Abstract:
The invention concerns a method of degasification of a carbonated beverage-filled container in an apparatus for blowing and filling containers, the apparatus comprising: —a mould ( 12 ) enclosing a blown and carbonated beverage-filled container ( 14 ) that comprises a dispensing opening ( 16 ), —an injection head ( 24 ) that is movable along a longitudinal axis (A) passing by the dispensing opening of the container between a sealing position in which the injection head is in a sealing engagement with the dispensing opening and a non-sealing position in which the injection head is at a distance from the dispensing opening, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: i) moving the injection head ( 24 ) away from the sealing position ( 3 A) to a non-sealing position ( 3 B). ii) moving back the injection head to the sealing position ( 30 ), iii) moving the injection head away from the Position sealing position to a non-sealing position ( 3 D).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a method of degasification of a carbonated beverage-filled container in an apparatus for blowing and filling containers and an associated apparatus. 
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]    Plastic containers such as bottles of water are manufactured and filled according to different methods including blow moulding or stretch-blow moulding. 
         [0003]    According to one of these known methods a plastic preform is first manufactured through a moulding process and then heated before being positioned inside a mould. 
         [0004]    The preform usually takes the form of a cylindrical tube dosed at ifs bottom end and open at its opposite end. 
         [0005]    Once the preform has been positioned within the mould only the open end of the preform is visible from above the mould. 
         [0006]    This method makes use of a stretch rod which is downwardly engaged into the open end of the preform so as to abut against the dosed bottom end thereof. The stretch rod is further actuated to be urged against the closed end, thereby resulting in stretching the preform. 
         [0007]    After the stretching phase has been initiated a liquid is also injected into the preform through its open end. This liquid injection causes expansion of the preform until coming into contact with the inner walls of the mould, thereby achieving the final shape of the bottle. 
         [0008]    When the liquid injected into the perform contains dissolved gas, such as sparkling water or any other carbonated beverage, venting of the opening of the bottle to atmospheric pressure has to be performed before closing the opening with a cap. 
         [0009]    Today, venting to atmospheric pressure is currently being performed by opening a communication channel between the opening of the bottle and the ambient ID atmospheric pressure. In the field of bottle blowing this process is referred to as a degasification process. 
         [0010]    However, there exists a need for an improved method enabling degasification or venting to atmospheric pressure of a container filled with a carbonated beverage. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In this respect, the invention provides for a method as defined in claim  1 . 
         [0012]    This method makes it possible to achieve degasification of the carbonated beverage in the container thanks to appropriate movements of the injection head with respect to the opened container. The successive movements of the injection head enable controlled and progressive communication of the inside of the container with ambient pressure. Put it another way, this method enables efficient venting of the dispensing opening of the container to atmospheric pressure. Thus, these movements of the injection head along the longitudinal axis cause smooth and efficient degasification of the carbonated beverage. 
         [0013]    It is to be noted that the aim of the method is not to completely remove the gas from the container even though the method has been qualified as a degasification method. 
         [0014]    More particularly, the first step triggers the venting process and enables first controlled partial venting to atmospheric pressure of the filled container. Return movement of the injection head is next carried out so as to avoid foaming and over-spilling. It is to be noted that during the first step the injection head may be moved away faster than in the prior art due to the above-mentioned next return movement. Once the injection head has returned to its sealing position it is then maintained in this position for a predetermined time period. This holding step or phase helps avoid foaming and over-spilling since it enables stabilization of the venting process. In the course of the last step (step iii)), the venting process goes on in a controlled manner and the injection head moves away from its sealing position to a non-sealing position in which venting to atmospheric pressure of the container is achieved. The velocity of the injection head and the duration of the steps depend notably on the carbonated beverage carbonation rate, etc.) 
         [0015]    Generally speaking, the injection head is above the mould and the opened container and in alignment with the mould and the container along a vertical axis or an axis that is inclined with respect to the vertical axis at an angle that is less than 90°. 
         [0016]    Thus, the movements of the injection head are generally referred to as upward and downward movements. 
         [0017]    According to a possible feature, the method further comprises a step iv) of moving the injection head further away from the sealing position to a further non-sealing position and at a higher velocity than in step iii). 
