A valve assembly for a filler machine

Abstract

A valve assembly for a filler machine includes a valve body which is cylindrical and defines a first passage and a second passage and has a first valve seat and a second valve seat, respectively in the first and second passages. The valve assembly includes a mechanical actuator provided at one end of the valve body, a mechanical linkage connected to the mechanical actuator, and a first valve head and a second valve head connected to the mechanical linkage such that the valve heads are displaceable via the mechanical linkage in response to a mechanical input. The first valve head is provided in or at the first passage and is configured to engage the first valve seat thereby to seal the first valve passage and the second valve head is provided in or at the second passage and is configured to engage the second valve seat thereby to seal the second valve passage. The mechanical linkage is configured such that when one of the first or second valve heads engages its respective first or second valve seat, the other of the second or first valve heads is spaced away from its respective second or first valve seat, such that when either the first or second passage is sealed, the other of the second or first passage is open.

Description

[0001] A Valve Assembly for a Filler Machine

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to automated dispensing of food or beverage by a filler machine into a container. More specifically, the invention is for a valve assembly for the filler machine.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0005] Filler machines for dispensing food or beverage into a container (e.g., a tin, can, bottle, etc.) are well known in the art. Examples of such machines are a rotary piston filler, a linear piston filler, and a gravity-fed filler. These filler machines are used in automated production lines for filling several containers at a time, and often have plural filling stations. Larger filler machines can fill hundreds of separate containers per minute. The containers may be filled sequentially or in parallel, depending on the configuration of the filler machine. Each station in the filler machine usually has its own valve, and there may thus be plural valves per machine, depending on how many stations there are.

[0006] Each valve is placed within a valve housing with which it sealingly cooperates. The valve defines two passages; the first passage is configured to conduct the food or beverage from a main supply line to a temporary storage area; the second passage is configured to conduct the food or beverage from the temporary storage area to the container. The valve (or valve assembly) includes a valve body of metal (e.g., steel) around a valve sleeve or softer material, usually a polymer. The valve body and valve sleeve are fixed together and configured to rotate within the valve housing. Accordingly, the sliding interface is provided between an outer face of the valve sleeve and an inner face of the valve housing.

[0007] The valve body has an axially offset cam follower at one end and the valve is driven to reciprocate between two positions. In a first position, apertures in the valve housing align with the first passage (therefore allowing passage therethrough) but the second passage is blocked by the valve housing. In a second position, different apertures in the valve housing align with the second passage (therefore allowing passage therethrough) but the first passage is blocked by the valve housing. A rate of reciprocation may vary based on the particular filler machine and food or beverage being filled, but it may be a complete reciprocation (from the first position to the second and back to the first again) once every 1-2 seconds. This may go on for hours.

[0008] Although various seals may be provided, some of the food or beverage gets in the sliding interface between the valve and valve housing, causing wear. The rate of wear may depend on the type of food or beverage being filled. For example, where food is being processed, there may be undissolved (or partially dissolved) solids or particulate matter. This may be because the food is not fully cooked, seasoning has been added, the food is naturally fibrous, etc. Even beverages may contain pulp or fibres.

[0009] These particles (whatever their source) tend to abrade the outer face of the valve sleeve and / or inner face of the valve housing, that is, the faces of the sliding interface. As the valve sleeve is usually softer (being of a polymer), this may wear first. This causes a gap to develop in the sliding interface as material from the valve sleeve is abraded away, which tends to reduce the sealing action, allowing more food or beverage material to enter. This is evidenced by a gradual leak at first, the rate of which increases as the valve sleeve wears further. This leak in itself leads to wastage, but can further lead to under- or over-filling of the container, leading to further wastage (or even bursting of the container downstream in the production line). The valves therefore need to be serviceable (or modular, replaceable, sacrificial, etc.). Additionally, the particles can begin to abrade or etch the inner face of the valve housing. Although it is of stainless steel and therefore stronger and harder than the valve sleeve, it is not impervious. Wear in the valve housing is more serious than wear on the valve sleeve, as the valve housing is a more permanent fixture. Nonetheless, the valve housing can be replaced, but it is more difficult and costly, and usually results in more downtime, compared to replacing the valve or valve sleeve only.

