WO1997042122A2

WO1997042122A2 - Control volume liquid filling apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO1997042122A2
Application number: PCT/US1997/007829
Authority: WO
Inventors: Inc. Hema U.S.A.; Jean-Charles Marchadour
Original assignee: Hema U S A Inc
Priority date: 1996-05-07
Filing date: 1997-05-07
Publication date: 1997-11-13
Also published as: AU3119797A

Abstract

A controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of the present invention has hopper for holding a liquid to be dispensed into bottles, and a dosing housing having a dosing chamber for measuring and dispensing a predetermined volume of the liquid into the bottle. The dosing housing includes valves for controlling the flow of liquid into and out of the housing. An engagement mechanism is provided to lift bottles into contact with the dosing housing. The engagement mechanism has adjustable force parameters so that the bottle can be simply brought into contact with the dosing housing and pressurized by a gas, and so that the bottle can be forced upwardly sufficiently to open the valve which controls liquid flow out of the dosing chamber. The engagement mechanism and the valves which control fluid flow are all operated by pneumatic distributors which typically move with the dosing housing about a circular path. The distributors have fingers which slide therein to control the pneumatic pressure, and are preferably actuated by a plurality of camming plates which engage the fingers as the distributors move along a circular path.

Description

CONTROL VOLUME LIQUID FILLING APPARATUS AND METHOD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a liquid filling machine for bottles and the like. In particular, the present invention relates to a filling apparatus which precisely controls the volume of liquid dispensed into a bottle or other container during the filling process by determining the volume of liquid prior to bottling.

2. Scope of the art

The use of filling machines for placing liquids in bottles is widespread. The machines allow liquids such as juice and carbonated beverages to be dispensed into bottles and other similar containers in a rapid manner with little lost due to spillage and other types of waste. Typically, a hopper full of the liquid is provided. The liquid in the hopper is typically gravity fed into the bottle. In some embodiments, the liquid is allowed simply to gravity feed for a predetermined period of time.

The use of a timed gravity feed creates problems. When the hopper is full of liquid, more pressure is present and the gravity fed liquid is forced out of the hopper at a higher rate. Thus, there are differences between the amount of liquid dispensed when the hopper is full and when the hopper is close to empty.

In an alternate example, the volume of fluid which is delivered to the bottle is determined by the height of the liquid within the bottle. Once the fluid reaches a certain height, typically the top of the bottle, the fluid contacts a valve regulator which terminates liquid flow into the bottle. A predetermined amount of liquid is then displaced to allow for pressurization, etc. While such systems have been widely accepted, there are several common situations in which relying on the height of the liquid in the bottle has been found to be undesirable. The bottles which are most commonly used with current bottling procedures are formed from polyethylene terephthalate, commonly referred to as PETE. The bottles are inexpensive to make, and are extremely durable. Additionally, the bottles are relatively easy to recycle.

One problem which is presented by the PETE bottles is their tendency to expand when hot liquids are poured therein. The expansion of the bottles is generally unpredictable so that two bottles filled to the same level with hot liquid will contain different amounts of the liquid after the liquid has cooled. If the expansion of the bottle is sufficiently large, the shrinking bottle will cause the liquid to overflow, thereby providing still further wasted product . To compensate for overflow, the cutoff height at which the liquid flow is stopped may be lowered. However, if the level is adjusted lower and expansion is minimal in a bottle, the cooled liquid will be below the volume indicated on the bottle. In most states and in many countries, it is illegal to sell products which contain less than the volume or weight designated on the packaging.

Another area wherein the PETE bottles pose concerns is the bottling of carbonated liquids. If a carbonated liquid is not placed under pressure when bottled, the liquid has a tendency to foam. However, when a PETE bottle is placed under pressure sufficient to prevent foaming, the bottle expands. Because of the inconsistent expansion characteristics of the bottle, it is difficult to know exactly how much of the liquid is disposed in the bottle. Additionally, the conventional W

processes for filling discussed above provided for a significant amount of waste.

Thus there is needed a controlled volume liquid filling apparatus and method which enables the user to accurately determine the amount of the fluid which has been delivered into the bottle and which minimizes the amount of wasted product. Such a liquid filling apparatus and method should also provide improved control during the filling process. 0

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide a control volume liquid filling apparatus which accurately dispenses a predetermined amount of a liquid 5 into a bottle or other container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a liquid filling apparatus which accurately dispenses the predetermined amount of the liquid in a wide array of temperatures. 0 It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a liquid filling apparatus which accurately dispenses the predetermined amount of liquid in a wide range of pressures.

It is still another object of the present invention 5 to provide a liquid filling apparatus in which the volume of liquid to be dispensed by the apparatus can be readily changed by the apparatus' user.

It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the 0 dispensing of liquids into the bottles is controlled pneumatically and which all of the steps necessary for dispensing the liquid into the bottle can occur in one cycle of the apparatus.

The above and other objects of the invention are

35 realized in specific illustrated embodiments of a control volume liquid filling apparatus and method including a hopper for holding a liquid to be dispensed into the bottles, and a dosing housing having a dosing chamber for holding the liquid immediately prior to dispensing into the bottle. The position of the housing is adjustable to enable the user to select the volume of the liquid to be dispensed into the bottle.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the housing includes a engagement mechanism for engaging the bottle to be filled. The engagement mechanism lifts the bottle into contact with the housing for dispensing of the liquid into the bottle.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, as the bottle is brought into contact with the housing and held there, the bottle is flushed with carbon dioxide to remove stale air, filled with the predetermined volume of liquid, and then released.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, pressurized gas is used for controlling engagement with the bottle, flushing of stale air, dosing of the predetermined volume of liquid, delivery of the liquid, and releasing the filled bottle.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the apparatus is disposed in a circular arrangement such that each rotation of the apparatus causes selective activation of pneumatic controls to perform engagement with the bottle, flushing of stale air, dosing of the predetermined volume of the liquid, dispensing the liquid, and release of the bottle.