         [0018]    This further step makes it possible to attain a short cycle time. 
         [0019]    According to one possible feature, at step i) the injection head is moved to a first or sea position. 
         [0020]    According to one possible feature, the first non sealing position is at a short distance from the sealing position. 
         [0021]    This small displacement of the injection head creates a small gap between the latter and the surface of the container (example: dispensing opening) with which the injection head was in a sealing engagement prior to this movement. 
         [0022]    The small gap allows a first communication between the space around and inside the dispensing opening and the outside atmospheric pressure to be established. 
         [0023]    This allows a smooth pre-venting to the atmospheric pressure instead of a first too great displacement. The value of the gap or distance depends on the velocity of the injection head when moving away from its sealing position and the duration of the movement. 
         [0024]    It is also to be noted that this first movement away from the sealing position to the first non-sealing position is performed slowly so as to be able to achieve a small displacement. 
         [0025]    This first step makes it possible to obtain slow degasification of the carbonated beverage which avoids foaming and overspilling. 
         [0026]    The velocity of this first movement away of the injection head has to be chosen in accordance with the carbonation rate of the beverage. The more carbonated, the slower. 
         [0027]    The maximum velocity to be selected irrespective of the carbonation rate is the velocity at which it will be possible to keep the beverage within the container while having the shortest cycle time as possible. 
         [0028]    According to a further feature, at step iii) the injection head is moved to a second non-sealing position that is farther than the first non-sealing position from the sealing position. 
         [0029]    Once the injection head has already been moved at step i) away from the sealing position to a first non-sealing position, pre-venting to atmospheric pressure has already been carried out. This makes it possible at step iii) to move the injection head farther than the first non-sealing position from the sealing position without causing foaming and over-spilling. 
         [0030]    According to another possible feature, at step iv) the injection head is moved to a third non-sealing position that is farther than the second non-sealing position from the sealing position. 
         [0031]    Thanks to progressive venting to atmospheric pressure a third non-sealing position of the injection head may be obtained during the process. 
         [0032]    According to one possible feature, at step i) the injection head is moved during a first period of time. 
         [0033]    According to another possible feature, at step it the injection head is moved back during a second period of time that is shorter than the first period of time. 
         [0034]    According to one possible feature, at step iii) the injection head is moved during a third per of time that is longer than the first period of time. 
         [0035]    This movement away from the sealing position lasts more than the first movement to the first non-sealing position and is performed at the same pace. 
         [0036]    This enables a farther non-sealing position to be reached while progressively venting the dispensing opening of the container to atmospheric pressure. 
         [0037]    This slow and longer movement also contributes to avoiding foaming and over-spilling. 
         [0038]    It is to be noted that in other embodiments step iii) does not necessarily last more than step i) and the second non sealing-position may correspond to the first non-sealing position or not. 
         [0039]    According to one possible feature, the method comprises a step of controlling the movements of the injection head along the longitudinal axis. By controlling the movements of the injection head along the longitudinal axis it is thus possible to move the injection head accurately and efficiently so as to achieve the desired result. 
         [0040]    According to one possible feature, the method comprises a step of controlling at least one actuator the actuation of which causes the injection head to move accordingly. More specifically, the movements of the injection head are controlled by controlling the at least one actuator which causes the actuation of the injection head. 
         [0041]    By way of example, the at least one actuator is a fluid-operated actuator which actuates the injection head. 
         [0042]    The fluid may be air or a liquid such as oil or water. 
         [0043]    It is to be noted that other types of actuators may be envisaged such as electric-operated actuators. 
         [0044]    According to one possible feature, the step of controlling the fluid-operated actuator comprises a sub-step of controlling the supply of fluid to said fluid-operated actuator. 
         [0045]    According to one possible feature, the sub-step of controlling the supply of fluid to the fluid-operated actuator comprises controlling a main valve and a secondary valve. 
         [0046]    By controlling the operating status of a main valve and a secondary valve, that is their opening and closing state, it is thus possible to control the supply of fluid to the fluid-operated actuator and then the movement to be achieved by the injection head. 
         [0047]    According to one possible feature, steps i) to iii) are performed by controlling the supply of fluid to the fluid-operated actuator through the main valve. 
