The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 20, 1999
Filed:
Sep. 16, 1998
Adam Koller, Chicago, IL (US);
Sven-Arne Andersson, Buffalo Grove, IL (US);
Bengt Andersson, Palatine, IL (US);
Yutaka Kaneko, Wheeling, IL (US);
Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA, Pully, CH;
Abstract
A dual-stream filling system is used in a packaging machine to introduce at least two flowable materials into a container. The dual-stream filling system defines a material flow path therethrough. The system includes a primary filling tube having an inlet end and a discharge end and defining a primary filling tube internal flow region. A secondary filling tube has an inlet end and an outlet end and defines a secondary filling tube internal flow region. The secondary filling tube is positioned at least in part within the primary filling tube internal flow region, penetrating the primary filling tube through the first opening. The dual-stream fill system includes a valve plug that includes a portion that is movable relative to the secondary filling tube between an opened state wherein flow communication is established between the internal flow regions of the primary and secondary filling tubes and a closed state wherein flow communication is terminated between the internal flow regions of the primary and secondary filling tubes. An actuator is provided for moving the valve plug portion between the opened and closed positions. The actuator is disposed fully external of the secondary filling tube flow region.