Patent ID: 7980046
Filing Date: 2011-07-19
Classification: B08B,B67C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for filling a container, said apparatus comprising: an enclosure having at least one opening for receiving at least one container; and a shuttle assembly having a rotatable shuttle for receiving said at least one container, said shuttle assembly housed by said enclosure (secured to at least a portion of said enclosure), said shuttle assembly defining a frame structure, said shuttle for carrying said at least one container along a path of travel, said shuttle defining at least one opening having a variable diameter, said shuttle rotatable about a pivot point; at least one gear for controlling the rotational position of said shuttle during travel, said gear fixed to said shuttle and positioned substantially adjacent to said shuttle; and a plurality of cams extending interior of said shuttle assembly along a travel path for directing the rotation of said gear and said shuttle; wherein said gear engages said plurality of cams during movement of said shuttle along the travel path such that said gear rotates said shuttle about a pivot point; and wherein at least a portion of said shuttle assembly advances (or reciprocates between a plurality of stations) along a path of travel and facilitates the washing, filling, and sealing of said at least one container.