         [0048]    The main valve is responsible for the performance of steps i) to iii) 
         [0049]    For instance, these steps are respectively performed by closing, opening and closing the main valve. 
         [0050]    It is to be noted, however, that these steps may be alternatively performed by operating the main valve differently and for instance, by successively opening, closing and opening the latter. 
         [0051]    According to one possible feature, step iv) is performed by controlling the supply of fluid to the fluid-operated actuator through the secondary valve. 
         [0052]    The secondary valve is responsible for performing step iv). However, it is to be noted that step iv) is performed while simultaneously controlling the supply of fluid to the fluid-operated actuator through the main valve. 
         [0053]    Thus, during step iv) the secondary valve is operated together with the main valve to achieve the desired result, that is accelerating the movement away of the injection head. 
         [0054]    For instance, the secondary valve is opened in order to carry out step iv), 
         [0055]    However, the secondary valve may be alternatively operated differently to achieve the same result and for instance, it can be closed. 
         [0056]    The design or the arrangement of a fluid circuit comprising the main valve and the secondary valve connected to the at least one fluid-operated actuator may vary. 
         [0057]    In particular, the design may vary if the movement of the injection head away from the sealing position is controlled by the opening of the main valve or its closing. 
         [0058]    The same applies to the secondary valve. 
         [0059]    According to the invention, there is also provided an apparatus for blowing and filling containers, comprising: 
         [0060]    a mould enclosing a blown and carbonated beverage-filled container that comprises a dispensing opening, 
         [0061]    an injection head that is movable along a longitudinal axis passing by the dispensing opening of the container between a sealing position in which the injection head is in a sealing engagement with the dispensing opening and a non-sealing position in which the injection head is at a distance from the dispensing open rig 
         [0062]    means for moving the injection head, 
         [0063]    characterized in that said means for moving the injection head are operable to perform the following steps: 
         [0064]    i) it move the injection head away from the sealing position to a non-sealing position, 
         [0065]    ii) in move back the injection head to the sealing position, 
         [0066]    iii) move the injection head away from the sealing position to a non-sealing position. 
         [0067]    The above apparatus is operable to perform the steps of the method set out in claim  1  in a very simple manner. 
         [0068]    The method is advantageous in that its implementation does not give rise to substantial modifications to a conventional apparatus for blowing and filling containers. 
         [0069]    It is to be noted that this progressive degasification process is shorter in time in total compared to a single continuous movement of the injection head away from the sealing position. 
         [0070]    This has been achieved thanks to a two-step movement of the injection head away from the sealing position separated one from another by a return movement to the sealing position. 
         [0071]    As already mentioned above for the method, the means for moving the injection head are also operable to hold the injection head in its sealing position for a predetermined period of time. 
         [0072]    According to one possible feature, said means for moving the injection head are further operable to perform a step iv) of moving the injection head further away from the sealing position to a further non-sealing position and at a higher velocity than in step iii). 
         [0073]    According to one possible feature, the apparatus comprises means for controlling said means for moving the injection head and causing the latter to move as defined in steps i) to iii) and also step iv), where appropriate. 
         [0074]    Thus, means for moving injection head are made operable to perform the steps of the method by appropriately controlling these means. 
         [0075]    According to one possible feature, said means for moving the injection head comprise at least one actuator. 
         [0076]    By way of example, the at least one actuator is fluid-operated actuator. 
         [0077]    According to one possible feature, means for controlling the fluid-operated actuator comprise means for controlling the supply of fluid to said fluid-operated actuator. 
         [0078]    The fluid-operated actuator is controlled thanks to the control of the supply of fluid. 
         [0079]    In particular, said means for controlling the supply of fluid to the fluid-operated actuator comprise a main valve and a secondary valve. 
         [0080]    Thus, a fluid circuit comprising a main valve and a secondary valve is suitably connected to the fluid-operated actuator so as to appropriately control the supply of fluid thereto and cause the injection head to move accordingly. 
         [0081]    According to one possible feature, the main valve is operable to supply fluid to the fluid-operated actuator so as to cause the inject on head to move as defined in step i) to iii). 