The present invention also includes a novel method for bottling liquids. Rather than relying on cutoff valves when the liquid reaches the top of the bottle, the desired amount of liquid is predosed and then delivered into the bottle under pressure. By varying the pressure dynamics provided, the method can readily accommodate the delivery of carbonated beverages and noncarbonated beverages with very minor changes in the steps of the method. The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a considerable improvement in the ability of the user both to dose the liquid product accurately and to avoid wasting product due to overages and spills. The method further includes providing adjustable parameters which facilitate use with a variety of bottles having differing Volummetric capacities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a control volume liquid filling apparatus of the present invention in the initial stage of lifting a bottle to be filled with liquid;

FIG. IA shows a close-up, cross sectional view of the housing which is used to dose the liquid dispensed into the bottles;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the control volume liquid filling apparatus, being used to remove stale air from the bottle; FIG. 2A shows the position of the bottle about the liquid filling apparatus when the system is configured as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the control volume liquid filling apparatus as the dosing chamber is being filled and the bottle is being pressurized;

FIG. 3A shows the position of the bottle about the liquid filling apparatus when the system is configured as shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the control volume liquid filling apparatus as the dosing of the liquid and pressurization of the bottle are complete; FIG. 4A shows the position of the bottle about the liquid filling apparatus when the system is configured as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the control volume liquid filling apparatus as the liquid is dispensed into the bottle;

FIG. 5A shows the position of the bottle about the liquid filling apparatus when the system is configured as shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the control volume liquid filling apparatus once the bottle is filled with liquid;

FIG. 6A shows the position of the bottle about the liquid filling apparatus when the system is configured as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the control volume liquid filling apparatus as the contents of the bottle undergo decarbonization;

FIG. 7A shows the position of the bottle about the liquid filling apparatus when the system is configured as shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the control volume liquid filling apparatus as the bottle is drawn away from the contents of the bottle undergo decarbonization; FIG. 8A shows the position of the bottle about the liquid filling apparatus when the system is configured as shown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a mechanism for actuating movement of the actuating fingers of the pneumatic distributors between first and second positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of the present invention will be given numeral designations and in which the invention will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that the following description is only exemplary of the principles of the present invention, and should not be viewed as narrowing the pending claims. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic view of a control volume liquid filling apparatus, generally indicated at 10, made in accordance with the principles of the present invention. For convenience, the respective parts will be identified briefly, and then the interaction of the system with respect to the filling process will be discussed in additional detail.

The filling apparatus 10 includes a hopper 14 which holds a supply of liquid product 18 which is to be dispensed into a bottle 30. The liquid product 18 is conveyed from the hopper to a dosing housing 38 through a product feed line 40. As will be explained in additional detail below, the dosing housing 38 measures a predetermined dose for delivery into the bottle 30. The size of the dose may be adjusted by modifying the relative positions of the dosing housing 38 and a piston

44 which is disposed within the dosing housing. However, throughout one cycle during which the bottle 30 is filled with liquid product 18, the piston 44 does not move. The entire dosing system is operated pneumatically and operates with a combination of controls operated by pressurized air, and by pressurized carbon dioxide. To this end, an air compressor 50 provides pressurized air to a plurality of control valves 52, 54 and 64. The valves 52, 54 and 56 are disposed along pneumatic control lines 62, 64 and 66 , respectively.

The first control valve 52 disposed on pneumatic control line 62 is configured to maintain pressure in the control line at approximately 6 bars. The pneumatic control line 62 is disposed in fluid communication with a plurality of pneumatic distributors, generally indicated at 70. The pneumatic distributors 70 control a plurality of valves and other movable parts so as to control the bottling process of the liquid product 18 contained within the hopper. The functioning of the pneumatic distributors 70 will be discussed in detail with respect to each figure.

The second control valve 54 is disposed along pneumatic control line 64 and is configured to provide air pressurized at 2.5 bars. The pneumatic control line 64 is disposed in fluid communication with a first distributor 74 of the pneumatic distributors 70 and has the exclusive purpose of lifting the bottle 30 into forceful contact with the dosing housing 38.

The third control valve 56 is disposed along pneumatic control line 66 and is configured to provide the control line with air compressed to 6 bars. The pneumatic control line 66 is attached to a port 78 in the housing 38. The port 78 communicates with an pressure chamber 80 adjacent a resilient sleeve which will be discussed in detail in FIG. IA. A pair of pressurized carbon dioxide sources 90 and

94 are also provided. A first carbon dioxide source 90 is attached to a first carbon dioxide supply line 100 which is disposed in fluid communication with a nozzle

110. The carbon dioxide supply line 100 can be used to flush stale air from the bottle 30 with carbon dioxide, or to maintain pressure on the contents of the bottle.

A second carbon dioxide supply line 120 extends from the first carbon dioxide source 90 to a pressure chamber 124 disposed in the dosing housing 38 above the piston 44. As will be discussed in detail with respect to subsequent figures, the pressurized carbon dioxide in the chamber 124 is used to keep the area behind the piston free from microbes between cleanings.

A third carbon dioxide supply line 130 extends from the first carbon dioxide supply 90 and downwardly through the shaft 44a of the piston 44 so as to be in contact with the dosing chamber 138 of the dosing housing 130. The carbon dioxide conveyed by the third carbon dioxide supply line 130 is used to force liquid product disposed in the dosing chamber out of the dosing housing 38 and into the bottle 30. A fourth carbon dioxide supply line 140 extends from the first carbon dioxide supply 90 to the hopper 14. The carbon dioxide supplied by the fourth carbon dioxide supply line 140 helps to equalize pressure between the hopper and the dosing chamber 138 so that the liquid product 18 can flow into the dosing chamber when desired. A vent line 154 and control valve 158 are also provided to allow the fourth carbon dioxide supply line 140 to be vented to atmosphere.

