Dual-stream filling valve

A dual stream filling system for introducing at least two flowable materials into a plastic bottle, the dual stream filling system comprising:

• a primary filling tube having an inlet end and a discharge end, and defining a primary filling tube internal flow region, the primary filling tube including a stationary upper body portion, a stationary lower body portion and an intermediate housing portion disposed between and operably connected to the stationary upper and lower body portions by respective first and second cooperating joints, the intermediate housing portion having a first opening therein;
• a secondary filling tube having an inlet end and a discharge end, and defining a secondary filling tube internal flow region, the secondary filling tube being disposed at least in part within the primary filling tube internal flow region, the secondary filling tube penetrating the intermediate housing through the first opening and is moveable relative by movement of the cooperating joints between an open position and a sealed position;
• a valve means having a valve cone disposed within the primary fill tube and fixedly mounted to the stationary lower body portion for mating with the discharge end of the secondary filling tube in the closed position;
• and
• a drive means for reciprocating the intermediate housing to move the secondary filling tube between the open position and the sealed position.

A dual stream filling system for a packaging machine for introducing at least two flowable materials into a container, the dual stream filling system comprising:

• a primary filling tube having an inlet end region, a discharge end region and an intermediate housing therebetween, the primary filing tube defining a primary filling tube internal flow path, the primary filling tube defining a first opening in the intermediate housing;
• a secondary filling tube having an inlet end region and a discharge end region and defining a secondary filling tube internal flow path, the secondary filling tube being disposed at least in part within the primary filling tube internal flow path and penetrating the primary filling tube through the first opening;
• first and second telescopically sliding joints operably connecting each of the inlet end region and the discharge end region to the intermediate housing;
• and
• valve means fixedly positioned relative to the primary filling tube, wherein the secondary filling tube is movable relative to the primary filling tube inlet and discharge ends between a closed condition wherein the valve means engages the secondary filling tube discharge end and flow communication is terminated between the internal flow regions of the primary and secondary filling tubes and an opened condition wherein the valve means disengages the secondary tube discharge end and flow communication is established between the internal regions of the primary and secondary filling tubes.