Patent ID: 8695647
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: B67C

Abstract:
1. A beverage filling assembly for filling a container with fluid, said assembly comprising: a filling valve movable between a filling position for allowing fluid to flow into the container and a non-filling position for preventing fluid from flowing into the container; a cam housing defining a first aperture axially along a central axis and a second aperture transverse to said central axis with said filling valve aligned with said second aperture; a cam member rotatably disposed in said first aperture and having a shaft portion and an eccentric portion coupled to said shaft portion with said eccentric portion aligning with said filling valve for moving said filling valve between said filling and non-filling positions; a lever connected to said cam member for concurrent movement with said cam member to actuate said cam member and said filling valve between said filling and non-filling positions; and a bearing sleeve defining an orifice axially along said central axis for receiving said shaft portion such that said bearing sleeve is partially disposed between said shaft portion and said cam housing with said bearing sleeve formed of a self-lubricating material for preventing frictional engagement between said cam housing and said shaft portion as said cam member moves within said cam housing; said bearing sleeve includes a flange fixed to said bearing sleeve and disposed outside of said first aperture adjacent said cam housing for preventing movement of said bearing sleeve axially along said central axis during operation with said bearing sleeve and said flange being removable as a unit from said shaft portion during servicing.