The second carbon dioxide source 94 is attached by a supply line 160 to the hopper 14. A control valve 164 is disposed along the supply line 160 to control the amount of carbon dioxide supplied to the hopper 14 by the second carbon dioxide source 94.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bottle 30 is disposed in a position consistent with delivery of the bottle by a conveyer wheel indicated in FIG. 2A at 420. In order to fill the bottle 30, the bottle must be lifted into contact with the dosing housing 38. This is accomplished by grasping the bottle 30 with an engagement mechanism 170. The engagement mechanism 170 is attached to a slidable lift member 174 which moves vertically so as to lift the bottle 30 into contact with a lower end 38a of the dosing housing 38.

Movement of the slidable lift member 174 is controlled by a first and second pneumatic drive line 180, and 184, respectively. Flow through the first pneumatic drive line 180 is controlled exclusively by the first pneumatic distributor 74. The first pneumatic distributor 74 has a finger 78 which slides between a first and second position. As shown in FIG. 1, the finger 78 is disposed in the first position, thereby allowing pressurized air into the pneumatic drive line 180. The presence of air in the drive line 180 is indicated by its broadened width and the arrow disposed along the drive line.

When the finger 78 of the first pneumatic distributor 74 is disposed so as to allow air in the drive line 180, the slidable lift member 174 is held in a lower position where the bottle 30 remains separated from the dosing housing 38. Because the first pneumatic distributor is supplied by the pneumatic control line 64, only 2.5 bars of pressure are provided.

The second drive line 184 is controlled both by the first pneumatic distributor 74, and by a second pneumatic distributor 200. The second pneumatic distributor 200 is also controlled by the sliding movement of a finger 204. In its first position, shown in FIG. 1, the finger 204 configures the second pneumatic distributor 200 so that air compressed at 2.5 bars may be received from the first pneumatic distributor 74 and passed through the second drive line 184 to the slidable lift member 174. As will be discussed in additional detail with respect to FIG. 5, movement of the slidable finger 204 into the second position connects the second drive line 184 with the pneumatic control line 62, thereby providing 6 bars to the slidable lift member 174. While the 2.5 bars is sufficient to bring the bottle 30 into contact with the lower end 38a of the dosing housing 38, the 6 bars is required to provide sufficient upward force to control a valve system in the dosing housing which will allow liquid product to flow into the bottle.

In addition to partially controlling the second drive line 184, the second pneumatic distributor 200 also controls a third drive line 210 which is connected to the dosing housing. The third drive line 210 is attached to the dosing housing 38 and helps control the movement of a slidable nozzle housing 214 which selectively controls flow of liquid product 18 out of the dosing housing 38. The nozzle housing 214 is discussed in additional detail with respect to FIG. IA. Disposed above the second pneumatic distributor 200 in FIG. 1 is a third pneumatic distributor 220. The third pneumatic distributor 220 is controlled by a slidable finger 224 which regulates flow through the pneumatic distributor. The third pneumatic distributor 220 is connected to a fourth drive line 228 which controls a vent valve 236 which selectively vents gasses passing upwardly through the nozzle 110.

Disposed adjacent to the third pneumatic distributor 200 is a fourth pneumatic distributor 240. The fourth pneumatic distributor 240 has a slidable finger 244 which selectively controls flow of gas through the pneumatic distributor. The fifth drive line 250 extends from the fourth pneumatic distributor 240 to a control valve 260 disposed along the first carbon dioxide supply line 100. To provide additional control over the fifth supply line 250, the gas flowing thereto passes through the third pneumatic distributor 200 prior to the fourth pneumatic distributor 240. Thus, either the third or fourth pneumatic distributor, 200 or 240, can be used to prevent fluid flow through the fifth drive line 250. The fourth pneumatic distributor 240 also controls fluid flow through a sixth drive line 256. The sixth drive line 256 operates a control valve 266 disposed between a nozzle feed/drain line 268 and a drainage line 270. As is shown in FIG. 5, the drainage line 270 is used to receive carbon dioxide which is displaced as the bottle 30 is filled with the liquid product 18.

Disposed adjacent the fourth pneumatic distributor 240 is a fifth pneumatic distributor 280. The fifth pneumatic distributor 280 has a slidable finger 284 which controls air flow to a seventh drive line 290. The seventh drive line 280 communicates with an inflatable annular membrane valve 294. The annular membrane valve 294 is disposed in an annular chamber (more clearly shown in FIG. IA) in the dosing housing 38. The annular fill chamber is disposed at the end of the product feed line 40, and the annular membrane valve 294 controls product flow into the dosing chamber 138. As shown in FIG. 1, the fingers 78, 204, 224, 244, and 284 are all disposed in the first position. This results in the first drive line 180, the third drive line 210, the fourth drive line 228 and the seventh drive line 290 being pressurized. By selectively moving the respective pneumatic distributors between the first and second positions, the flow air into the drive lines is controlled, thereby controlling the dispensing of fluid into the bottle 30. Referring now to FIG. IA, there is shown a cross- sectional view of the dosing housing 38. The housing includes a dosing chamber 138 which determines the amount of liquid product (not shown) which is dispensed into each bottle 30. The size of the dosing chamber 138 can be adjusted by moving the position of the piston 44 with respect to the dosing housing 38. Typically this is done by maintaining the piston 44 in a stationary condition and adjusting the position of the dosing housing upwardly or downwardly. Movement of the dosing housing 38 is typically performed by movement of a support arm 320 which holds the dosing housing in place.

When fluid is disposed in the dosing chamber 138, the second carbon dioxide supply line 120 is used to fill the pressure chamber 124 disposed behind the piston 44 with carbon dioxide. An annular seal 326 is provided to prevent leakage around the piston, and the pressure provided by the second carbon dioxide supply line 120 equalizes pressure against the seal.

As shown in FIG. IA, the position of the piston 44 has been changed so that the piston is disposed in a upper portion 328 of the dosing housing 38 having a greater interior diameter than the remainder of the dosing housing. The piston 44 is typically disposed in such a position only during periodic cleaning. A cleaning agent is fed through the second carbon dioxide supply line 120 and is able to bypass the seal 326 due to the larger interior diameter at the upper portion 328.

