This invention relates generally to filling machines
, and more particularly to such mechines for automatically filling containers with a fluid-like material.
Modern filling machines for filling containers with a fluid must be capable of high-speed operation, while providing a multiplicity of other functions. For instance, in general the machines must discharge an accurate amount of fluid, repetitively into successive containers. It is desirable that provisions be made for providing adjustment of the amount of fluid to be so discharged into each container. Provision must be made to accommodate different sizes of containers; to prevent the discharge of fluid from a filling station in the absence of a container; to prevent dripping from the nozzles of each filling station when a container is not being or has been completely filled; to prevent the breakage of containers or machine mechanisms due to the jamming of a container at a filling station; and so forth.
To present inventive container filling machine provides all of and more than the above functions. This improved filling machine provides for individual or simultaneous adjustment of the volume of fluid discharged from each filling station into a container; for adjustment of the machine to accommodate different sizes of containers, even while the machine is running (if desired); for maintaining the nozzle of each filling station just above the rising level of fluid in an associated container being filled; for preventing the discharge of fluid when a container is not present; for inhibiting the further elevation of a container platform, when a container thereon becomes jammed; for greater than 180 of discharge cycle, over which time a substantially uniform velocity of fluid is discharged into a container; for programming the nozzle exit velocity to the fluid being discharged; for substantially eliminating drip from the nozzles when a container is not being filled; and so forth.