Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.a.

Per Brandstrom

Rickard Franke

Yutaka Kaneko

Bengt S Andersson

Johan Hegardt

A system to be utilized at a dairy in the distribution of a pumpable food product from a storage tank to a filling machine for dispensing into containers. The system includes a balance tank for storing the product on the filling machine. The balance tank is in flow communication with a storage tank via a product line, and also has a level probe for monitoring the amount of product in the tank. A product pump pumps the food product to a valve mechanism which is also disposed on the product line. A programmable logic controller receives a signal from the probe indicative of the level of the product in the balance tank, and generates a series of signals to the product pump and the valve mechanism to maintain a steady flow of product from the storage tank to the balance tank. In this manner, foaming of the product in the balance tank is eliminated or substantially reduced to acceptable levels.

Fill system equipped with apparatus for continuous controlled inflow to

A filling system is set fort that assists in maintaining the hygienic nature of the filling process. The filling system includes a fill pipe having an inlet for receiving a liquid product and an outlet overlying a container path along which the containers are successively transported for filling beneath the fill pipe. A drip-prevention structure is disposed about the outlet end of the fill pipe and includes a downwardly directed honed edge. The filling system further includes an umbrella valve assembly. The umbrella valve assembly comprises a linear actuator, an umbrella valve cone disposed proximate the outlet end of the fill pipe, and a valve rod disposed in the fill pipe between the linear actuator and the valve cone. The linear actuator is connected to move the valve rod and umbrella valve cone between a first position in which product is prevented from exiting the fill pipe and a second position that allows product to flow from the outlet of the fill pipe. The downwardly directed honed edge of the drip-prevention structure wipes the umbrella valve cone when the linear actuator moves the valve rod and umbrella valve cone between the second and first positions during each successive filling cycle.

Umbrella valve assembly having drip-prevention structure disposed about

A piston-type dosing valve is set forth that provides a hermetically sealed chamber behind the diaphragm which separates the aseptic portion of the valve from the mechanical portion of the valve. An external vacuum source is connected to an opening in the chamber thereby maintaining a constant negative pressure within the chamber. Any breach in the diaphragm will be detected by a pressure sensor located within the sealed chamber. In one embodiment, visual inspection for the presence of liquid product in the sealed chamber can be accomplished through a window in the dosing valve housing located adjacent to the diaphragm and sealed chamber.

Dosing valve having seal failure detection

A clean, automated product draining method for a packaging machine is set forth. The method includes the following steps: draining product from a product tank through a filling tube; and controlling a rate at which the product is drained from the product tank with a dispensing mechanism, wherein the product is drained at a slower rate than a rate at which the product is dispensed into a container during a production cycle.

Automated product draining method for a packaging machine

An apparatus for internally venting a product tank in a packaging machine is set forth. The apparatus includes a filling tube having a first end extending from a first opening of the product tank. The apparatus further includes an air collection mechanism having a filling tube opening adapted to receive a second end of the filling tube. The air collection mechanism extends below the second end of the filling tube. A vent pipe is connected to a second opening of the product tank and to a vent pipe opening in the air collection mechanism. The filling tube and the vent pipe are separately connected to both the product tank and the air collection mechanism. Air pressure, arising from operating the packaging machine, directs air from the air collection mechanism through the vent pipe and into the product tank. Such air proceeds through the vent pipe and replaces product in the product tank as the product is dispersed into the carton during filling.

Tank venting apparatus for a packaging machine

An automated sealing apparatus for sealing a packaging machine cleaning environment is set forth. The apparatus includes a retractable cover having first and second ends. The first and second ends of the retractable cover are disposed perpendicular to a direction of movement of the retractable cover. The apparatus further includes a first securing device disposed on the first end of the cover and a second securing device disposed on a top of the cover near the second end of the cover.

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Lake Zurich, IL, United States of America

Per Brandstrom