacle opening.

2. Claims: 11,14,35 Method and machine for metering products comprising filling of the metering receptacle by reciprocatory motion of the receptacle in the reservoir between a raised and a lowered position.

3. Claims: 12,15,17-22,38-46 Method and machine for metering products comprising filling a metering receptacle and putting the quantity exceeding a metered quantity back from the metering receptacle into the 'reservoir.

4. Claims: 16,36,37 Method and apparatus for metering products using a metering receptacle flush with the bottom of the reservoir, whereby the receptacle can be filled and closed by a reciprocating cover and emptied by means of pressurization. INTERNATIONALSEARCHREPORT Intemational ApplicationNo Imation on patent family members PCT,3OU/00099 PatentdocumentPublication Patent famiiy Publication citedinsearchreportdatemember(s)date FR2182616A14-12-1973DE2310876A27-09-1973 BE523137ANONE US1868244A19-07-1932NONE US3270784A06-09-1966NONE US5224526A06-07-1993DE4023998A30-01-1992 CA2048008A29-01-1992 EP0470398A12-02-1992 JP4239496A27-08-1992 US1483861A12-02-1924NONE DE2257449A30-05-1974NONE GB336975ANONE




 
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