[0010] In more extreme cases, if the valve is not serviced or replaced timeously, more food or beverage material may enter the sliding interface, and the reciprocating action churns the material into a paste, increasing friction between the valve sleeve and the valve housing, which can cause the valve to seize. This usually then causes damage to the cam follower on the valve or, even worse, to the cam on the filler machine.

[0011] Any maintenance action, including merely cleaning the valve or valve housing, requires a pause in the production line. This is obviously undesirable as it impacts not only the specific station in which the valve is, but all the stations of the filler machine (as the whole machine is paused) and potentially upstream or downstream machines too. This results in economic loss for the factory or industry operating the filler machine.

[0012] Accordingly, the Applicant desires a valve (or valve assembly) which addresses or at least ameliorates the abovementioned issues. The Applicant desires a valve assembly which can provide one or more of the following: lower wear on the valve housing, less leakage, quicker replacement, cheaper replacement, less filler machine downtime, etc.

[0013] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0014] The invention provides a valve assembly for a filler machine configured to dispense flowable material (e.g., food or beverage) into a container, the valve assembly including: a valve body which is cylindrical and defines a longitudinal axis, the valve body being configured to be accommodated within a valve housing of the filler machine, wherein: the valve body defines two passages therethrough, namely a first passage and a second passage; and two valve seats, namely a first valve seat and a second valve seat, are defined respectively in the first and second passages; and a mechanical actuator provided at one end of the valve body, the mechanical actuator being configured to receive a mechanical input; a mechanical linkage connected to the mechanical actuator; and two valve heads, namely a first valve head and a second valve head, connected to the mechanical linkage such that the valve heads are displaceable via the mechanical linkage in response to the mechanical input from the mechanical actuator, wherein: the first valve head is provided in or at the first passage and is configured to engage the first valve seat thereby to seal the first valve passage; the second valve head is provided in or at the second passage and is configured to engage the second valve seat thereby to seal the second valve passage; and the mechanical linkage is configured such that when one of the first or second valve heads engages its respective first or second valve seat, the other of the second or first valve heads is spaced away from its respective second or first valve seat, such that when either the first or second passage is sealed, the other of the second or first passage is open.

[0015] The mechanical link may include an axle. The axle may be provided in the valve body. The axle may extend longitudinally within the valve body. The valve heads may be attached to the axle. The valve heads may be fixedly attached to the axle and radially spaced therefrom. The axle may be centrally or radially offset, that is, parallel to, but not co-axial with, the longitudinal axis. The passages (or at least parts thereof) may be arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis. All or part of each passage may be arranged along a diameter of the valve body.

[0016] The valve seats may be directed in opposite directions. The valve heads may similarly be arranged in opposite directions (e.g., if they are rotary, then directed clockwise and the other directed counterclockwise).

[0017] The valve seats may be removable. To this end, the valve body may define a seat locating formation to accommodate the valve seat. The valve seat may thus be serviced or replaced (e.g., when worn) without needing to replace the whole valve body. The valve seat may be in the form of a ring or similar circular formation.

[0018] The valve head may have a curved or rounded end or face. The valve head may include, or may be, a ball nose head. This may permit the valve head and / or valve seat to be self-cleaning.

[0019] The flowable material may be a liquid usually having a higher viscosity than water or flowable solids, and may include food to be canned, sauces, drinks, etc., and non-food materials, like gels, grease, etc.

[0020] The valve body may define a keying formation configured to cooperate with a complemental keying formation provided by the filler machine, thereby to prevent rotational displacement of the valve body relative to the filler machine. The keying formation of the valve body may be an outwardly projecting formation, like a key, lug, or spline. The valve body may include plural keying formations, e.g., two on opposite sides. The valve body may have the keying formations at one end thereof, e.g., a top end. It will thus be noted that the valve body may not be displaced relative to the valve housing as in PRIOR ART assemblies. Only the valve heads and associated mechanical linkage may be displaceable.

[0021] The invention extends to a valve housing configured to accommodate the valve assembly defined above, the valve housing comprising the complemental keying formation for accommodating the keying formation of the valve sleeve. The valve housing may have the complemental keying formation in the form of a recess, like a notch, slot, or keyway. The recess may be provided at one end of the valve housing, e.g., the top end. The may be plural recesses, e.g., two opposite recesses. The valve body may be axially slidable into our out of the valve housing. The respective keying formations may be shorter than, e.g., 5-10% of, an axial length of the valve body, and thus only engage the valve housing when the valve body is fully or near fully inserted into the valve housing. The valve housing may be of metal, e.g., steel (as is conventional).

