Method and filling station for filling a container with a pressurized additive chamber - Patents.com

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for filling a container (62) and a pressurization unit (60) comprising a first and a second pressurization station (64, 75). A conveying member (61) conveys the container (62) along the pressurization stations (64, 75). An applicator (66) supplies a liquid pressurization medium into the container (62) at the first pressurization station (64). A supply unit (68) closes the container with a cap (70). The cap has an additive chamber in fluid communication with the interior of the container via a valve. An applicator (77) at the second pressurization station (75) supplies a liquid pressurization medium to the additive chamber of the cap (70). A sealing station (80) seals the additive chamber such that the pressure inside the additive chamber is lower than the pressure in the container. When the consumer opens the cap, the contents of the additive chamber are injected into the container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for filling a container, comprising the steps of: injecting a pressurized liquefied or solid gaseous medium into a container having an outlet opening and containing a substance; Put in Steps and closing the outlet opening of the container with a closure member comprising an additive chamber and a valve, the valve being in fluid communication with the pressurized container such that the valve assumes a closed position upon exposure to pressure within the container; The present invention relates to a method comprising:

[0002] The invention also relates to a filling station for carrying out the filling method. [Background technology]

[0003] EP 1979253 describes a container, such as a bottle, containing a pressurized beverage. The known bottle is filled on a bottling line, and the beverage is placed in the bottle at an overpressure relative to the surroundings by introducing a droplet of liquid nitrogen into the bottle and then immediately closing the bottle with a cap. The nitrogen boils in the bottle's headspace, and the expanding nitrogen gas creates an overpressure. The cap includes a sealed and pressurized additive chamber containing an additive product, such as a flavoring, colorant, vitamin, or pharmaceutical composition. The additive chamber is sealed at a pressure higher than the surroundings but lower than the pressure in the bottle's headspace. The additive chamber is placed in fluid communication with the interior of the bottle through a one-way valve, such as a duckbill or umbrella valve, which is closed by the overpressure in the bottle acting on the valve. When a user turns the cap to open the bottle, the overpressure in the bottle is released, and the pressure in the bottle's headspace drops below the pressure inside the additive chamber, resulting in the contents being released from the additive chamber into the bottle.

[0004] WO 2017 / 207962 discloses a container closure having a cap that is screwed onto a threaded neck of a bottle, the cap having a pre-filled, pressurized additive chamber that is closed by a plug member and releases the contents of the additive chamber into the bottle when the cap is released from the bottle and the pressure in the bottle's headspace drops below the pressure in the additive chamber.

[0005] Known filling methods utilize pre-filled additive capsules that are filled and pressurized at a different location and then transported to an assembly site, such as a bottling line, where they are added to the container immediately after filling the container with the product. This involves relatively complex logistics and requires careful handling and transport of the pre-filled capsules to prevent damage and ensure that the correct contents meeting appropriate quality and safety standards are present at the assembly site. Known containers include a relatively large number of components, particularly two duckbill valves. It is an object of the present invention to provide a filling method and filling station that can precisely control the pressurization of the filled bottle and the steps of connecting the capsule containing the additive material to the bottle. A further object is to provide a filling method and filling station that reduces the number of components in the container and additive chamber. Another object of the present invention is to provide a versatile and rapid filling station for assembling pressurized bottles and additive chambers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The method according to the invention comprises: placing an additive substance and a pressurizing liquefied or solid gas medium in an additive chamber of a closure member such that the pressure in the additive chamber is less than the pressure inside the container and greater than atmospheric pressure. Put in and sealing the additive chamber.

[0007] By introducing a liquefied or solid gas medium into both the container and the capsule, the bottle and container can be pressurized in the same filling station, with only a short time between pressurization steps. This allows the ambient temperature and pressure, air moisture content, and other filling conditions to be maintained at stable settings, allowing for precise control of the pressure in the container and capsule. The pressure in the bottle can be set to, for example, 2 bar, while the pressure in the additive chamber can be set to 1 bar, with each pressure fluctuating by 3% or less.

