Apparatus for filling a container and method of de-aerating material

Apparatus for filling an open-mouth container with fluent material, such as powdered, granular or liquid material, and for removing dust or vapor from within the container during filling, said apparatus comprising means for delivery of said material into the container from the top of the container, a collapsible closure adapted in its retracted state to be entered in the mouth of the container and then extended into sealing engagement with the inside of the container adjacent the mouth end of the container to close off the mouth of the container to prevent the escape of dust or vapor during filling of the container, said collapsible closure including a linkage carried by said delivery means actuable for moving said closure between its retracted and extended positions, said apparatus further comprising a duct for communication with the inside of the container during filling and with a suction source for removing dust or vapor from within the container.

Apparatus for filling a flexible container, such as a bag, with fluent material, such as a powdered, granular, or liquid material, and for holding the bag erect during filling thereof, said apparatus comprising means adapted to be substantially centered with respect to the bag above the bag for delivery of fluent material into the bag, a rigid, removable form around the outside of the bag, collapsible linkage means carried by said delivery means for movement between a retracted position in which the linkage is folded up on said delivery means and an extended position which said linkage engages the inside of said bag adjacent the mouth of the bag for pushing the bag outwardly for clamping it to said form thereby to hold the bag erect as it is filled, and actuating means for said linkage.

A method of de-aerating a powdered or particulate material filling a container, the latter having side walls, a base including a generally horizontal floor for supporting a load of said material in said container, a porous diaphragm overlying said floor separating the material from the floor, and a passage in the container in communication with the exterior of the container and the space between the bottom face of said diaphragm and said floor, said method comprising filling the container with powdered or particulate material and connecting a vacuum source to said passage for reducing the pressure in said space below atmospheric pressure thereby to draw air out of said material through said diaphragm to de-aerate said material and to at least partially reduce its volume.