         [0082]    It is to be noted that the main valve is operated differently to perform the movement away and the return movement as respectively defined in steps i) and ii). 
         [0083]    According to one possible feature, the secondary valve is operable to supply fluid to the fluid-operated actuator so as to cause the injection head to move as defined in steps iv). 
         [0084]    The secondary valve is operable together with the main valve so as to move the injection head as defined in step iv). 
         [0085]    According to one possible feature said means for controlling the supply of fluid to the fluid-operated actuator comprise a flow regulator for reducing the flow rate of fluid supplied to the fluid-operated actuator, thereby causing the injection head to move slowly away from the sealing position into a non-sealing position. 
         [0086]    This flow regulator enables slowing down of the movement away from the sealing position. 
         [0087]    This therefore, provides an improved control of the movement of the injection head. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0088]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: 
           [0089]      FIG. 1  is a schematic and a partial view of an apparatus for blowing and filling a container; 
           [0090]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic view of fluid circuit system for controlling the movement away and return movement of the injection head, 
           [0091]      FIGS. 2B-E  are successive schematic views analogous to that of  FIG. 2A  and illustrating the flow of fluid in the fluid circuit system in order to obtain different positions of the injection head in the course of execution of the method according to the invention; 
           [0092]      FIGS. 3A-D  are successive schematic views analogous to that of  FIG. 1  and illustrating the different positions of the injection head in the course of execution of the method according to the invention. 
           [0093]      FIGS. 4A-C  are time diagrams illustrating respectively the different status (open or dosed) of the main and secondary valves in  FIGS. 2A-E  system and the corresponding positions of the injection head. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0094]      FIG. 1  is a schematic and a partial view illustrating the main components of an apparatus  10  for blowing and filling a container. 
         [0095]    The apparatus  10  comprises a mould  12  enclosing a container  14  such as a bottle. 
         [0096]    A bottle which has been manufactured through blow moulding or stretch-blow moulding comprises a dispensing opening  16  having a neck  18  with an outside thread and a flange or neck ring  20  that is provided at the basis of the neck. 
         [0097]    The container has been shaped so that the dispensing opening  16  protrudes from the mould  12  above it. 
         [0098]    In particular, neck ring  20  rests against a shoulder  22  provided at the upper part of the mould around the container  14 . 
         [0099]    Apparatus  10  also comprises an injection head  24  which comes into contact with the upper surface of mould  12  or container  14 , on the neck ring  20 , in the course of performance of the blowing and filling method. 
         [0100]    Injection head  24  comprises an injection valve  26  provided in an inner housing  28 . 
         [0101]    Injection head  24  is substantially cylindrical in shape as partially illustrated in  FIG. 1  and inner housing  28  is also cylindrical in shape and both are coaxial. 
         [0102]    Once container  14  has been blown and filled with a liquid, injection valve  26  is in a lower position as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in a sealing contact with the inner surface  28   a  of housing  28  so as to prevent any further flow of liquid into container  14  and ensure liquid tight-sealing. 
         [0103]    As represented in  FIG. 1 , a longitudinal axis A which here coincides with the vertical axis, passes by the centre of dispensing opening  16 . 
         [0104]    Injection head  24  air and mould  12  are substantially aligned along longitudinal axis A. 
         [0105]    It is to be noted that axis A is a symmetry axis to container  14 . 
         [0106]    In the present invention, container  14  has been filled with a liquid containing dissolved gas, such as sparkling water or more generally, any kind of carbonated beverage. 
         [0107]    In this embodiment container  14  is a plastic container which has been manufactured according to a known method such as disclosed in Applicant s patent EP 1 529 620 B1. 
         [0108]    According to this method, a plastic preform is first manufactured through a moulding process and then heated before being positioned within mould  12 . 
         [0109]    Mould  12  may be spitted into two or more parts depending on the manufacturing process. 
         [0110]    The preform usually assumes the shape of a cylindrical tube dosed at its bottom end and open at its opposite end. 
         [0111]    One the preform has been positioned within the mould only the open end of preform is visible from above the mould. 
         [0112]    The open end is shaped during the process, thereby leading to dispensing opening  16 . 
