Patent ID: 6543494
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: B67C

Abstract:
Apparatus for filling containers with liquid including an elongated vertically disposed filling lance operatively connected to a source of liquid and to power means by which said lance may be vertically moved between raised and lowered positions, said apparatus comprising:a foot valve disposed at the lower end of said lance for movement between a closed position, blocking flow of liquids through said lance, and an open position, allowing liquid to flow through said lance into said container, said foot valve having a central port therein; a tubular rod attached to said foot valve and extending upwardly through said lance for operative connection to a foot valve actuator by which said tubular rod and said foot valve may be vertically moved between said closed and open positions, said tubular rod providing fluid communication between said foot valve port and a second port near the upper end of said rod; and pressure transducer means connected to said second port for detecting fluid pressure in said tubular rod and converting said pressure to a proportional signal which is transmitted to said power means for raising said lance a predetermined amount while keeping said foot valve and said lower end of said lance submerged beneath the surface of said container liquids.