A method for filling packages with changing products in a filling machine is disclosed. Packages are successively transported through a filling machine, and the packages are each successively filled with a first product in a sterile environment via a filling outlet connected to a product tank. To empty the product tank, at least one outlet means is brought into an emptying position, and a residue of the first product is discharged at least partially from the sterile environment, via the outlet means located in the emptying position. The outlet means is removed from the emptying position following the emptying of the product tank. Packages are subsequently each successively filled with a second product in a sterile environment, via a filling outlet connected to a product tank.

A system and method of measuring and analyzing an object within a rotating shell is provided. The system can include a receptacle defining an interior storage chamber; at least one sensor, the at least one sensor being contained within the interior storage chamber, the at least one sensor having a fixed spatial relationship to the receptacle; and at least one processor configured for processing the measurement data. The at least one sensor can include a gyroscope for measuring angular velocity of the receptacle over a duration of time and generating measurement data indicative of the angular velocity over the duration of time. In some embodiments, the method involves determining a position of the receptacle within the rotating shell. In some embodiments, the receptacle includes heat resistant material capable of shielding electronics contained within the interior storage chamber from temperatures that exceed a maximum temperature rating of the electronics.

The present disclosure relates in some aspects to methods and apparatuses for sterilizing, sanitizing, and/or otherwise removing contaminants from, filling, and/or capping containers, such as bottles. In some aspects, the containers are reusable bottles containing or designed to hold drinking water. In some embodiments, the container is received from a customer and/or is provided to the customer. In some embodiments, the methods include returning the same container to the customer. In some embodiments, the methods provide sanitary, convenient, and/or environmentally-friendly alternatives to available methods for removing cleaning, sanitizing, sterilizing, filling, and capping of containers holding drinking liquids.

The present disclosure relates in some aspects to methods and apparatuses for sterilizing, sanitizing, and/or otherwise removing contaminants from, filling, and/or capping containers, such as bottles. In some aspects, the containers are reusable bottles containing or designed to hold drinking water. In some embodiments, the container is received from a customer and/or is provided to the customer. In some embodiments, the methods include returning the same container to the customer. In some embodiments, the methods provide sanitary, convenient, and/or environmentally-friendly alternatives to available methods for removing cleaning, sanitizing, sterilizing, filling, and capping of containers holding drinking liquids.

A sterilization process is performed on a preform or container made of resin after a corona discharge treatment is performed on an inner surface of the preform or container, the corona discharge treatment including applying a voltage produced in a corona discharge to an electrode that passes through an opening part of the preform or container, an insertion step of inserting the electrode to which the voltage is applied into the preform or container through the opening part, and a bottom part treatment step of treating an inner surface of a bottom part of the preform or container by bringing the electrode close to the bottom part until the corona discharge from the electrode changes discharge mode, and the sterilization process including a hydrogen peroxide supplying step of blasting a mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide solution or a mixture thereof to the preform or container.

A method for hot-filling and sterilizing laminated packages, comprising a pre-heating step, a hot-filling and sterilizing step, a holding step, and a rapid cooling step. The pre-heating step is to perform high-temp-short-time sterilization and to keep the product at the controlled temperature within the first-time interval. The hot-filling sterilization step is to fill up the laminated package with the product after sterilization. The package is sealed and sterilized by the heat from the product. The holding step is to keep the laminated package and the product at an effective sterilization temperature within the second time interval and to achieve the safety standard of sufficient sterilization. The rapid cooling step is to rapidly cool down the filled package within the third time interval and to prevent the product from deteriorating due to overheating. A device utilizing the aforementioned method is also provided.

A method for hot-filling and sterilizing laminated packages, comprising a pre-heating step, a hot-filling and sterilizing step, a holding step, and a rapid cooling step. The pre-heating step is to perform high-temp-short-time sterilization and to keep the product at the controlled temperature within the first-time interval. The hot-filling sterilization step is to fill up the laminated package with the product after sterilization. The package is sealed and sterilized by the heat from the product. The holding step is to keep the laminated package and the product at an effective sterilization temperature within the second time interval and to achieve the safety standard of sufficient sterilization. The rapid cooling step is to rapidly cool down the filled package within the third time interval and to prevent the product from deteriorating due to overheating. A device utilizing the aforementioned method is also provided.

A method for controlling a microwave heating system is provided. The method may be used with a system having a liquid-filled microwave heating chamber and includes measuring the value of one or more microwave system parameters. Suitable parameters can include, for example, net microwave power discharged, the temperature of the liquid in the microwave chamber, the flow rate of liquid through the microwave chamber, and the speed of the conveyance system disposed within the microwave chamber. The measured value of the selected parameter is then compared to a target value for that parameter in order to determine a difference. Based on the difference, one or more actions can be taken in order to start, stop, or alter the operation of the microwave heating system.

A method for controlling a microwave heating system is provided. The method may be used with a system having a liquid-filled microwave heating chamber and includes measuring the value of one or more microwave system parameters. Suitable parameters can include, for example, net microwave power discharged, the temperature of the liquid in the microwave chamber, the flow rate of liquid through the microwave chamber, and the speed of the conveyance system disposed within the microwave chamber. The measured value of the selected parameter is then compared to a target value for that parameter in order to determine a difference. Based on the difference, one or more actions can be taken in order to start, stop, or alter the operation of the microwave heating system.

A preform is easily and promptly sterilized. Superheated steam (S) generated from water, and having a temperature of 200 C. to 500 C. and a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure is blasted to entire inner and outer surfaces of a preform (1) including a mouth portion (1a) thereof.