[0022] The valve body may comprise plural sections connected together. The sections may be separable, e.g., to access part of the mechanical linkage, the valve seats, the valve heads, and / or the passages. The sections may be connectable together by means of fasteners, e.g., mechanical fasteners. The sections may be in the form of cylindrical longitudinally spaced segments.

[0023] The valve assembly may include at least one sealing member. The valve assembly may include a plurality of sealing members. The sealing member may be an O-ring provided on an exterior of the valve body. The valve body may define one or more grooves to accommodate the one or more sealing members.

[0024] The valve heads may be reciprocable, or configured to be oscillated, between two positions, namely: a first position in which the first valve head engages the first valve seat and blocks the first passage while the second valve head is spaced away from the second valve seat and the second passage is open; and a second position in which the second valve head engages the second valve seat and blocks the second passage while the first valve head is spaced away from the first valve seat and the first passage is open.

[0025] The first and second positions may be achieved respectively at extremities of an oscillating range of the valve heads or of the mechanical linkage.

[0026] Where the valve heads are connected to the axle, the axle (and hence the valve heads) and the mechanical actuator may be configured to rotate or oscillate in opposite directions. For example, if the mechanical actuator is driven in a clockwise direction, this may cause the axle and valve heads to rotate in an anticlockwise direction.

[0027] Accordingly, the valve assembly may include a mechanical convertor as part of the mechanical linkage to convert the input from the mechanical actuator. The mechanical converter may convert the mechanical input from the mechanical actuator into one or more of a different direction of rotation, rotation about a different (optionally parallel) axis, from rotary to linear or vice versa, etc. The mechanical convertor may include one or more of a cam and cam follower, a crank mechanism, gears, etc. In one embodiment, the mechanical convertor includes a cam driven by the mechanical actuator and a cam follower connected to the axle.

[0028] To the best of the Applicant’s knowledge, conventional (PRIOR ART) valve assemblies all have a valve sleeve fixed to the valve body, and the whole valve assembly rotates within the valve housing. A notable difference, then, is that the valve body of the present invention is fast with the valve housing. The valve body may be a conventional (PRIOR ART) valve body, or it may be modified for use with the present valve assembly.

[0029] Differently stated, in the PRIOR art, the sliding interface is between an outer face of the valve sleeve and an inner face of the valve housing. In the present invention, a primary sliding interface is between the valve heads and the valve seats (and, to a lesser extent, between the mechanical linkage and parts of the valve body which accommodate the mechanical linkage).

[0030] The valve sleeve may be of a polymeric material. The valve sleeve may be of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) or Teflon™.

[0031] The invention extends to a filler machine comprising at least one valve housing as defined above. The filler machine may comprise a plurality of the valve housings. The or each valve housing may accommodate a valve assembly as defined above.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

[0034] In the drawings:

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a valve assembly, in accordance with the invention;

[0036] FIG. 2 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1 , showing the valve body and displaceable assembly separately;

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a further exploded three-dimensional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 2;

[0038] FIG. 4 shows an axial sectional three-dimensional view in first plane of the valve assembly of FIG. 1 ;

[0039] FIG. 5 shows an axial sectional three-dimensional view in a second plane of the valve assembly of FIG. 1 ;

[0040] FIG. 6 shows an axial sectional three-dimensional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 5, in a first position; FIG. 7 shows an axial sectional three-dimensional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 5, in a second position; and

[0041] FIG. 8 shows a three-dimensional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1 together with a valve housing.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

[0043] The following description of an example embodiment of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognise that changes can be made to the example embodiment described, while still attaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be attained by selecting some of the features of the example embodiment without utilising other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognise that modifications and adaptations to the example embodiment are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description of the example embodiment is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not a limitation thereof.