         [0113]    The blowing and filling process makes use of a stretch rod (not represented in the drawing) which is downwardly engaged into the open end of the preform so as to come into contact with the closed bottom end thereof. The stretch rod is then further actuated to push the closed end downwardly and stretch the preform accordingly in a controlled manner. 
         [0114]    After the stretching phase has been initiated the liquid mentioned above is injected into the preform through its open end around the stretch rod, while the latter is still being actuated. 
         [0115]    This liquid injection causes expansion of the preform together with the movement of the stretch rod until coming into contact with the inner walls of the mould. 
         [0116]    The final shape of the container is thus achieved. 
         [0117]    When container  14  has been filed with a carbonated beverage dissolved gas is present in the container. 
         [0118]    As injection head  24  is in a sealing engagement with dispensing opening  16  and more particularly, with the upper part of the neck ring  20 , moving the injection head away from its sealing position (position represented in  FIG. 1 ) will rise up the level of liquid in the container and cause foaming and over-spilling all around the dispensing opening. 
         [0119]    The description of the appended drawings will now explain how this problem can be easily addressed. 
         [0120]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a fluid circuit system  30  the aim of which is to control means for moving the injection head represented in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 2A , injection head  24  has been represented in a very schematic manner for the sake of clarity. 
         [0121]    As schematically represented in  FIG. 2A , means for moving injection head  24  comprise an actuator  32  which is here, by way of example, a fluid-operated actuator. 
         [0122]    The injection head is operatively connected to actuator  32  so as to be moved accordingly along longitudinal axis A. 
         [0123]    Fluid-operated actuator  32  more particularly comprises a piston  34  that is sliding longitudinally within a cylindrical housing  36  along longitudinal axis A. 
         [0124]    Piston  34  has a basis  34   a  and a rod  34   b  attached thereto on one end and attached to injection head  24  on the opposite end. 
         [0125]    The fluid used for operating actuator  32  is air, for example. 
         [0126]    Other fluids such as oil or water may be used alternatively. 
         [0127]    Fluid circuit system  30  comprises controlling means  38  for controlling the supply of fluid to actuator  32 . 
         [0128]    The control of the fluid supply enables appropriate movement of injection head  24 . 
         [0129]    It is to be noted that in the present embodiment axis A coincides with vertical axis and therefore, the movements of the injection head will be generally referred to as upward and downward movements. 
         [0130]    It however does not reduce the scope of the invention, bearing in mind that axis A may be alternatively inclined with respect to vertical axis at an angle that is greater than 0° and less than 90°. 
         [0131]    As schematically represented in  FIG. 2A , control means  38  comprise a main valve  40 , also denoted OP 12 , that is connected to actuator  32 , respectively at two portions thereof. These two portions  32   d  and  32   e  are in communication with separate compartments. 
         [0132]    The two separate compartments referred to as  32   a  and  32   b  in  FIG. 2A  are separated one from another by the basis  34   b  of piston  34 . 
         [0133]    Control means  38  also comprise an additional secondary valve  42 , also denoted OP 30 , and that is operatively connected to actuator  32 . 
         [0134]    Each main valve  40  and secondary valve  42  is connected to a common source of fluid S. 
         [0135]    It is to be noted that each valve may occupy two main positions or states, a position in which it is open to allow a flow of fluid passing therethrough and a closed position in which the flow of fluid is obstructed. 
         [0136]    More particularly, each valve is, for example, an electrical valve of the 5/2 type, i.e. having 5 orifices and 2 positions. When there is no electrical signal (set to 0) sent to the valve the return spring  41  enables communication between orifices  1  and  2  (feeding) as well as orifices  4  and  5  (discharge). When the electrical signal is set to 1, orifices  1  and  4  (feeding) as well as orifices  2  and  3  (discharge) are in communication. 
         [0137]    As more particularly represented in  FIG. 2A , control means  38  comprise a first fluid line or duct connecting fluid source S to main valve  40  and a second supply line  38   b  connecting fluid source S to secondary valve  42 . 
         [0138]    Control means  38  also comprise another fluid line  38   c  connecting main valve  40  to the first portion  32   d  of actuator  32 . 
         [0139]    Still another line  38   d  connects main valve  40  to the second portion  32   e  of actuator  32 . 