[0008] By filling the additive chamber with a pressurizing liquefied or solid gas medium, the filled and pressurized additive chamber can be sealed while the pressure is building up to the required level, allowing excess pressurized gas to escape during the sealing process. By adjusting the amount of pressurizing agent, gas leakage during the welding process can be taken into account, so that the required final pressure in the sealed additive chamber is reached while allowing sufficient time to obtain an accurate closure for the welding technique used, for example, by using ultrasonic welding or any other suitable closure method.

[0009] The short time that exists between filling and pressurizing the bottle and filling and pressurizing the capsule, and the use of the same pressurizing medium in the container and in the chamber, allows for precise control of the quality and consistency of the product in the container and the additive material in the additive chamber.

[0010] The amount of pressurized liquefied or solid gas medium applied can be precisely dosed. The terms "liquefied" and "solid" gas are intended to describe the state of the pressurized medium at the time of application, where at ambient temperature and pressure the pressure medium is a gas.

[0011] After adding a solid or liquid pressurizing medium to the product or additive chamber, the pressurizing medium evaporates. A short time after the pressurizing medium is added, a sealant can be added to the product or additive chamber, resulting in the sealed headspace being filled with pressurized gas. By adjusting the time interval between adding the pressurizing medium and the sealant, the amount of pressurizing medium that evaporates to the ambient air can be varied, thereby controlling the pressure in the headspace.

[0012] The additive chamber containing the additive material may be integrated with a closure member that seals the outlet opening of the container. The closure member may comprise a plug, adhesive seal, or, for example, a screw cap that can be threaded onto a complementary threaded neck of the container. The container may be pressurized by introducing a liquid pressurizing medium through the outlet opening and then sealing the pressurized container by applying a closure member having the additive chamber over the outlet opening. The additive material and liquid pressurizing medium may then be introduced into the additive chamber, which may then be sealed.

[0013] Preferably, a sealing member without a valve function, such as a closure cap, plug, or film, is used to seal the additive chamber, thus avoiding the use of expensive and sensitive valve elements in the additive chamber, reducing costs and improving the correct operation of the filled container and additive chamber.

[0014] In one embodiment, the additive chamber is separate from the closure member of the container. After filling and pressurizing the container through the outlet opening and placing the closure member over the outlet opening, the additive chamber may be brought into contact with the container, for example by being inserted into a recess in the container wall, after which the additive chamber is filled, pressurized and sealed.

[0015] The substance in the container may be a drinkable or medical liquid, or may be a chemical not intended for ingestion, such as a paint or glue, etc. The substance in the container is free-flowing and may be in liquid form or in the form of a paste or powder.

[0016] The substance in the additive chamber may be a flavoring agent, a colorant, a vitamin, a medicinal composition, or may be a chemical not intended for ingestion, such as, for example, a component of a two-component adhesive or paint system. The substance in the additive chamber may be free-flowing and may be in liquid form or in the form of a paste or powder, such that it is easily expelled from the additive chamber and easily mixes with the container contents.

[0017] Pressurizing media include liquefied or solid gases such as liquid nitrogen or solid CO2.

[0018] The pressurizing media for the container and for the additive chamber may comprise different liquefied or solid gases that produce different pressures when evaporated in the headspaces of the container and additive chamber, or the pressurizing media may comprise a single type of liquefied or solid gas that is added to the container and additive chamber in different amounts before sealing.

[0019] After adding the pressurizing liquefied or solid gas medium to the additive chamber, the gas may be allowed to evaporate from the additive chamber until the pressure in the additive chamber falls below the pressure in the container.

