Constant flow distribution valve

A constant flow distribution valve including in combination:

• a first plate having an elongated slot therethrough, the slot having a first predetermined length;
• a second plate mounted for relative rotation with respect to the first plate and having a plurality of uniformly spaced distribution openings therethrough for sequential alignment with the slot in the first plate when the first and second plates rotate relative to one another, wherein the distance between corresponding points of adjacent distribution openings in the second plate is no greater than the first predetermined length of the slot in the first plate;
• and
• a positive displacement pump and a source of semi-liquid product coupled to the pump, with the pump supplying semi-liquid product at a constant rate to the slot in the first plate.

A constant flow filler valve for use in a canning system to fill containers, the valve including in combination;

• a first circular plate having a center and having an elongated slot therethrough located a predetermined distance from the center, the slot having a first predetermined length;
• a second circular plate concentrically mounted beneath and in contact with the first plate for relative rotation thereof with respect to the first plate, the second plate having a plurality of equi-angularly spaced distribution openings therethrough at the predetermined distance from the center thereof for sequential alignment with the slot in the first plate when the first and second plates rotate relative to one another, wherein the distance between adjacent distribution openings is no greater then the first predetermined length of the slot in the first plate;
• a container indexing device concentrically mounted and attached to the second plate for locating containers to be filled beneath each of the distribution openings through the second plate as the second plate is rotated relative to the first plate;
• a conveyor member for supplying containers to be filled to the container indexing device and for removing filled containers from the container indexing device;
• and
• a source of product for the containers supplied at a constant rate to the slot in the first plate.