Apparatus for filling containers using counterpressure

A counterpressure filling apparatus for use on bottling or filling machines to fill a container, comprising:

• a supply tank (B) for storing liquid under gaseous pressure;
• filling means (A) for injecting said liquid into said container (C) when said container is disposed in an operative position with respect to said filling means, said filling means including a barrel (1) having a first chamber (11) defined therein, and a sensor (2) for issuing a first output when an amount of said liquid injected into said container reaches a predetermined amount;
• de-actuation means, responsive to said first output of said sensor, for de-actuating said filling means;
• and
• first and second flexible membranes (5, 6 or 72) disposed in said barrel and having first and second walls (58, 62 or 621), respectively, for dividing said first chamber into second, third and fourth successive chambers (69, 70, 71) prior to injection of said liquid into said container,
• wherein the filling apparatus further comprises a detector (P) for issuing a second output when said container is in said operative position, and said de-actuation means is responsive to said second output of said detector for actuating said filling means.