[0020] One embodiment of a method for filling containers according to the present invention comprises the steps of: delivering a container holding the substance to a pressurizing unit; In a vessel filled with a pressurizing liquid or solid medium Put in moving the container along a first pressurizing station having an applicator member; delivering a cap comprising a one-way valve and an additive chamber to the filled container; closing the container with a cap while the valve is in fluid communication with the pressurized container such that contact with pressure within the container places the valve in a closed position; The cap is fed to the filling station and the additive material is placed in the additive chamber. Put in Steps and feeding the assembled container and capsule along a second pressurization station; A pressurizing liquid or solid medium is introduced into the additive chamber so that the pressure in the additive chamber is lower than the pressure in the container. Put in Steps and feeding the assembled container and cap along a sealing station; placing a seal on the additive chamber of the cap; Includes:

[0021] The applicator at the first pressurization station may provide a first amount of liquefied or solid pressure medium from a first source, and at the second pressurization station, a second amount of pressurization medium is provided from the same source, which may be less than or similar to the first amount, but is allowed to evaporate prior to sealing the additive chamber to achieve a desired lower pressure in the additive chamber.

[0022] The applicator and sealing stations may be located along a rotating feed station, such as a carousel.

[0023] One embodiment of a filling station according to the invention comprises first and second pressurizing stations, a conveying member for conveying a container along the pressurizing stations, an applicator adapted to supply a pressurizing liquid or solid medium into the container at the first pressurizing station, a supply unit adapted to supply a cap having an additive chamber and close the pressurized container with the cap downstream of the first pressurizing station so that the pressure inside the container is at a first pressure value, the applicator at the second pressurizing station adapted to supply a pressurizing liquid or solid medium to the additive chamber, and a sealing station adapted to seal the additive chamber so that the pressure inside the additive chamber is lower than the pressure in the container.

[0024] The additive chamber may be supplied pre-filled at the filling station, or an additive filling station for filling the additive chamber with the additive product may be located between the first and second pressurization stations.

[0025] In one embodiment of the filling station, the applicator at the second filling station is adapted to deliver a second quantity of liquid pressurizing medium that is different from the first quantity of pressurizing medium delivered at the first pressurizing station.

[0026] By adjusting the volume of a single type of pressurizing medium for the container and for the additive chamber, a relatively simple and accurate pressurizing station is provided. The required pressure can also be achieved by timing the subsequent application of the seal, thereby controlling the amount of gas escaping before sealing and setting the pressure.

[0027] The method according to the invention can be applied in the fields of beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or chemicals.

[0028] The filling method according to the present invention may have various applications, but is particularly suited to filling containers containing beverages. In beverage applications, the additive in the container may include vitamins. Vitamin-containing products are typically prone to spoilage because vitamins in contact with liquid products are not stable for long periods due to, for example, oxidation. According to the present invention, the vitamins in the additive chamber are maintained in optimal condition. After the consumer removes the closure, the vitamins are injected into the product container, allowing them to be consumed with the highest functionality. Therefore, it is very easy to prepare beverages containing "fresh" added vitamins. For example, vitamin C is known to deteriorate in aqueous and alcoholic liquids, making it difficult to maintain aqueous and / or alcoholic beverages with added vitamin C. According to the present invention, the aqueous and / or alcoholic product and the vitamin C additive may be contained separately in the container, but they are only mixed immediately before consumption by opening the container.

[0029] According to the present invention, additives can include proteins and / or peptides, such as casein hydrolysate, and / or carotenoids, such as lycopene, and / or antioxidants, such as quercitin, and / or flavorings, such as flavor concentrates or flavor extracts. Proteins and peptides have several functionalities. For example, various proteins and peptides are "muscle fueling." However, these compounds degrade in alcohol, which can result in bitterness and / or reduced functionality. Alcoholic sports drinks can be produced using containers filled by the method of the present invention. In this case, an alcoholic product, such as beer, is filled in the product chamber, while the additive chamber contains casein hydrolysate or any other protein and / or peptide. Such "sports beers" are particularly suitable according to the present invention.

