Rotary filling apparatus and methods

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include apparatus for filling containers and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus for filling containers including a filler frame, a rotary turret assembly, a filler plenum assembly, piston assemblies, a cam track, and a fluid supply group. The cam track can include a first rising portion, a second rising portion, a first declining portion, a first flat portion, and a second declining portion. In some embodiments, the apparatus for filling containers can include a sensor and a lever actuator. The piston assemblies can move up and down within the plurality of hollow columns and can include a piston body, and a top hat assembly. The top hat assembly can include a cam contact member and a release lever. The top hat assembly can be configured to releasably engage the top of the piston body in some embodiments. The release lever can allow the piston body and the top hat assembly to release from one another when the release lever is engaged. In some embodiments, the apparatus for filling containers can include a container conveyor system including an infeed timing screw, a discharge timing screw, and a container elevation system. In an embodiments the apparatus can include a fluid supply group can include a liquid supply tank, a supply conduit, a reclaim trough, a reclaim conduit, a pump, a plenum return conduit, and a pumped return conduit. Other embodiments are included herein.