Patent ID: 9272801
Filing Date: 2016-03-01
CPC Classification: B65B

Claim Text:
1. A machine for filling flexible pouches having a tap mounted onto a fitment, the tap having a catch and the fitment having a base, the machine operable to fill the flexible pouches with a beverage, the machine comprising: a gripper having a lower lip configured to retain the catch of the tap, the gripper operable to remove the tap from and then mount the tap onto the fitment, the gripper movable between an engaging position and a retaining position, in the engaging position the lower lip of gripper is positioned so as to engage the tap so as to pull the tap upwardly, in the retaining position the gripper retains the tap and is displaced from the fitment, the gripper having a housing adapted to fit the tap, the housing including a pair of movable side walls, the pair of side walls movable linearly with respect to each other so as to close onto and release the tap; a filler having a first line in fluid communication with the beverage and an opening configured to deliver the beverage, the filler movable between the fill position and a ready position, in the fill position the filler is positioned so as to engage the fitment, in the ready position the gripper is displaced from the fitment; and a support, the gripper and filler mounted on the support, the support movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the gripper is positioned in the engaging position while the filler is positioned in the ready position and in the second position the filler is positioned in the fill position while the gripper is positioned in the retaining position.