[0030] Proteins and peptides also degrade in acidic liquids, i.e., liquids with a pH < 7. Most soft drinks, such as cola, are acidic. Containers filled according to the present invention also allow for the combination of an acidic soft drink in the product chamber with proteins and / or peptides in the additive chamber, resulting in a "sports soft drink." This combination is also suitable according to the present invention.

[0031] Carotenoids, such as lycopene, improve consumer vision. Depending on the pH, they can affect the overall color of the beverage. Similarly, antioxidants, such as quercitin, have various functionalities. For example, antioxidants are believed to reduce wrinkle formation. Therefore, these additives are also particularly suitable for inclusion in the additive chamber of the container according to the present invention. The filling method according to the present invention allows these additives to be combined with water, beer, milk, or any other product, in contrast to known containers that do not allow these additives to remain separate from the product.

[0032] As an example of a flavoring such as a flavor concentrate, the product in the product chamber is still or carbonated water, while the additive chamber is filled with liquid syrup. One packaging company may fill the product chamber of a container according to the present invention, while another company may fill the additive chamber with flavored ingredients and fit the additive chamber to the container. Thus, it is possible to provide a variety of flavors of carbonated and still products. A company that installs additive chambers may also be in the catering industry, selling a variety of flavored or health drinks over the counter.

[0033] Many carotenoids such as lycopene, antioxidants such as quercitin, and flavorings are known to deteriorate under the influence of light, in which case the additive chamber of the container according to the invention may be opaque or non-transparent, while the product container may be transparent.

[0034] The container according to the present invention is also suitable for medical applications. In this case, according to the present invention, the product and its post-mixing additives can comprise a pharmaceutical composition, in particular a pharmaceutical product. The pharmaceutical composition may require mixing of different components only at the time of use. The container according to the present invention provides accurate dosing of the different components of the pharmaceutical composition, and the dosing is automatic, eliminating human error. Furthermore, mixing of the different components is completely hygienic.

[0035] The filling method of the present invention is also suitable for use in cosmetic applications. The container can contain products and additives, including cosmetic compositions such as skin lotions, after mixing. The cosmetics industry has developed packages for lotions and skin systems that rely on mixing two or more components at the time of use, such as twin-pack systems. However, these packages are relatively expensive and do not provide automatic mixing. The container of the present invention provides an inexpensive alternative for packaging such cosmetics.

[0036] It may be desirable for the additive to contain two or more compositions. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the additive contains at least two liquid compositions that separate after mixing, e.g., compositions with different densities and / or incompatible chemical properties. Due to the different densities and / or chemical incompatibility, these two liquid components float on top of each other in the additive chamber. After depressurizing the product chamber, the additive chamber will continuously discharge the liquid components. If the liquid components have different colors, the consumer will see multiple jets of different colors flowing into the product chamber.

[0037] The color injection can act as a tamper evident closure where the color indicates that the closure has been opened.

[0038] The product contained within the container can be any flowable material such as a powder, a paste, or a liquid.

[0039] Another field of application of the filling method according to the invention is the use of pressure indicators, for example on powder-based fire extinguishers or gas tanks, where a loss of pressure in the container causes the additive chamber to empty and thus gives an indication of the pressure loss.