When the fluid is disposed in the dosing chamber 138, reaches the piston, the dosing housing 38 contains the desired dose. Typically, the filling of the dosing chamber 138 is done by allowing the product in the housing to equalize with the product in the hopper 14

(FIG. 1) . A check valve 332 can be provided at the bottom of the third carbon dioxide feed line 130, or the liquid product can be allowed to rise into the feed line. Because the feed line typically has a small diameter, a very small amount of liquid product 18 can be contained therein as it equalizes with the level of liquid product in the hopper 14. Any additional quantity of liquid product would be a mere fraction of that currently wasted with each bottle under current bottling techniques.

The third carbon dioxide supply line 130 is also used to force the liquid product (not shown in FIG. IA) out of the dosing chamber 138. As fluid flows out of the dosing chamber 138, is flows through a narrow neck 324. The narrow neck 324 is provided so that there is sufficient room for the annular product chamber 330 in which the annular membrane valve 294 is disposed. The annular product chamber 330 receives liquid product 18 (FIG. 1) from the product feed line 40. When the inflatable annular membrane valve 294 is open, i.e. not inflated, liquid product supplied by the feed line flows through the annular product chamber 330 and into the dosing chamber 138. When the annular membrane valve 294 is closed, i.e. inflated, the flow of liquid product into the dosing chamber is curtailed. Liquid product flowing out of the dosing chamber 138 next passes through an annular flow channel 340 disposed about the nozzle 110. The annular flow channel 340 is disposed in alignment with the opening in the bottle 30, thereby allowing the liquid product to flow into the bottle.

Liquid flow out of the dosing chamber 138 is controlled by the interaction of the nozzle 110 with the nozzle housing 214. The lower end of the annular flow channel 340 is defined outwardly by a circular flange 350. The circular flange 350 is attached to a lower end 214a of the nozzle housing 214 and is movable with the housing. The circular flange 350 is of a smaller diameter than the outermost diameter at the lower end 110a of the nozzle 110 which flairs outwardly. When the nozzle housing 214 moves downwardly so that circular flange 350 contacts the nozzle 110, flow of liquid out of the annular flow channel 340 is stopped. Downward pressure can be applied to the nozzle housing 214 by supplying compressed air through the port 78 into a pressure chamber 360 which is defined on an inner wall by a flexible sleeve 364 which connects the nozzle housing 214 to the bottom of the dosing chamber 138 to provide a continuous surface which eliminates any pockets which promote microbe growth. The sleeve 364 can be reinforced by a spring 368.

Additional downward pressure can be applied to the nozzle housing 214 via the third drive line 210 into a nozzle housing pressure chamber 380. When pressurized, the compressed air in the chamber encourages downward movement of the nozzle housing 214. When sufficient pressure is applied, the nozzle housing 214 is forced downwardly by the compressed air, thereby causing the circular flange 350 and lower end 110a of the nozzle 110 to interact and close the annular flow channel 340. To allow fluid flow through the annular flow channel 340, the bottle 30 is moved upwardly against a seal member 370 at the bottom of the nozzle housing 214. As the nozzle housing 214 is moved upwardly, the circular flange 350 and the lower end 110a of the nozzle 110 move away from each other, thereby opening the fluid flow channel 340. With this accomplished, liquid product can flow through the annular flow channel 340.

Movement of the bottle 30 is performed by the slidable lift member 174. The slidable lift member 174 is attached to a shaft 390 which extends downwardly from the dosing housing 38. A piston head 394 is attached to shaft 390 and is disposed within the slidable lift member 174. A top end of the slidable lift member has a port 400 disposed therein through which compressed air may be supplied by the second drive line 184 (FIG. 1) . The lower end of the slidable lift member 174 has a port 404 through which compressed air is supplied by the first drive line 180 (FIG. 1) . The slidable lift member 174 has a void 410 disposed therein wherein the piston head 394 moves relative to the slidable lift member 174. As shown in FIG. IA, compressed air is being supplied by the first drive line 180 (FIG. 1) and through the port 404 so as to force the slidable lift member 174 down. By applying compressed air through the port 400, the slidable lift member 174 is moved upwardly, causing the bottle 30 to contact and raise the nozzle housing 214.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a schematic view of the controlled volume liquid filling apparatus

10. The apparatus includes all of the same structures identified in FIGs. 1 and IA. The positions of fingers 78, 224, 244 and 284 have been moved to alter the flow of compressed air and carbon dioxide through the apparatus 10, thereby controlling the bottling process.

Beginning with pneumatic distributor 74, the finger

78 has been moved from the first position, shown in FIG. 1, into a second position. The movement of the finger 78 causes the pneumatic distributor 74 to terminate gas flow into the first drive line 180, and sends the compressed air to the second drive line 184 through the second pneumatic distributor 200. The compressed air in the second drive line 184 enters the slidable lift member 174 through the upper port 400 so as to move the slidable lift member upwardly relative to the piston head 394.

The finger 224 of the third pneumatic distributor 220 has also been moved from the first position to the second position. Movement of the finger 224 into the second position terminates the flow of compressed air into the fourth drive line 228. Because the valve 236 is biased in a closed position, termination of the flow through the fourth drive line 228 closes the valve, and thereby prevents any fluids being fed into the nozzle 110 through line 268 from being vented.

The termination of compressed air into the fourth drive line 228 causes the compressed air to be diverted through the fourth pneumatic distributor 240 into the fifth drive line 250. The pressure in the fifth drive line 250 actuates valve 260 which is normally closed. Opening valve 260 allows the flow of carbon dioxide from the first carbon dioxide supply line 100 through the valve and into line 268. The pressurized carbon dioxide then flows through the nozzle 110 and into the bottle 30.

Those familiar with bottling processes will appreciate that the bottles are typically made at a remote location and are often stored for prolonged periods of time. Thus, it is often necessary to flush the bottle to remove stale air. In the present invention, the movement of the fingers on the first, third and fourth pneumatic distributors, 200, 220 and 240 provides a carbon dioxide flush of the bottle 30 as it is being lifted into contact with the lower end 38a of the dosing housing 38.

