The disclosure relates to a filling device and to a filling system for volumetric metering of powder in a metering container. The filling device includes a retaining device permeable to air but impermeable to the powder. The retaining device in the course of the metering process covers a filling aperture of the metering container and a rim of the metering container encircling the filling aperture, a filling pipe which has been passed through the retaining device into the metering container, and first reduced-pressure means for generating a reduced pressure on the retaining device on the side thereof facing away from the metering container. The filling pipe exhibits a blocking portion, the blocking portion being at least partially permeable to air but impermeable to the powder. The filling device includes second reduced-pressure generator for generating a reduced pressure on the blocking portion on the outside thereof.

The disclosure relates to a filling device and to a filling system for volumetric metering of powder in a metering container. The filling device includes a retaining device permeable to air but impermeable to the powder. The retaining device in the course of the metering process covers a filling aperture of the metering container and a rim of the metering container encircling the filling aperture, a filling pipe which has been passed through the retaining device into the metering container, and first reduced-pressure means for generating a reduced pressure on the retaining device on the side thereof facing away from the metering container. The filling pipe exhibits a blocking portion, the blocking portion being at least partially permeable to air but impermeable to the powder. The filling device includes second reduced-pressure generator for generating a reduced pressure on the blocking portion on the outside thereof.

Described is a unit for filling containing elements (2) of single-use capsules (3) with a dose (33) of product for extraction or infusion beverages, comprising: a line (4) for transporting containing elements (2); a station (SR) for filling the containing elements (2) with a dose (33) of product which comprises: at least a first containing seat (S1) designed to receive a dose (33) of product; a substation (ST1) for forming the dose (33) provided with a device (6) for releasing a predetermined quantity of product defining the dose (33) inside the first containing seat (S1), the release device (6) comprising a hopper (38) and at least one rotary element (40a) having a helical profile which extends between a first end and a second end, configured to rotate about a respective axis (X4) of rotation; a drive and control unit (15) configured to drive the rotary element (40a) according to a speed of rotation variable as a function of an angular position of the first end of the rotary unit (40a).

An ice vending machine is provided that has a minimal footprint, while still being able to quickly and efficiently fill bags of ice. The machine has a cabinet, a frame within the cabinet, and an ice maker mounted to the cabinet and/or the frame. Once the ice maker has made ice, the ice is deposited into a hopper. The ice vending machine may have multiple hoppers through which the ice is guided to a bagging system. Once the ice has been inserted into a bag by the bagging system, the filled bag is sealed. Once the bag has been sealed, it can be delivered to a customer, otherwise it can be stored in a cooler section. The ice vending machine has a number of high power motors that enable fast movement of the ice to generate the bags of ice in minimal time.

An ice vending machine is provided that has a minimal footprint, while still being able to quickly and efficiently fill bags of ice. The machine has a cabinet, a frame within the cabinet, and an ice maker mounted to the cabinet and/or the frame. Once the ice maker has made ice, the ice is deposited into a hopper. The ice vending machine may have multiple hoppers through which the ice is guided to a bagging system. Once the ice has been inserted into a bag by the bagging system, the filled bag is sealed. Once the bag has been sealed, it can be delivered to a customer, otherwise it can be stored in a cooler section. The ice vending machine has a number of high power motors that enable fast movement of the ice to generate the bags of ice in minimal time.

A filling device for dosed filling of a product from a product storage container into product dose receiving containers provided in a disposable isolator so to be protected against contamination. The device includes means for holding the product storage container together with the contents outside of the disposable isolator. The device includes a controllable product removal device for a dosed removal of the product from the product storage container. The device includes a product dispensing device for the dosed dispensing of the product to the product dose receiving containers. The device includes a line assembly interconnecting the product storage container and the product dispensing device to conduct the product to the product dispensing device. The device includes at least one ultrasonic flowmeter outside of the disposable isolator fixed to the outside of the line assembly to detect the flow rate. The device includes a controller for measuring the product dose.

A method for filling a pod is provided. A pod is provided and has a housing defining a plurality of serving chambers arranged in an annular array and surrounding a drive hub. Data is received that is indicative of a customized nutritional supplement for the pod to a controller of an automated filling station. The customized nutritional supplement is filled into at least one of the plurality of serving chambers of the pod via the automated filling station by controlling a plurality of hoppers of the filling station to dispense the customized supplement into the plurality of serving chambers of the pod. Each hopper contains a corresponding ingredient available for the customized supplement.

A method for filling a pod is provided. A pod is provided and has a housing defining a plurality of serving chambers arranged in an annular array and surrounding a drive hub. Data is received that is indicative of a customized nutritional supplement for the pod to a controller of an automated filling station. The customized nutritional supplement is filled into at least one of the plurality of serving chambers of the pod via the automated filling station by controlling a plurality of hoppers of the filling station to dispense the customized supplement into the plurality of serving chambers of the pod. Each hopper contains a corresponding ingredient available for the customized supplement.

A system for beverage cartridge preparation allows users to self-select, self-fill, and self-seal single use beverage cartridges for convenience. A frame assembly supports a cartridge handling system and a cartridge filling system. The cartridge filling system includes a fillable container and a portion dispensing system. The cartridge handling system includes a movement guide system moving the beverage cartridges, a sealing system for sealing the beverage cartridges after filling, and a motion system for actuating the cartridge handling system, the portion dispensing system, and the sealing system. The movement system includes mobility relative to operative members of the filling and handling systems and one or more single use beverage cartridges. Adaptive cartridge shapes and components are provided to fit a particular preparation system.

A system for beverage cartridge preparation allows users to self-select, self-fill, and self-seal single use beverage cartridges for convenience. A frame assembly supports a cartridge handling system and a cartridge filling system. The cartridge filling system includes a fillable container and a portion dispensing system. The cartridge handling system includes a movement guide system moving the beverage cartridges, a sealing system for sealing the beverage cartridges after filling, and a motion system for actuating the cartridge handling system, the portion dispensing system, and the sealing system. The movement system includes mobility relative to operative members of the filling and handling systems and one or more single use beverage cartridges. Adaptive cartridge shapes and components are provided to fit a particular preparation system.