[0040] An embodiment of a method and a filling station for filling containers according to the invention will now be described in detail, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates pressurization of a container having a cap and additive chamber according to the present invention. [Figure 2a] 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a pressurizing method according to the invention, in which the bottle is filled via the neck of the bottle. [Figure 2b] 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a pressurizing method according to the invention, in which the bottle is filled via the neck of the bottle. [Figure 2c]1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a pressurizing method according to the invention, in which the bottle is filled via the neck of the bottle. [Figure 2d] 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a pressurizing method according to the invention, in which the bottle is filled via the neck of the bottle. [Figure 3a] 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment in which the bottle is filled through the bottom of the bottle. [Figure 3b] 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment in which the bottle is filled through the bottom of the bottle. [Figure 4a] 10A and 10B show schematically an embodiment using separate caps and additive chambers. [Figure 4b] 10A and 10B show schematically an embodiment using separate caps and additive chambers. [Figure 4c] 10A and 10B show schematically an embodiment using separate caps and additive chambers. [Figure 4d] 10A and 10B show schematically an embodiment using separate caps and additive chambers. [Figure 5a] 2 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the method according to the invention; [Figure 5b] 2 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the method according to the invention; [Figure 5c] 2 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the method according to the invention; [Figure 5d] 2 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the method according to the invention; [Figure 6] 1 shows a pressurizing unit according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a container in the form of a bottle 1 having a neck 2 with a screw thread 3. A cap 4 engages with the threaded neck 2 via an internal thread 5. The cap 4 comprises an additive chamber 7 holding an additive material 8. The cap is in sealing engagement with a seal 9 on the neck 2. The bottom surface 12 of the chamber 7 is provided with an outlet opening 14 that is closed by a valve 13. The valve 13 is closed by overpressure in a headspace 15 located above a product chamber 16. The overpressure, which may be, for example, 2 bar, is created by introducing a drop 17 of liquid nitrogen into the interior of the bottle 1 through the open neck 2. This is shown diagrammatically.

[0043] After placing a drop of nitrogen 17 in the bottle 1, the cap 4 is placed on the neck 2 to seal the bottle. The liquid nitrogen boils back to a gaseous state, filling the headspace 15 while closing the valve 13. Just before or after placing the cap 4, an additive material 18 is introduced into the additive chamber 7. Invested A drop of liquid nitrogen 20 is introduced into the additive chamber 7 and a seal 22 is applied, for example by ultrasonic welding, to seal the chamber 7. The nitrogen 20 reverts to its gaseous state, creating a pressure of 1 bar in the headspace 19.

[0044] Cap 4 has an outer sleeve 25 and an inner reservoir 26 having a wall 27 that slidingly engages an inner surface 28 of outer sleeve 25. An upper portion 29 of wall 27 is supported within an annular cavity defined by an inner annular ridge 30 that extends from the top of cap 4.

[0045] When the user turns the outer sleeve to open the bottle 1, the outer sleeve 25 moves upward. The internal pressure in the headspace 15 pushes the internal reservoir 26 upward, causing it to move away from the seal 9 and releasing the pressure in the headspace 15 to the ambient. This causes the pressure to drop and, under the influence of the pressure in the headspace 19, the valve 13 to open, allowing the contents of the additive chamber 7 to be injected into the product chamber 16 of the bottle 1 and mix with the product contained therein.

[0046] 2a to 2d show, in step a, filling a container 35 with a liquid product 36 through the container neck 37, and, in step b, introducing a droplet of liquid pressurizing medium 38 through the neck 37. A cap 39 is then placed on the neck 37 with the valve 40 in contact with the headspace 45, so that the valve 40 is closed by the pressure in the headspace. An additive material 42 is placed in the additive chamber 41. Invested A small drop 43 of pressurizing medium 43 is introduced into the chamber 41. In step d, a seal 46 is applied onto the cap 39 by ultrasonic welding.

[0047] 3a and 3b, container 35 is shown to be filled via a fill nozzle 47 through the bottom of the container via a relatively large fill opening that allows for rapid filling. Neck 37 includes a small opening 49 through which a drop of pressurizing substance 38 is introduced in step 3b. A sealant 50 is applied to close the fill opening in bottom 48 prior to introducing pressurizing substance 38. Following step 3b, cap 39 with additive chamber 41 can be applied to neck 37 and pressurized in the same manner as shown in FIGS. 2c and 2d.

