The present invention relates to a novel beverage container and associated mechanism and process for removing a cap from a closure structure in the container, filling the container, securing the cap, and dispensing the container. The beverage container comprises a compostable shell, a cap, a closure structure, and a beverage bag,

Disclosed herein is a fluid transfer assembly for dispensing flowable material from a container, the fluid transfer assembly having a spout, a screw cap body, and an aseptic plug, wherein the aseptic plug is configured to form an aseptic seal with the screw cap body.

Container filling systems are described herein. A container filling system includes a container assembly, a nozzle, a first roller and a second roller. The container assembly includes a plurality of containers, each having a container volume and a fluid manifold defining a fluid pathway, wherein the fluid pathway is in fluid communication with the container volume of each of the plurality of containers. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the fluid pathway, wherein the nozzle directs flow from a fluid source into the fluid pathway. The nozzle separates the fluid manifold into a first portion and a second portion to permit the fluid manifold to advance relative to the nozzle.

The present disclosure provides a support system. In an embodiment, the support system includes a top plate and a base plate. The top plate and the base plate have a common outer perimeter. The support system includes a support structure. The support structure supports the top plate above the base plate. The support system includes a pair of parallel rails. The parallel rails extend from the top plate outer perimeter to a closed end at a center portion of the top plate. The pair of parallel rails defines a channel. The support system includes a protrusion on each respective rail. Each protrusion extends into the channel in mirror-image relation to each other. The protrusions are located a fitment width distance away from the closed end. The protrusions and the closed end together define a filling position. The support system includes a fitment for a flexible container in the channel.

A method for processing a fluid includes removably securing a retention member to a vessel that bounds a chamber; inserting a collapsible bag within the chamber of the vessel; securing the bag to the retention member so that the bag is supported within the chamber of the vessel; and dispensing a fluid into a compartment of the collapsible bag supported within the chamber of the vessel. The fluid can be mixed within bag while the bag is disposed within the vessel.

A method and system for filling a flexible film bag attached to a face plate with a flowable composition is disclosed. The system includes a chamber for receiving the flexible film bag and a fill tube for dispensing the flowable composition into the flexible film bag, where the fill tube is at least partially disposed in the film bag. The system also includes a first pump in fluid communication with the chamber, where the first pump creates a vacuum between an exterior surface of the flexible film bag and an interior surface of the chamber, such that the flexible film bag expands from an unexpanded state to an expanded state.

A table top appliance rapidly fills a pouch through some mechanical actuation or automation by inserting the pouch into the appliance and the machine fills the pouch. One embodiment of the food pouch filling station may be a mechanical version that includes a method to pump or push the contents of the container into the pouch. A second embodiment of the food pouch filling station may be an electric pump version that fills pouches and may have the option of controlling the amount of food dispensed. The food pouch filling station may also include a valve that connects to the pouch to control the flow to the pouch.

In combination a spouted pouch (1) to be filled with a flowable product by a filling machine, a plug (50), and a cap (70). The interference fit plug is releasably mounted over the top end of the neck of the spout body and hermetically seals the product passage of the spout body. The plug is adapted to be removed by the filling machine and to be replaced by pressing the plug onto the neck after filling of the pouch. The plug removal, filling, and replacing of the plug are preferably performed in an aseptic environment. The cap is after the filling of the pouch and the replacing of the plug onto the neck. The capping is preferably performed by a capping machine in a non-aseptic environment.

Described is an apparatus for filling food containers, including: a filling device for filling a food container including a neck through which the food product can be filled and a cap to cover the neck, wherein the filling device is configured to remove the cap and to fill the food container through the neck, a food container label printing device configured to print at least one label for the at least one food container; a user interface, configured at least to start the filling device; and a support for supporting at least the food container.

The present invention relates to a novel beverage container and a mechanism for securing a cap to the container within an automated kiosk. The container comprises a compostable shell, beverage bag, and other components. The beverage bag is sealed to a closure shoulder using a mechanical sealing ring, optionally without the use of using heat, glue or ultrasonic energy. The cap is secured to the closure shoulder by the mechanism within the kiosk.