The finger 284 of the fifth pneumatic distributor 280 is also moved from its first position to a second position. The movement of the finger 280 terminates pressure in the seventh drive line 290. When the pressure in the seventh drive line 290 is terminated, the annular membrane valve 294 is deflated, thereby allowing the flow of liquid from product feed line 40, through the annular product chamber 330, and into the dosing chamber 138. Thus, as the bottle 30 is flushed to remove stale air, the dosing housing 38 is filled with liquid product 18. Referring now to FIG. 2A, there is shown a schematic representation of the controlled volume liquid filling apparatus 10 of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the bottling of liquids must be done at a relatively high rate of speed to keep costs within acceptable levels. To accomplish high rate handling, the liquid filling apparatus 10 of the present invention will typically have several dosing housings 38' disposed about a common hopper (not shown) in a circular arrangement as indicated by the large, central circle in FIG. 2A. Empty bottles 30a are provided to the liquid filling apparatus 10 by a conveyer feed wheel 420 and bottles 30b which have been filled are removed by a distribution conveyer wheel 430. As the bottle 30 and dosing housing 38 move in a circular manner, the various steps of the bottling process are performed. For each of FIGs. 2 through 8, the schematic is provided to show the position of the bottle 30 and dosing housing 38 for the step shown. Thus, for the step shown in FIG. 2, the position of the bottle 30 and dosing housing 38 is indicated by arrow 440.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the fingers 74, 204, 224, 244 and 284 have not been moved. The only substantial difference between FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is that the bottle 30 has been moved upwardly by the slidable lift member 174 that the bottle contacts the lower end 214a of the nozzle housing 214 so as to form a seal. Continued introduction of carbon dioxide by the nozzle 110 pressurizes the bottle 30 and helps to prevent foaming if a carbonated liquid is dispensed into the bottle. Additionally, the amount of liquid product 18 in the dosing chamber 138 has increased.

The approximate position at which the bottle 30 contacts the lower end 214a of the nozzle housing 214 is indicated in FIG. 3A by the arrow 440. Of course, each event described herein will take place over portion of the circular path of movement rather than at a specific location.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a schematic view similar to that of FIG. 3. The differences between FIGs. 3 and 4 is that the finger 284 to the fifth pneumatic distributor 280 has been moved back into the first position. This movement restores pressurized fluid flow through the seventh drive line 290. The pressurized fluid inflates the second inflatable annular valve 294 and thereby prevent the flow of liquid product 18 from the annular product chamber 330 into the dosing chamber 138. By terminating flow out of the annular product chamber 330, the flow through product feed line 40 is also terminated.

The movement of finger 284 of the fifth pneumatic distributor 280 is performed once the liquid product 18 has reached a desired level within the dosing housing

38. The liquid product 18a will fill to a position at which it is in equilibrium with the liquid product 18 in the hopper 14. Because the level in the hopper 14 varies, the third carbon dioxide supply line 130 can receive liquid product to a :.eve an equilibrium if no valve 332 (FIG. IA) is provi .ed. However, because the channel forming the supply line 130 is very small in diameter, the additional volume contained therein is negligible.

The approximate position at which the closing of the inflatable annular membrane valve 294 occurs is indicated in FIG. 4A by the arrow 440. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the preceding steps can be performed relatively rapidly. Thus, only about 60 degrees of the circular path of movement has been consumed.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a schematic view of the liquid filling apparatus 10 as the bottle 30 is being filled. The finger 204 of the second pneumatic distributor 200 is moved into the second position. The movement of the finger 204 terminates the flow of the 2.5 bar compressed air previously passed from the first pneumatic distributor 74 to the second drive line 184, and substitutes therefor compressed air received via pneumatic control line 62. The compressed air received from pneumatic control line 62 is pressurized at 6 bars.

The higher pressure air moves the slidable lift member 394 upward more forcefully so as to ensure a proper seal between the bottle 30 and the lower end 214a of the nozzle housing 214. The force also moves the nozzle housing 214 upwardly, thereby moving the circular flange 350 disposed at the bottom of the housing 214 away from the lower end 110a of the nozzle 110 as is shown in FIG. IA. Movement of the circular flange 350 away from the lower end 110a of the nozzle 110 opens the annular flow channel 340. Movement of the finger 204 of the second pneumatic distributor 200 also terminates pressurized fluid flow through the third drive line 210 which is used to hold the nozzle housing 214 down via the housing pressure chamber 380 (not shown) . The finger 244 on the fourth pneumatic distributor 240 is moved back into the first position. Movement of the finger 244 terminates the pressurization of the fifth drive line 250 and thereby closes valve 260, preventing carbon dioxide from the first carbon dioxide supply line 100 from entering line 268 and the nozzle 110. The movement of the finger 244 also pressurizes the sixth drive line 256 and thereby opens the valve 266. With the valve 266 open, any gasses in line 268 can be vented through line 270, which provided with a pressure control device 272 is disposed along line 270 to control the rate at which the carbon dioxide is vented. As the liquid product 18b flows through the annular flow channel 340 (FIG. IA) and into the bottle 30, as is indicated by arrows 450, the carbon dioxide in the bottle is forced upwardly through the nozzle 110, as indicated by arrow 460. The carbon dioxide travels down line 268, through valve 266, and is vented through line 270. The simultaneous filling of the bottle 30 with the liquid product 18b and evacuation of the carbon dioxide creates a smoother filling process which takes less time and allows less spillage.