[0048] 4a-4d show that the cap 52, which closes the outlet opening in the neck 37 of the container 35, and the capsule 55, which contains the additive material, are separate components. The cap 52 closes the outlet opening in the neck 37 while the capsule 55 is housed in a recess 51 in the bottom 48 of the container 35. The capsule 55 is provided with a riser 53 that allows the capsule to be turned, thereby emptying the additive chamber, when the valve 40 faces upward. As shown in FIG. 4a, the container 35 is filled with the product 36 in an upside-down position through a fill opening 56 in the recess 51, with the cap 52 on the neck 37. In FIG. 4b, a pressurizing medium is introduced through the fill opening 56. In FIG. 4c, the capsule 55 is shown positioned in the recess 51 with the valve 40 in contact with the pressurized headspace 45. The capsule 55 is filled with the additive material 42, and liquid or solid gas droplets 43 are added. In Figure 4d, a seal 50 is applied which closes the recess 51 and fixes the capsule 55 in place.

[0049] 5a-5d illustrate an embodiment in which a container 35 is filled with product 36 through a neck 37 of the container 35. After introducing a pressurizing medium 38, the neck 37 is closed with a cap 52, as shown in FIG. 5c. A capsule 55 is inserted into a recess 51 so that the valve 40 protrudes through the container wall and contacts the container interior. The capsule 55, having a riser 53, is filled and pressurized through the bottom of the capsule, and a seal 50 is applied in step 5d. As shown in FIG. 5c, the container 35 with the cap 52 in place may be turned upside down before inserting the capsule 55 into the recess 51. This facilitates filling and pressurizing the capsule 55 under gravity flow conditions.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a pressurizing unit 60 comprising a carousel 61 rotating in the direction of arrow R. Carousel 61 receives filled bottles 62 transported on a conveyor 63 in the direction of arrow T. Pressurizing unit 60 comprises a first pressurizing station 64 having an arm 65 supporting an applicator 66 on the end thereof, through which drops of liquid nitrogen are supplied from a central source 67 and introduced into the bottles via their open necks.

[0051] The bottle then rotates along a cap feed and placement station 68 which couples a cap 70 with an empty additive chamber onto the bottle, thereby sealing it at a pressure of, for example, 2 bar.

[0052] At filling station 71 , the additive chamber of cap 70 is filled with additive material via arm 72 and applicator 73 .

[0053] At a second pressurizing station 75, an applicator 77 on the end of an arm 76 introduces a drop of liquid nitrogen into the filled additive chamber of the cap 70. At a sealing station 80, which includes an ultrasonic welding head 81 on an arm 82, a sealant is placed over the filled additive chamber.

[0054] The amount of liquid nitrogen delivered by the second pressurizing station 75 can be less than the amount delivered by the first pressurizing station 64, so that after application of the seal on the additive chamber, the pressure in the headspace of the additive chamber is less than the pressure in the container, e.g., on the order of 1 bar. It is also possible for the first and second pressurizing stations 64, 75 to deliver equal amounts of liquid nitrogen and time the transfer of the filled additive chamber from the second pressurizing station 75 to the sealing station 80 to allow enough nitrogen to evaporate to the ambient and the pressure in the additive chamber to reach the desired value.

[0055] In alternative embodiments, different liquefied or solid gases may be employed at pressurization stations 64 and 75 to pressurize the vessel and additive chamber at their respective pressures.

[0056] After the sealing step is complete, the filled bottles are placed back on the conveyor 63 and transported through the labelling station 85 for labelling and on to the packaging unit.

Claims

1. A method of filling a container (1, 35, 62), comprising the steps of: Introducing a pressurizing medium (17, 38) into a container (1, 35, 62) having an outlet opening and containing a substance (36); - closing the outlet opening of the container (1, 35, 62) with a closure element (4, 39, 52) comprising an additive chamber (7, 41) and a valve (13, 40), either before or after introducing the pressurizing medium into the container (1, 35, 62); placing the valve (13, 40) in fluid communication with the pressurized vessel such that the valve assumes a closed position upon contact with pressure within the vessel; In a method comprising: introducing an additive material (18, 42) and a pressurizing liquefied or solid gas medium (20, 43) into the additive chamber (7, 41) of the closure member (4, 39, 52) through an additive filling opening (21); sealing a valveless pressure seal (22, 46, 50) over the additive filling opening (21) to seal the additive chamber (7, 41) after a predetermined time so that the interior of the additive chamber (7, 41) is at a predetermined pressure less than the pressure in the container (1, 35, 62) and greater than atmospheric pressure; The method is characterized by:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pressurizing medium in the container (1, 35, 62) comprises a pressurizing liquefied or solid gaseous medium, which is introduced into the container before closing the outlet opening of the container with the closure member (4, 39, 52).