         [0140]    This fluid line also comprises a flow regulator  44  (fluid flow rate reducing means) that is arranged in parallel with an anti-return valve  46 . 
         [0141]    Control means  38  further comprise a fluid line  38   e  connecting secondary valve  42  to second portion  32   e.    
         [0142]    Fluid line  38   e  also comprises an anti-return valve  48 . Fluid lines  38   d  and  38   e  have a common portion  38   f  that is connected to second portion  32   e.    
         [0143]    As will be more specifically described later on main valve  40  and secondary valve  42  are arranged in parallel so that the fluid flow rate supplied by secondary valve  42  will add to that supplied by mean valve  40  during the last step of the method according to the invention. 
         [0144]    The method according to the invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 2B-E ,  3 A-D and  4 A-C. 
         [0145]      FIG. 3A  illustrates the sealing position between injection head  24  and dispensing opening  16  of container  14 . 
         [0146]    Sealing engagement (fluid tightness) is achieved through known means which will not be described here. 
         [0147]      FIG. 3A  is identical to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0148]    Starting from the sealing position illustrated in  FIG. 3A  the method according to the invention makes it possible to degasify the carbonated beverage-field container  14  through several steps or phases which will now be described. 
         [0149]    Starting from  FIG. 3A  sealing position, the method provides for the first step or phase during which injection head  24  is caused to be moved away from the sealing position to a first non-sealing position indicated by  1  in  FIG. 4C . 
         [0150]    This first non-sealing position is illustrated in  FIG. 3B  and shows that a small gap “g” is left between injection head  24  and neck ring  20 . 
         [0151]    This movement away from the sealing position is achieved through controlling the flow of fluid as illustrated in  FIG. 2B . 
         [0152]    As represented in  FIG. 2B , fluid is supplied from fluid source S to main valve  40  through fluid line  38   a , then goes through the latter, flows successively through line  38   d , flow regulator  44  and common line  381  to reach second portion  32   e  of actuator  32 . 
         [0153]    During this first step or phase main valve  40  is forced to close (changing from state 1 to state 0 in  FIG. 4A ) and secondary valve  42  is maintained in a closed position (state position at 0 in  FIG. 4B ), 
         [0154]    Fluid is therefore supplied to second compartment  32   b  of actuator  32 , thereby rising up injection head  24  and moving it away from the sealing position. 
         [0155]    Thanks to fluid flow rate reducing means  44  the upward movement of injection head  24  is relatively slow and efficiently controlled as represented in  FIG. 4C . 
         [0156]    This first step triggers venting to atmospheric pressure of dispensing opening  16 . 
         [0157]    The aim of this method is to degasify the carbonated liquid contained in container  14  without foaming. 
         [0158]    The return movement from position illustrated in  FIG. 3B  to sealing position illustrated in  FIG. 3C  is achieved as illustrated in  FIG. 2C  and  FIGS. 4A to 4C . 
         [0159]    More particularly, injection head  24  is forced to move back in a downward movement by operating main valve  40  (changing its status from 0 to 1 to open it), while maintaining secondary valve  42  in its closed position (state position to 0). 
         [0160]    Opening main valve  40  makes it possible for the fluid to go therethrough and flow through fluid line  38   c  to first portion of actuator  32   d.    
         [0161]    This supply of fluid to actuator  32  pushes against basis  34   a  which therefore causes piston  34   b  to slide downward together with injection nozzle  24 . 
         [0162]    Fluid that is present in compartment  32   b  is therefore expelled through second portion  32   e  and flows out through successive lines  38   f  and  38   d.    
         [0163]    It is to be noted that in this sense of flowing flow regulator  44  is by-passed thanks to anti-return line  46 . 
         [0164]    This arrangement makes it possible to accelerate the return movement of the injection head compared to the movement away during the first step or phase. 
         [0165]    It is to be noted that after reaching the sealing position illustrated in  FIG. 3C , a further step of moving the injection head away from the sealing position does not start immediately thereafter. 
         [0166]    As represented in  FIGS. 3C and 4C , main valve  40  is left open during a given period of time before being closed and the sealing position is held during this period of time. 