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a valve assembly 100 in accordance with the invention. The valve assembly 100 has a tubular valve body 110 made of a polymeric material which may be HDPE. The valve body 110 has a central longitudinal axis 102. The valve assembly 100, and particularly the valve body 110, is configured to be accommodated in a valve housing (see FIG. 7) provided on a filler machine (not illustrated). The filler machine may be a standard or conventional filler machine and thus need not be modified to work together with the present invention. The valve housing may be largely standard but with one notable modification (see FIG. 7). The valve body 110 may be considered the stationary or static part of the valve assembly 100.

[0045] The valve body 110 defines two transversely extending passages 112, 114, namely a first passage 112 and a second passage 114. The first passage 112 extends along a diameter of the valve body 110 from one side to the other. Ends of the first passage 112, which may be considered an inlet and an outlet, align with ports provided in the external valve housing. The second passage 114 extends upwardly from an open bottom (which can be seen in FIGS 4-5) of the valve housing 110 and then laterally to one side.

[0046] A keying formation 116 is provided on the valve body 110 in the form of an outwardly projecting lug or key 116; another, opposite keying formation 140 is more clearly visible in FIG. 2. These keying formations 116, 140 cooperate with complemental keying formations (e.g., slots) in the valve housing to prevent the valve body 110 from rotating during use.

[0047] Displaceably connected to the valve body 110 is a string of displaceable components, collectively referred to as the displaceable assembly 120 (more clearly illustrated in FIGS 2-3). The displaceable assembly 120 has a mechanical actuator 122, 124 externally visible from a top of the valve housing 110. The mechanical actuator 122, 124 comprises a cam follower 122 connected via an arm 124 to a central hub 126. As the valve assembly 100 is configured to be driven by a conventional filler machine (e.g., having an unmodified can driver), the cam follower 122 and even the arm 124 may be sized and dimensioned to correspond to prior art valve assemblies. The arm 124 is fast with, or integrated with, the central hub 126 and they are configured to rotate, and more specifically to reciprocate, about the longitudinal axis 102.

[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates the valve body 110 and the displaceable assembly 120 separately from each other, to reveal further detail. The valve body 110 has a circular top piece 142 connected to the remainder of the valve body 110 via mechanical fasteners in the form of screws or bolts 144. The top piece 142 is thus removable. The top piece 142 defines a central aperture to accommodate part of the displaceable assembly 120.

[0049] The valve body 110 has a series of sealing members in the form of O-rings 146 axially spaced along an outer face of the valve body 110. The O-rings 146 serve to seal the valve body 110 relative to the valve housing. The particular number and arrangement of O-rings 146 may be modified, as desired. The O-rings 146 are of food-grade rubber.

[0050] The displaceable assembly 120 can be better seen in FIG. 2 (and better still in FIG. 3). A rotary disc 130 is provided underneath the central hub 126 and is fast therewith; in other words, the rotary disc 130 rotates together with the central hub 126 and the arm 124, which are all fastened together. The central hub 126 and the rotary disc 130 are spaced a short distance apart and the circular top piece 142 of the valve body 110 is sandwiched in this space between the central hub 126 and the rotary disc 130.

[0051] Referring now also to FIG. 3, the rotary disc 130 has a pin 150 projecting downwardly therefrom (not visible in FIG. 2 and only partially visible in FIG. 3). The pin 150 is fixed to the rotary disc 130 and therefore rotates with the rotary disc 130. The pin 150 acts as a cam. The displaceable assembly 120 further includes a cam follower arm 132 which defines therein a channel 154 (FIG. 3) to accommodate the pin 150. For extra longevity, a brass bushing 156 is provided around the pin 150 inside the channel 154 (but in another embodiment the pin 150 could have been provided directly in the channel 154 without the bushing 156).

[0052] It will also be noted that the rotary disc 130 is separable from the central hub 126. A polygonal spigot 151 projects upwardly from the rotary disc 130 and engages a matched socket (not illustrated) in an underside of the central hub 126, thereby to key the two together.

[0053] The pin 150 is allowed to slide radially along the channel 154 without displacing the cam follower arm 132. However, any circumferential movement of the pin 150 causes the cam follower arm 132 to rotate. Accordingly, the pin 150 transfers circumferential motion to the cam follower arm 132 but not radial motion.

