Patent ID: 9067773
Filing Date: 2015-06-30
Classification: A23L,B65B,B67C

Abstract:
1. A method for a single-temperature, hot-fill sterilization of a container comprising a base portion and a neck portion, and filled with a hot-fill liquid containing inclusions, the method comprising: providing a hot-fill containing inclusions and pre-heated to not higher than a sterilization temperature of the container to which it is to be added; filling the container with the hot-fill liquid at the sterilization temperature of the container to provide a hot-filled container; and subjecting the hot-filled container to an inversion sequence, during which the inclusions do not aggregate in the container, the inversion sequence comprising at least a first inversion of the container until the base is located at an angle of up to 180 degrees relative to vertical, wherein the first inversion occurs over a time period of at least three seconds, and a second inversion of the container, in the opposite direction, back to an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to vertical, wherein the inversion sequence is repeated at least once, prevents the inclusions from agglomerating in at least the neck portion of the container, and allows the hot-fill liquid to sterilize the container.