In FIG. 5A, the arrow 440 shows the approximate starting position of the filling process described above. The ending position is shown by the arrow 440 in FIG. 6A.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown the apparatus 10 at the completion of the filling step. The finger 204 of the second pneumatic distributor 200 is returned to the first position, thereby restoring fluid flow to the third drive line 210, and changing the pressure in the second drive line 184 from 6 bars to 2.5 bars. This allows the slidable lift member 174 to move downwardly with the bottle 30 a sufficient distance that the bottle is no longer displacing the nozzle housing 214. Simultaneously, the pressure in the third drive line 210 encourages the nozzle housing 214 to move downwardly, thereby causing the circular flange 350 to engage the lower end 110a of the nozzle and prohibit flow through the annular flow channel 340. During these steps, the valve 266 remains open to allow the controlled venting of gas received through line 268 from the nozzle 110. When the liquid filling apparatus is used with a carbonated liquid product 18, the bottle 30 is allowed to depressurize prior to removal from the dosing housing 38. If such were not allowed, agitation of the bottle 30 could result in the foaming of the liquid product 18b contained therein and result in spillage.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown the controlled liquid filling apparatus 10 configured immediately prior to detachment of the bottle 30. The finger 224 of the third pneumatic distributor 220 has been returned to the first position. Movement of the finger 224 terminates the pressure provided to the control valve 260 through the sixth drive line 256. With the pressurization terminated, the control valve 266 closes and prevents additional gas from passing through the line 270.

Movement of the finger 224 also restores pressurization to the fourth drive line 228. The pressure causes the control valve 236 to open, thereby allowing gas in line 268 to vent to atmosphere.

The finger 284 of the fifth pneumatic distributor 280 is moved into the second position, thereby removing the pressurization of the seventh drive line 290. With the seven drive line 290 depressurized, the annular membrane valve 294 deflates and allows flow of liquid product from the annular product chamber 330 into the dosing chamber 138. Thus, while the bottle 30 is in the final stages of depressurization, the dosing chamber is being refilled with product for the next bottle. While FIG. 1 shows the dosing chamber 138 as being empty when the bottle 30 is engaged, such will only be the arrangement for the first bottle of each run for the dosing housing 38. Subsequent bottles will be engaged while the dosing chamber 138 is being filled. In FIG. 7A, the schematic shows that the final depressurization occurs as the bottle 30 and dosing chamber 38, as indicated by arrow 440, approach the distribution conveyer wheel 430. However, to properly release the bottle 30 onto the distribution conveyer wheel 430, the bottle 30 must be disengaged from the dosing housing. Thus, FIG. 8 shows a schematic of the bottle 30 being disengaged from the dosing housing 38. The finger 78 of the first pneumatic distributor 74 is moved back into the first position, thereby terminating pressurization of the second drive line 184 and restoring pressurization of the first drive line 180. The change in pressurization causes the slidable lift member 174 to move downwardly with respect to the piston head 394. As the slidable lift member 174 moves downwardly, the bottle 30 is removed from the lower end 38a of the dosing housing 138 and placed on a base surface 490 disposed below the bottle.

As is shown in FIG. 8A, placement of the bottle 30 on the base surface 490 occurs shortly before the interface with the distribution conveyer wheel 430. The bottle is passed from the base surface 490 to the distribution conveyer wheel 430 where it may be processed further.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a top view for one embodiment for actuating the pneumatic distributors to accomplish the steps described above.

A single pneumatic distributor 74 is shown in four different positions, designated at 74a, 74b, 74c, and

74d. The finger 78 which selectively provides or discontinues pressurization to the drive lines 180 and 184 must be moved between the first and second positions. As shown at 74a, the finger 78 is disposed in the first position. As the finger 78 moves about the circular path 498 of the apparatus 10, the finger contacts a camming plate 500. The camming plate 500 causes the finger 78 to slide into the second position as the pneumatic distributor 74a moves into the position indicated by 74b. The finger 78 then remains in the second position, as indicated at 74c, until the finger is again contacted by a second camming plate 504 which moves the finger back into the first position. As shown at 74d, the finger 78 is disposed between the first and second positions, as the pneumatic distributor 74 has not moved passed the camming plate 504.

Because the fingers of the respective pneumatic distributors must be moved between the first and second positions at differing times, a common camming surface cannot be used. Thus, the pneumatic distributors are typically disposed in different vertical planes, and camming surfaces or plates are positioned in each plane so as to move the finger between the first and second positions at a position appropriate for the respective pneumatic distributor.

Because the apparatus 10 will typically have numerous dosing housings 38 and the supporting equipment for each dosing housing disposed in a generally circular array, the camming surfaces or plates will generally be held stationary so that they will actuate each pneumatic distributor which moves in a particular plane. Thus, for example, the first pneumatic distributor 74 will be in the same position for each dosing housing 38. As the apparatus 10 makes one complete turn, the position of the first camming plate, such as plate 500, will cause the movement of each finger 78 into the second position, while the position of the second camming plate, such as plate 504, will cause movement of the finger back into the first position. In such a manner, a single camming plate can actuate each dosing housing which passes thereby. Depending on the size of the operation, one hundred dosing housings or more could be disposed on a single apparatus; all of them being actuated with a plurality of stationary camming plates. The steps described above are typically used for the bottling of carbonated beverages. If it is desired to use the apparatus for bottling noncarbonated beverages, such as juice, a control panel (not shown) is accessed and the fourth pneumatic distributor 240 is moved so that it's finger 244 is not actuated by the camming plates. Thus, there is disclosed a controlled volume liquid filling apparatus and method which provides significant improvements in the bottling of liquids. The temperature of the liquid becomes substantially unimportant because the liquid is dosed by volume in the dosing housing 38, and is generally unaffected by expansion of the bottle 30. Likewise, carbonated liquids are dispensed by volume as determined in the dosing housing. Furthermore, a substantial savings is achieved because there is no need to waste liquid product during the bottling process.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications can be made to the apparatus and method without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A controlled volume liquid filling apparatus for dispensing liquid product into a bottle comprising: hopper means for holding a liquid product to be dispensed; dosing means disposed in communication with the hopper means for receiving a predetermined volume of liquid product, the dosing means comprising a dosing chamber configured for receiving the predetermined volume, valve means for selectively controlling flow of liquid product into the dosing chamber and dispensing means for selectively dispensing the predetermined volume of liquid product into a bottle; engagement means for bringing the bottle into contact with the dosing means; and a plurality of pneumatic control means disposed in communication with the dosing means and the engagement means for selectively controlling the valve means, the dispensing means and the engagement means to selectively dose liquid product and dispense the dose into the bottle.

2. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dosing means further comprises a gas control means for supplying gas to the bottle and for removing gas from the bottle.

3. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 2, wherein the gas control means comprises a nozzle disposable at least partially in the bottle.

4. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the gas supply means further comprises a carbon dioxide supply means disposed in communication with the nozzle means for supplying pressurized carbon dioxide to the bottle through the nozzle.

5. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 3, wherein the gas control means comprises vent means disposed in communication with the nozzle for selectively bleeding off gas disposed in the bottle.

6. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 3, wherein the dosing means comprises a flow channel for delivering liquid product contained therein into the bottle, and wherein the flow channel is disposed about the nozzle.

7. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 6, wherein the flow channel is annular, and wherein the nozzle forms an inner wall of the flow channel .

8. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 6, wherein the flow channel is defined by a slidable nozzle housing disposed in the dosing housing.

9. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 8, wherein the slidable nozzle housing selectively engages the nozzle to terminate liquid flow through the flow channel.

10. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve means has an open position and a closed posi^ on, and wherein the dosing means further comprises p .matic supply means for biasing the valve means in the c±osed position.

11. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus further comprises pneumatic lift means for selectively moving a bottle into forceful contact with the valve means under sufficient pressure to overcome the biasing of the pneumatic supply means and open the valve means.

12. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 9, wherein the pneumatic lift means comprises control means for lifting the bottle with a first force and a second force, the first force being sufficient to raise the bottle into contact with the valve means, but insufficient to open the valve means, and the second force being sufficient to raise the bottle and contact the valve means so as to open the valve means .

13. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 11 wherein the apparatus further comprises seal means disposed on the valve means for engaging the bottle and forming a seal between the bottle and the valve means when the bottle forcefully contacts the valve means.

14. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dosing means further comprises means for varying the size of the dosing chamber.

15. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 14, wherein the means for varying the size of the dosing chamber comprises a piston disposed within the dosing means and forming an end of the dosing chamber, the piston being movable relative to the dosing means.

16. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 15, wherein the dosing means further comprises a gas supply line extending through the piston for selectively forcing liquid product out of the dosing chamber.

17. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hopper means and the dosing means are connected by a liquid product supply line, the dosing chamber having upper and lower ends, and the liquid product feed line being attached to the dosing means adjacent lower end of the dosing chamber.

18. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 17, wherein the dosing means further comprises an annular product chamber for receiving liquid product from the liquid product feed line, the annular product chamber being disposed in fluid communication with the dosing chamber.

19. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 18, wherein the annular product chamber is disposed adjacent the lower end of the dosing chamber, and wherein the dosing means further comprises an annular valve for selectively preventing flow of liquid product from the annular product chamber into the dosing chamber.

20. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 19, wherein the annular valve is an annular membrane valve, and wherein one of the pneumatic control means comprises means for inflating the annular membrane valve so as to obstruct flow of liquid product from the annular product chamber into the dosing housing.

21. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises gas supply means for supplying pressurized gas to the hopper means and the dosing means as liquid flows from the hopper means to the dosing means.

22. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the pneumatic control means comprises a plurality of pneumatic distributors, each distributor being connected to at least one pneumatic drive line, and a control member for selectively terminating pneumatic pressure in the at least one pneumatic drive line.

23. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 22, wherein the control member comprises a finger movable between a first position and a second position to thereby control pneumatic pressure in the at least one drive line.

24. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus further comprises a plurality of camming plates disposed so as to selectively move the fingers of the plurality of pneumatic control means between the first and second positions.

25. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 24, wherein the pressure distributors are disposed to move along a circular path, and wherein the camming plates are stationary such that movement of the pressure distributors passed the camming plates causes the fingers to be moved between the first and second positions.

26. A method for dispensing liquid into a bottle, the method comprising: a) providing a hopper containing liquid product; b) providing a dosing housing having a dosing chamber for measuring a predetermined dose of liquid product and a valve for selectively preventing flow of liquid product out of the dosing chamber; c) conveying liquid product from the hopper to the dosing housing until the predetermined dose of liquid product is disposed in the dosing chamber; d) positioning a bottle below the dosing housing e) terminating the flow of liquid product into the dosing chamber; and f) opening the valve to release the predetermined dose of liquid product into the bottle.

27. The method for dispensing liquid into a bottle of claim 26, wherein the dosing housing has a lower end with a flow channel disposed therein, wherein the bottle has an opening, and wherein step (d) comprises, more specifically, lifting the bottle into a forceful contact with the lower end of the dosing housing so that opening of the bottle is aligned with the flow channel .

28. The method for dispensing liquid into a bottle of claim 27, wherein the valve comprises a slidable housing biased for terminating flow of liquid product through the flow channel, the slidable housing being disposed at the lower end of the dosing housing and wherein step (f) comprises, more specifically, forcing the bottle upwardly against the lower end of the dosing housing with sufficient force to overcome the biasing of the slidable housing and thereby open the valve.

29. The method for dispensing liquid into a bottle of claim 26, wherein step (f) comprises, more specifically, applying pressurized gas into the dosing chamber to force the liquid product to flow through the valve .

30. The method for dispensing liquid into a bottle of claim 27, wherein the method further comprises flushing the bottle with carbon dioxide as it is being lifted into contact with the lower end of the dosing housing.

31. The method for dispensing liquid into a bottle of claim 28, wherein the method further comprises providing a plurality of pneumatic controls connected to the dosing chamber and operating the controls to selectively control flow of liquid product into the dosing chamber and to selectively lift the bottle into forceful contact with the lower end of the dosing end prior to dispensing of liquid product into the bottle and to lower the bottle away from the lower end of dosing housing after the predetermined dose of liquid product has been dispensed therein.