[0054] The cam follower arm 132 defines a polygonal socket or non-circular socket 158 to accommodate a complemental head 162 of an axle 134. Due to the polygonal profile, the cam follower arm 132 is keyed to the axle 134. The axle 134 is mounted to rotate about an offset axis 133 which is parallel to, but laterally spaced from, the longitudinal axis 102. The axle 134 is held captive within the valve body 110 but is free to rotate (it may not move axially or laterally). The displaceable assembly 120 may include various other features common to rotary parts or axles, e.g., collars, seals, bearings, stops, etc. For example, a bearing 163 is provided at a distal end of the axle 134.

[0055] The cam follower arm 132 and the rotary socket 130 with the pin 150 may be considered to be a mechanical converter because they (1 ) change the direction of rotation; that is, if the arm 124 is rotated in one direction (e.g., clockwise) about the longitudinal axis 102, then the axle 134 will rotate in an opposite direction (e.g., counter clockwise) about the offset axis 133. Also, the mechanical convertor serves to offset the offset axis 133 (output) relative to the longitudinal axis 102 (input).

[0056] The displaceable assembly 120 includes two valve heads 136, 138, namely a first (or upper) valve head 136 and a second (or lower) valve head 138. The valve heads 136, 138 are spaced a short distance away from the axle 138 by valve stems 139. The valve heads 136, 138 are integral with their respective stems 139. The stems 139 are fixedly mounted to the axle 134, such that rotation of the axle 134 causes arcuate displacement (as indicated by numeral 135) of the valve heads 136, 138.

[0057] Each valve head 136, 138 has a rounded or ball nose face. This enables a degree of self-cleaning. The valve heads 136, 138 are axially spaced along the axle 134, so that each valve head 136, 138 is aligned with its respective passage 112, 114. The valve heads 136, 138 are angularly offset relative to each other from the axle by 60°-90°, about 75° in this example. Finally, the valve heads 136, 138 are oppositely directed, such that (looking from the top) the first valve head 136 is directed in a counterclockwise direction, while the second valve head 138 is directed in a clockwise direction. The valve body 110 is divided into two sections 170, 172 which are fastenable together by means of screws or bolts 145. The sections 170, 172 allow for access to an interior of the valve body 110, e.g., for cleaning, for mounting the axle 134, etc. Various circumferential grooves defined in an outer face of the valve body 110 accommodate the O-rings 146. The sections 170, 172 respectively define aligned cylindrical channels 176, 178 to accommodate the axle 134 and associated parts. The channels 176, 178 (acting as a singular channel when the sections 170, 172 are connected together) allow the axle 134 to rotate but do not allow it to move radially or axially. Food-grade lubricant may also be used.

[0058] The valve body 110 defines two valve seats 164, 166, which may be difficult to illustrate given their internal placement. One of them (a second valve seat 166) is illustrated as exploded in FIG. 3, and the first valve seat 164 is similarly illustrated in FIG. 4. Both the first and second valve seats 164, 166 are illustrated in FIGS 6-7.

[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates the valve assembly 100 sectioned along a first plane through the mechanical convertor provided by the rotary disc 130 and its downwardly depending pin 150 received in the bushing 156 and held within the channel 154 of the cam follower arm 132. As the cam (the pin 150) and cam follower (the cam follower arm 132) are provided at a position between the longitudinal axis 102 of the rotary disc 130 and the offset axis of the axle 134, the direction of input rotation is opposite to the direction of output rotation.

[0060] The valve seats 164, 166 are provided in the respective passages 112, 114. In this example, the valve seats 164, 166 are removable from the passages 112, 114, e.g., to facilitate cleaning and even replacement of the valve seats 164, 166 without replacement of the whole valve body 110. To this end, each passage 112, 114 defines therein a seat locating formation 165, 167 (refer to FIG. 5) to accommodate the respective valve seat 164, 166. Each valve seat 164, 166 is annular, being similar to an O-ring, and serves to sealingly accommodate its aligned valve head 136, 138 it at least one operative position. FIGS 6-7 illustrate the valve assembly in two operative positions. In FIG. 6, the cam follower 122 and the arm 124 have been displaced in a first direction, indicated by arrow 180. This has, via the mechanical convertor, rotated the axle 134 to displace the valve heads 136, 138 in the other direction, as indicated by arrows 181 , 182. The first valve head 136 has been driven (arrow 181 ) into the first valve seat 164 into sealing engagement therewith. Accordingly, the first passage 112 is blocked, or sealed. Material (e.g., food or beverage) can therefore not flow through the first passage 112.

