Method and apparatus for handling packaging containers

An apparatus for handling of containers in which each of said containers includes a sleeve having a closed end surface having an opening extending therethrough and an open end displaced from said closed end surface, and an associated displaceable plunger for sealingly engaging the inner sidewall of said sleeve and being displaceable along the length of said sleeve between said open end and said closed end surface, said apparatus comprising:

• an endless conveyor having at least one socket thereon and being operable to move said at least one socket along a path of movement;
• first insertion means for inserting a plunger into said at least one socket on said conveyor means as said at least one socket moves therepast, said first insertion means being located at a first location along said path of movement;
• second insertion means for inserting a sleeve into said one socket in a manner to receive said plunger in said open end thereof, said second insertion means being located at a second location displaced from said first location along said path of movement;
• displacing means for displacing said plunger towards said closed end surface of said sleeve after said plunger and said sleeve have been inserted into said at least one socket on said conveyor means, said displacing means being located at a third location displaced from said first and second locations along said path of movement;
• and
• filling means for filling said container with a material through said opening in said closed end surface of said sleeve and for simultaneously moving said plunger in a direction away from said opening of said closed end surface towards said open end of said sleeve as said container is filled through said opening, said filling means being located at a fourth location displaced from said first, second and third locations along said path of movement.