Patent ID: 6427732
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: B67D,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A filler unit adapted for use in dispensing a liquid into a container having a base to top up the container to a predetermined desired level, the filler unit including a vessel for containing the liquid to be dispensed, means for establishing a predetermined substantially constant head of liquid in the vessel, an outlet orifice defined in a wall of the vessel, a baffle in the vessel spaced apart from the wall to define a capillary passage between the wall and a surface of the baffle, and a level sensing means for dividing the container into a pressurizable chamber and a vented chamber, wherein the outlet orifice communicates directly with the pressurizable chamber, with at least the surface of the baffle which defines the capillary passage being hydrophilic, the filler unit being intended for location relative to the container, such that in use the liquid is able to flow from the vessel to the container under gravity along a flowpath having a hydrophilic portion defined by the capillary passage and the orifice into the pressurizable chamber until such time as the liquid level in the container has risen to the desired level within the lower end of the pressurizable chamber to trap air therein, thereby creating a pressure equilibrium in the flowpath which causes the flow from the vessel to the container to cease automatically.