[0061] Conversely, the second valve head 138 has been displaced (arrow 182) away from the second valve seat 166. The valve head 138 may still be partially within the second passage 114, but does not block or seal it, providing ample space for food or beverage to flow therethrough. It may be noted that the second passage 114 actually extends from one side of the valve body 110 downwards through a bottom thereof; an opposite hole or port in the valve body 110 will effectively be sealed off by the valve housing and therefore may be ignored.

[0062] In FIG. 7, the cam follower 122 and the arm 124 have been displaced in the opposite direction, indicated by arrow 184. This has, again via the mechanical convertor, rotated the axle 134 to displace the valve heads 136, 138 as indicated by arrows 185, 186. The first valve head 136 is away from the first valve seat 164, permitting flow through the first passage 112. Conversely, the second valve head 138 has sealingly engaged the second valve seat 166 to close or seal the second passage 114.

[0063] The valve assembly 100 is driven by a cam drive mechanism (as is conventional) on a filler machine. The valve assembly 100 is displaced (in accordance with the invention) reciprocatingly between the positions of FIG.6 and FIG. 7, repeatedly. This selectively and alternatingly opens and closes the respective passages 112, 114, permitting the dispensing of food or beverage into containers. FIG. 8 illustrates a valve housing 200 having a central cavity 202 to accommodate the valve assembly 100. The valve housing 200 is conventional in many respects, but notably, in accordance with the invention, it is provided with a pair of keying formations in the form of recesses 204, 206. These recesses 204, 206 are complemental to, and accommodate, the respective lugs 116, 140 on the valve assembly 100 when it is fully inserted into the cavity 202. Accordingly, the valve body 110 is keyed to the valve housing 200 and cannot rotate relative thereto. The respective lugs 114, 140 and recesses 204, 206 may be of different size or position (e.g., one shorter and the other longer) so that the valve assembly 100 can be accommodated in only one orientation and not a mirror thereof. Various inputs and outputs (e.g., the main supply line) may be conventional.

[0064] The Applicant believes that the invention as exemplified has many advantages:

[0065] • There is no sliding interface between the valve housing 200 and the valve body 110, meaning that the valve housing 200 should not wear (or at least will wear significantly more slowly than with PRIOR ART valves).

[0066] • The sealing and sliding interface occurs at a smaller valve seat 164, 166, which is replaceable and relatively small (compared to replacing a much larger valve sleeve or body).

[0067] • The valve assembly 100 works with conventional filler machines (though the valve housing 200 may be modified).

[0068] • These features serve to reduce leakage. Reduced leakage, in turn, means reduced downtime and less lost production.

[0069] • These features also serve to reduce occurrence of overfilling or underfilling of the containers. This again serves to reduce downtime and limit rejection of containers (not filled to specification) or damage to containers (e.g., bursting).

[0070] • The valve assembly features a unique configuration of the valve body and valve seats that significantly reduce wear and leakage, enhancing durability and efficiency. It utilises an innovative mechanical actuator and linkage system that allows for precise control and alternating sealing of passages, providing improved operational reliability.

[0071] Advanced materials such as high-durability polymers, stainless steel 316L, PEEK, and Nylon (all food-grade materials) are used in the construction of the valve sleeve, contributing to the longevity and performance of the valve assembly.

[0072] Design features facilitate easy maintenance and reduce downtime, making the valve assembly highly efficient for various production environments.

[0073] The valve assembly is compatible with various types of filling machines, including rotary piston fillers, linear piston fillers, and gravity-fed fillers, showcasing its universal design.

[0074] It can handle different types of liquids and semi-solids, both food-grade and non- food-grade.

[0075] It can be integrated into different machine configurations with minimal modifications.

[0076] Alternative embodiments include different configurations of the valve heads and variations in the mechanical linkage, demonstrating the versatility of the invention.

[0077] The valve assembly is globally applicable across various industries, such as food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, and chemical processing.

[0078] It offers potential cost savings from reduced downtime and longer-lasting components, emphasizing economic benefits.

[0079] Enhanced sealing performance due to the innovative design of the valve heads and seats.

