Per O Brandstrom

US Patent:

55335500, Jul 9, 1996

Filed:

Sep 30, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/315958

Inventors:

Rickard Franke - Dalby, SE
Per Brandstrom - Lake Zurich IL
Yutaka Kaneko - Wheeling IL
Bengt Andersson - Buffalo Grove IL

Assignee:

Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. - Pully

International Classification:

B65B 300

US Classification:

141 51

Abstract:

An apparatus for internally venting a product tank in a packaging machine is set forth. The apparatus includes a filling tube having a first end extending from a first opening of the product tank. The apparatus further includes an air collection mechanism having a filling tube opening adapted to receive a second end of the filling tube. The air collection mechanism extends below the second end of the filling tube. A vent pipe is connected to a second opening of the product tank and to a vent pipe opening in the air collection mechanism. The filling tube and the vent pipe are separately connected to both the product tank and the air collection mechanism. Air pressure, arising from operating the packaging machine, directs air from the air collection mechanism through the vent pipe and into the product tank. Such air proceeds through the vent pipe and replaces product in the product tank as the product is dispersed into the carton during filling.

US Patent:

55843247, Dec 17, 1996

Filed:

Sep 30, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/315957

Inventors:

Rickard Franke - Dalby, SE
Per Brandstrom - Lake Zurich IL
Yutaka Kaneko - Wheeling IL
Bengt Andersson - Buffalo Grove IL

Assignee:

Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. - Pully

International Classification:

B65B 300

US Classification:

141 1

Abstract:

A clean, automated product draining method for a packaging machine is set forth. The method includes the following steps: draining product from a product tank through a filling tube; and controlling a rate at which the product is drained from the product tank with a dispensing mechanism, wherein the product is drained at a slower rate than a rate at which the product is dispensed into a container during a production cycle.

US Patent:

55865763, Dec 24, 1996

Filed:

Sep 28, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/315408

Inventors:

Rickard Franke - Dalby, SE
Yutaka Kaneko - Wheeling IL
Per Brandstrom - Lake Zurich IL

Assignee:

Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. - Pully

International Classification:

F16K 3700

US Classification:

137559

Abstract:

A piston-type dosing valve is set forth that provides a hermetically sealed chamber behind the diaphragm which separates the aseptic portion of the valve from the mechanical portion of the valve. An external vacuum source is connected to an opening in the chamber thereby maintaining a constant negative pressure within the chamber. Any breach in the diaphragm will be detected by a pressure sensor located within the sealed chamber. In one embodiment, visual inspection for the presence of liquid product in the sealed chamber can be accomplished through a window in the dosing valve housing located adjacent to the diaphragm and sealed chamber.

US Patent:

55243924, Jun 11, 1996

Filed:

Sep 30, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/316109

Inventors:

Rickard Franke - Dalby, SE
Per Brandstrom - Lake Zurich IL
Yutaka Kaneko - Wheeling IL
Bengt Andersson - Buffalo Grove IL

Assignee:

Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. - Pully

International Classification:

E06B 300

US Classification:

49507

Abstract:

An automated sealing apparatus for sealing a packaging machine cleaning environment is set forth. The apparatus includes a retractable cover having first and second ends. The first and second ends of the retractable cover are disposed perpendicular to a direction of movement of the retractable cover. The apparatus further includes a first securing device disposed on the first end of the cover and a second securing device disposed on a top of the cover near the second end of the cover.