Patent ID: 6038833
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: B67C

Abstract:
A fluid sealing device for positioning a container having a fill neck and a fluid inlet thru its top, in filling position on a container filling machine having a plurality of fill port means, whereby said device also provides for a fluid tight seal between said inlet and a sealing face surrounding each said port means, said device comprising an elastomeric fill seal mounted on a carriage means, said carriage means having one component of a guide means adapted to slidably interconnect with another component of said guide means provided on said machine for allowing accurate reciprocable motion of said carriage means toward and away from said port means, said seal comprising a generally tubular wall formed generally around an axial flow axis and having an exterior wall surface and an interior wall surface providing a fluid flow passage, said wall having an outlet end section and a complex inlet end section, said outlet end section being formed to provide a first contact surface for engaging and sealing against said neck top, said inlet end section having a generally radially inwardly directed flexible hinge segment integral with said wall by a hinge seam and lying at a relaxed angle "".alpha."" of from about 20.degree. to about 70.degree. to the horizontal, an annular crest on a radially inner portion of said hinge segment and extending and facing generally axially upwardly therefrom, said crest being adapted to bear against said sealing face surrounding said port means, and to be rotated downwardly with said hinge segment by pressure contact of said crest with said sealing face to a more horizontal plane when said device is placed in operating sealing position on the machine, said crest and said first contact surface being adapted to hermetically seal said fluid inlet of the container against said sealing face during filling of the container.