[0080] Reduced wear on both the valve sleeve and valve housing, increasing the lifespan of the assembly.

[0081] Faster and cheaper maintenance due to modular and replaceable components, minimising production interruptions. • Compatibility with existing filler machines, reducing the need for extensive modifications and facilitating easy integration.

[0082] • The self-cleaning capability of the valve heads minimises the buildup of particulate matter, ensuring consistent performance. • Universal design features enable the valve assembly to be used in various filler machines, such as adjustable components or modular design.

[0083] • Specific mechanisms or interfaces facilitate the integration of the valve assembly into different machine types, ensuring operational flexibility.

[0084] • The mechanical linkage and actuator are adaptable to different machine configurations and operational requirements, highlighting the versatility of the design.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A valve assembly for a filler machine configured to dispense flowable material into a container, the valve assembly including: a valve body which is cylindrical and defines a longitudinal axis, the valve body being configured to be accommodated within a valve housing of the filler machine, wherein: the valve body defines two passages therethrough, namely a first passage and a second passage; and two valve seats, namely a first valve seat and a second valve seat, are defined respectively in the first and second passages; and a mechanical actuator provided at one end of the valve body, the mechanical actuator being configured to receive a mechanical input; a mechanical linkage connected to the mechanical actuator; and two valve heads, namely a first valve head and a second valve head, connected to the mechanical linkage such that the valve heads are displaceable via the mechanical linkage in response to the mechanical input from the mechanical actuator, wherein: the first valve head is provided in or at the first passage and is configured to engage the first valve seat thereby to seal the first valve passage; the second valve head is provided in or at the second passage and is configured to engage the second valve seat thereby to seal the second valve passage; and the mechanical linkage is configured such that when one of the first or second valve heads engages its respective first or second valve seat, the other of the second or first valve heads is spaced away from its respective second or first valve seat, such that when either the first or second passage is sealed, the other of the second or first passage is open.

2. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the mechanical linkage includes an axle provided in the valve body, the valve heads being attached to the axle.

3. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the valve heads are fixedly attached to the axle and radially spaced therefrom.

4. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the axle is radially centrally offset from, that is parallel to but not co-axial with, the longitudinal axis.

5. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the passages, or at least parts thereof, are arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis.

6. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the valve seats are directed in opposite directions to each other, and the valve heads are similarly arranged in opposite directions to each other.

7. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the valve seats are removable and the valve body defines seat locating formations to accommodate the valve seats.

8. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which each of the valve heads has a curved or rounded face.

9. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the valve body defines a keying formation configured to cooperate with a complemental keying formation provided by the filler machine, thereby to prevent rotational displacement of the valve body relative to the filler machine.

10. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 9, in which the keying formation of the valve body is an outwardly projecting formation.

11. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 9, in which the valve body includes plural oppositely-arranged keying formations.

12. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the valve body comprises plural sections connected together.

13. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 12, in which the sections are separable and connectable together by means of fasteners, the sections being in the form of cylindrical longitudinally spaced segments or discs.

14. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , which includes one or more sealing members in the form of one or more O-rings provided on an exterior of the valve body, the valve body defining one or more grooves to accommodate the one or more sealing members.

15. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the valve heads are reciprocable, or configured to be oscillated, between two positions, namely: a first position in which the first valve head engages the first valve seat and blocks the first passage while the second valve head is spaced away from the second valve seat and the second passage is open; and a second position in which the second valve head engages the second valve seat and blocks the second passage while the first valve head is spaced away from the first valve seat and the first passage is open.

16. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the axle and the mechanical actuator are configured to rotate or oscillate in opposite directions.

17. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 16, which includes a mechanical convertor as part of the mechanical linkage to convert the input from the mechanical actuator into one or more of a different direction of rotation, rotation about a different axis, or from rotary to linear motion or vice versa.

18. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 17, in which the mechanical convertor includes one or more of a cam and cam follower, a crank mechanism, or gears.

19. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the valve sleeve is of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene).

20. A valve housing configured to accommodate the valve assembly as claimed in claim 9, the valve housing comprising the complemental keying formation for accommodating the keying formation of the valve sleeve.

21. A filler machine comprising at least one valve housing as claimed in claim 20, the valve housing configured to accommodate at least one valve assembly.

Images