         [0167]    The sealing position is maintained for process stabilization purpose. 
         [0168]    The duration of the stabilization step or phase depends on the other steps of moving the injection head so as to enable venting to atmospheric pressure, the velocity of the movements away of the injection head (velocity of cylinder  32 ) and the liquid or carbonated beverage. 
         [0169]    The method according to the invention provides for subsequent steps or phases to move the injection head away from its sealing position. 
         [0170]    This movement is illustrated starting from  FIG. 3C  position to reach  FIG. 3D  position. 
         [0171]      FIG. 2D  together with  FIG. 4C  illustrate a third step or phase of the method. 
         [0172]    The third step or phase illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4C  is achieved by closing main valve  40  while maintaining secondary valve  42  in a closed position. 
         [0173]    During this step, the main valve  40  is maintained in closed position for a longer period of time than the period of time in first step. 
         [0174]    The flow of fluid circulates as has been already described with reference to  FIG. 2B . 
         [0175]    This causes injection head  24  to move away from the seating position illustrated in  FIG. 3C  at the same velocity as during the first step and during a longer period of time. 
         [0176]    This makes it possible to reach a second non-sealing position indicated by  2  in  FIG. 4C  and that is also illustrated in  FIG. 3D . 
         [0177]    During this second step of degasifying the liquid (the first step is illustrated in  FIGS. 2B and 4C ) a slow upward movement of the injection head is still necessary so as to avoid foaming and over-spilling. The reached second non-sealing position  2  is not necessarily farther from the sealing position than the first non-sealing position  1  (see  FIG. 4C ). Second non-sealing position  2  depends on several process parameters including the type of liquid. 
         [0178]    This position as well as the first non-sealing position depend on the velocity of the injection head movements and the duration of the steps. 
         [0179]    These parameters have to be adjusted on the apparatus in order to achieve the best possible degasification, notably depending on the liquid (e.g. carbonation rate, etc). 
         [0180]    It is to be noted that the velocity of the injection head during the third step or phase may be higher or lower that during the first step or phase, or even equal to depending on the liquid in the container. Also, the duration of the steps may be adjusted accordingly. 
         [0181]    The method according to the invention provides for a further fourth step or phase which enables acceleration of the movement away of the injection head as illustrated in  FIGS. 2E and 4C . 
         [0182]    During this step or phase injection head  24  is forced to move further away from the  FIG. 3C  sealing position to a further non-sealing position (indicated by  3  in  FIG. 4C ). 
         [0183]    This upward movement is performed at a higher velocity than the previous upward movement (third step or phase) illustrated in  FIG. 2D  together with  FIG. 4C . 
         [0184]    This accelerated movement is achieved thanks to the use of secondary valve  42 . 
         [0185]    Until now secondary valve  42  remained at state 0 (closed position). 
         [0186]    During this fourth step secondary valve  42  is forced to occupy an open position in which fluid that is supplied by fluid source S is sent to secondary valve  42  through line  38   b  and goes therethrough. It then flows through lines  38   e  and  38   f  successively before reaching second portion of actuator  32   e.    
         [0187]    This flow of fluid is being circulated while at the same time a parallel flow of fluid is being sent through main valve  40 , regulator  44  and common line  38   f.    
         [0188]    This increased amount of fluid is therefore injected into compartment  32   b  of actuator  32 , thereby giving rise to a rapid upward movement of piston  34   b ) and the attached injection head. 
         [0189]    This accelerated movement makes it possible to reduce the overall cycle time. 
         [0190]    At the end of this fourth step or phase a third non-sealing position indicated by  3  in  FIG. 4C  is attained. 
         [0191]    When the execution of the steps of the method has come to an end the dispensing opening of the container has been vented to atmospheric pressure. This has been achieved thanks to controlled steps or phases through a progressive venting process. The movements of the injection head are controlled and adjusted so as to cause smooth and efficient degasification of the carbonated beverage. 
         [0192]    It is to be noted that if the degasification process were to be executed through a single step of moving the injection head away from its sealing position, then the velocity of the injection head would be less than that of the present invention in order to avoid foaming and over-spilling. Therefore, the cycle time would be longer than that of the present invention.