3. A method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressurizing medium (17, 38, 43) added to the container (1, 35, 62) contains a different amount of the same gas as the pressurizing liquefied or solid gas medium added to the additive chamber (7, 41, 55).

4. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein after adding the pressurizing liquefied or solid gas medium (17, 38, 43) to the additive chamber (7, 41, 55), gas is evaporated from the additive chamber until the pressure in the additive chamber is below the pressure in the container (1, 35, 62).

5. A method of filling a container (62), comprising the steps of: Sending a container (62) holding a substance to a pressurizing unit (60); moving the filled container (62) along a first pressurizing station (64) having an applicator (66) for dispensing a pressurizing medium (17, 38) into the filled container (62); delivering a cap (70) comprising a valve (13, 40) and an additive chamber (7, 41) to the filled container (62); closing the container (62) with the cap (70) either before or after introducing the pressurizing medium into the container (1, 35, 62); placing the valve (13, 40) in fluid communication with the pressurized vessel such that contact with pressure within the vessel places the valve in a closed position; feeding the assembled container (62) and cap (70) along a second pressurization station (75); introducing a pressurizing liquefied or solid gaseous medium (20, 43) into the additive chamber (7, 41) through an additive filling opening (21) so that the pressure in the additive chamber is lower than the pressure in the container; feeding the assembled container (62) and cap (70) along a sealing station (80); placing a valveless pressure seal (22, 46) over the additive fill opening (21) of the additive chamber (7, 41) of the cap (70); A method comprising:

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the applicator (66) at the first pressurizing station (64) supplies a first amount of pressurizing liquefied or solid gaseous medium (20, 43) as the pressurizing medium, and the applicator (66, 77) at the second pressurizing station (75) supplies a second amount of pressurizing liquefied or solid gaseous medium (20, 43) that is less than the first amount.

7. The method described in claim 6, wherein the applicators (66, 77) at the first pressure station (64), the applicators (66, 77) at the second pressure station (75) and the sealing station (80) are positioned along a rotating supply station (61).

8. The apparatus comprises first and second pressurizing stations (64, 75), a conveying member (61) for conveying a container (62) along the pressurizing stations (64, 75), an applicator (66) adapted to supply a pressurizing medium into the container (62) at the first pressurizing station (64), and a cap (70) having an additive chamber, provided upstream or downstream of the first pressurizing station (64), and adapted to close the pressurized container (62) with the cap (70), so that the pressure inside the container reaches a first pressure value. a supply unit (68) in which an applicator (77) at the second pressurization station (75) is adapted to supply a pressurizing liquefied or solid gaseous medium to the additive chamber of the cap (70) through an additive filling opening (21); and a sealing station (80) adapted to seal the additive chamber with a valveless pressure seal (22, 46, 50) so that the pressure inside the additive chamber is lower than the pressure in the container.

9. 9. The pressurization unit (60) of claim 8, wherein the applicator (66) at the first pressurization station is adapted to supply a first amount of pressurizing liquefied or solid gas medium to the container (62) as the pressurization medium, and the applicator (77) at the second pressurization station (75) is adapted to supply a second amount of pressurizing liquefied or solid gas medium different from the first amount of pressurizing liquefied or solid gas medium supplied by the applicator (66) at the first pressurization station (64).

10. 10. The pressurizing unit (60) according to claim 8 or 9, comprising an additive filling station (71) between the first pressurizing station (64) and the second pressurizing station (75) for filling the additive chamber with an additive product.

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