Packaging machine

Abstract

A packaging machine comprises an aseptic chamber having a required packaging work space as separated from the outside air, a container outlet and a closure for the outlet, an inner container conveyor disposed inside the chamber to provide an inner path of transport of containers, an outer container conveyor disposed outside the chamber to provide an outer path of transport of containers, a fixed transfer member interposed between the outlet and the terminal end of the inner transport path, a movable transfer member interposed between the outlet and the starting end of the outer transport path and movable about its front end upward to a raised position or downward to a horizontal position, and means for successively forwarding containers on the fixed transfer member from its rear end to the front end thereof and then delivering the containers from the front end to the rear end of the movable transfer member in the horizontal position. Before the closure is closed when the packaging operation has been completed to keep the interior of the chamber aseptic, the movable transfer member, which is in the horizontal position during the operation, is brought to the raised position, thereby preventing the movable transfer member from interfering with the closure and permitting the containers on the member to slide down onto the outer path starting end under gravity.