32. The method for dispensing liquid product of claim 26, wherein the method further comprises changing the predetermined dose of the dosing housing by providing a piston disposed within the dosing housing and moving the piston relative to the dosing housing to change the size of the dosing chamber.

33. A dosing mechanism for connection to a hopper for dispensing a controlled volume of liquid product into a bottle, the dosing mechanism comprising: dosing means disposable in communication with a hopper means for receiving liquid product from the hopper means, the dosing means comprising; an annular product chamber for receiving liquid product; a dosing chamber disposed adjacent to the product chamber for receiving product from the product chamber; an annular membrane valve means disposed between the annular product chamber and the dosing chamber for selectively opening and closing to respectively allow and prevent flow there between; and control means disposed in communication with the valve means for opening and closing the valve means to selectively allow or prevent respective flow of liquid product between the annular product chamber and the dosing chamber.

34. The dosing mechanism of claim 1, wherein the control means comprises a pneumatic feed line.

35. The dosing mechanism of claim 1, wherein the annular membrane valve is inflatable to selectively terminate flow of liquid from the annular product chamber to the dosing chamber.

36. The dosing mechanism of claim 1, wherein the dosing chamber has a lower end and wherein the annular product chamber is disposed about the lower end of the dosing chamber.

37. A dosing mechanism for disposal in fluid communication with a hopper, the dosing mechanism comprising: dosing means for dispensing a predetermined quantity of a liquid product, the dosing means comprising a dosing chamber disposed to receive a predetermined quantity the liquid product, the dosing chamber having a lower end, a nozzle means disposed below the lower end of the dosing chamber and in fluid communication with the dosing chamber for selectively controlling the flow of liquid out of the dosing chamber, the nozzle means comprising a nozzle housing slidable between a closed position, wherein the housing prevents flow out of the dosing chamber, and an open p ition wherein the housing does not prevent flow out o- the dosing chamber; and a flexible sleeve means being extending from the slidable nozzle housing to the dosing chamber for maintaining a generally continuous wall from the dosing chamber to the nozzle housing as the nozzle housing moves between the open and closed positions.

38. The dosing mechanism of claim 37, further comprising a spring disposed about the flexible sleeve.

39. The dosing mechanism of claim 37, wherein the flexible sleeve defines a fluid flow path out of the dosing chamber.

40. The dosing mechanism of claim 37, wherein the dosing means further comprises a pressure chamber disposed about the flexible sleeve.

41. A dosing mechanism for dispensing a controlled volume dose of a liquid product into a container, the dosing mechanism being attachable to a support and connectable to a hopper for providing the liquid product, the dosing mechanism comprising: a dosing means for dispensing a controlled volume dose of the liquid product, the dosing means comprising a dosing housing for attachment to a support, the dosing housing defining a dosing chamber for receiving a predetermined dose of liquid product, and a nozzle means for selectively releasing the product into the container; and lift means attached to and supported by the dosing housing for lifting a container into contact with the nozzle means such that the nozzle means releases liquid product into the container.

42. The dosing means of claim 41, wherein the dosing device further comprises pneumatic control means for selectively operating the lift means to bring the container into contact with the nozzle means and to remove the container from the nozzle means.

43. The dosing means of claim 41, wherein the nozzle means moves between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the lift means is disposed such that the container lifted by the lift means into contact with the nozzle means moves with the nozzle means.

44. A controlled volume liquid filling apparatus for receiving liquid product from a hopper and for dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid product into a bottle, the apparatus comprising: dosing means for receiving liquid product to be dispensed, the dosing means comprising a dosing housing defining a dosing chamber configured for receiving a predetermined volume of liquid product, an annular product chamber having an annular membrane valve disposed therein for selectively controlling the flow of liquid product into the dosing chamber, and a valve means including a slidable nozzle housing for selectively controlling flow of liquid product out of the dosing chamber, the slidable nozzle housing having a flexible sleeve attached thereto and extending upwardly to the dosing chamber so as to maintain a generally continuous sidewall between the dosing chamber and the nozzle housing and the nozzle housing slides; engagement means for bringing the bottle into contact with the dosing means, the engagement means being attached to and suspended from the dosing housing; and control means disposed in communication with the dosing means and the engagement means for selectively controlling the dosing means and the engagement means to selectively dose liquid product and dispense the dose into the bottle.

45. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 44, wherein the control means comprises a plurality of pneumatic control lines.

46. A controlled volume liquid filling apparatus for dispensing liquid product into a bottle comprising: hopper means for holding a liquid product to be dispensed; dosing means disposed in communication with the hopper means for receiving a predetermined volume of liquid product, the dosing means comprising a dosing chamber configured for receiving the predetermined volume, valve means for selectively controlling flow of liquid product into the dosing chamber and dispensing means for selectively dispensing the predetermined volume of liquid product into a bottle; engagement means for bringing the bottle into contact with the dosing means; and a plurality of pneumatic control means disposed in communication with the dosing means and the engagement means for selectively controlling the valve means, the dispensing means and the engagement means to selectively dose liquid product and dispense the dose into the bottle.

47. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dosing means further comprises a gas control means for selectively supplying gas to the bottle and for selectively removing gas from the bottle.

48. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 47, wherein the gas control means comprises a nozzle for partial insertion into the bottle, wherein the dosing means comprises a flow channel for delivering liquid product contained therein into the bottle, and wherein the flow channel is disposed about the nozzle.

49. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 48, wherein the flow channel is annular, and wherein the nozzle forms an inner wall of the flow channel.

50. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dosing means further comprises means for varying the size of the dosing chamber.

51. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hopper means and the dosing means are connected by a liquid product supply line, the dosing chamber having upper and lower ends, and the liquid product feed line being attached to the dosing means adjacent lower end of the dosing chamber.

52. The controlled volume liquid filling apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the pneumatic control means comprises a plurality of pneumatic distributors, each distributor being connected to at least one pneumatic drive line, and a control member for selectively terminating pneumatic pressure in the at least one pneumatic drive line.