Self-cleaning product transfer device

A product transfer device for use in enabling an operator to perform a product transfer operation in connection with a container, comprising:

• a transfer arm having a variable length and comprising at least first and second arm sections joined together to cooperatively define a passageway, the first arm section being at least partially received within the second arm section;
• a first piston seal attached to the first arm section;
• a second piston seal attached to the second arm section and cooperating with the first piston seal to define a chamber, the second piston seal defining a port in communication with the chamber;
• a transfer valve assembly attached to the first arm section and comprising:
• a body defining a fluid passageway in communication with the passageway defined by the transfer arm, and the body further defining at least one port;
• a sleeve slidingly disposed about the body and configured to selectively block the at least one port;
• a resilient element disposed proximate the sleeve and arranged to bias the sleeve toward a predetermined position with respect to the at least one port;
• a bumper operably connected to pairs of articulated arms and being arranged for reciprocal motion relative to the at least one port, the pairs of articulated arms being configured and arranged to control motion of the sleeve based upon the position of the bumper.

A product transfer device for use in enabling an operator to perform a product transfer operation in connection with a container, comprising:

• at least first and second arm sections, each of which defines an exterior surface, the arm sections being arranged so as to cooperatively define a passageway of variable length having an upper end and a terminal end and configured for communication with a first pressure source, the passageway being substantially leaktight when pressurized the first and second arm sections cooperating with each other to define a chamber configured for communication with a second pressure source, the first arm section being configured to be at least partially received within the second arm section;
• a first piston seal disposed about the first arm section so as to be at least partially received within the second arm section;
• a second piston seal disposed within the second arm section so as to at least partially receive the first arm section, the second piston seal cooperating with the first piston seal to define a chamber that is substantially leaktight when pressurized, the second piston seal defining a port in communication with the chamber;
• a product transfer valve in communication with the passageway;
• an actuator device operably disposed with respect to the product transfer valve;
• a securing device operably disposed with respect to the product transfer valve;
• and
• a shutoff valve in communication with the passageway.

A piston seal suitable for use in connection with a transfer arm having a plurality of arm sections, the piston seal comprising:

• a rider band having first and second ends, the rider band being configured to be attached to one of the arm sections;
• an upper seal member attached to the first end of the rider band;
• a lower seal member attached to the second end of the rider band;
• a first sealing element carried by the upper seal member;
• and
• a second sealing element carried by the lower seal member.

A product transfer system for use in enabling an operator to perform a product transfer operation in connection with a container, comprising:

• a product transfer device, comprising:
• a transfer arm having a variable length and comprising at least first and second arm sections joined together to cooperatively define a passageway, the first arm section being at least partially received within the second arm section;
• a first piston seal attached to the first arm section;
• a second piston seal attached to the second arm section and cooperating with the first piston seal to define a chamber, the second piston seal defining a port in communication with the chamber;
• a transfer valve assembly attached to the first arm section;
• and
• a shutoff valve in communication with the passageway;
• and
• a pressure source configured for selective communication with at least one of:
• the port;
• and, the passageway.