Active sterilization zone for container filling

An apparatus comprising:

• a filler wheel having an air management system;
• wherein the air management system provides a conduit for the supply of air proximate an opening of a container as the container is being filled with product by the filler wheel;
• wherein the air management system comprises an inlet manifold, an intermediate supply section, and a generally annular channel to provide a pathway for containers;
• and wherein the intermediate supply section has a vertical member and a curved end, the vertical member having one end connected to an opening in the inlet manifold, and the curved end having a diverging outlet section defining an increased outlet area adapted to supply air in a generally horizontal direction.

A method comprising:

• filling a container with product;
• supplying air proximate an opening of the container as the container is being filled with product;
• wherein the air is supplied through a combination of an inlet manifold, an intermediate supply section;
• providing a generally annular channel defining a pathway for the container;
• forming the inlet manifold of a generally curved horseshoe shape with a first end and a second end and a gap therebetween;
• and
• tapering the inlet manifold towards the first end and the second end such that the manifold has a greater volume at locations between the first end and the second end.

An apparatus comprising:

• a filler wheel adapted to fill a container, the filler wheel having an air management system;
• the air management system comprising:
• an inlet manifold, the inlet manifold having a plurality of openings located in a top surface, a generally annular channel having a plurality of openings;
• and a plurality of intermediate supply sections joining the inlet manifold and the generally annular channel, the intermediate sections each having a vertical member and a curved end and;
• wherein the curved end has a diverging outlet section defining an increased outlet area adapted to supply air in a generally horizontal direction as the container is being filled with product by the filler wheel.

An apparatus comprising:

• a filler wheel configured for rotational movement, the filler wheel having a plurality of filler valves in fluid communication with a beverage product, the filler wheel further having a plurality of grippers, wherein a respective gripper is positioned proximate a respective filler valve wherein each gripper is configured to grip a container to be filled with the beverage product wherein an opening of the container is positioned beneath the filler valve, the filler valves and grippers traveling in an arcuate path;
• an air management system comprising:
• an inlet manifold configured to be in communication with a supply of filtered air, the inlet manifold having a first end and a second end defining a gap therebetween and a curved middle section between the first end and the second end, the inlet manifold being tapered towards the first end and second end wherein the middle section has a greater volume than volumes at the first end and second end, the inlet manifold having a top surface having a plurality of openings;
• a plurality of intermediate supply sections having an inlet end and a diverging outlet end positioned generally horizontally, a respective supply section having its inlet end connected to a respective opening of the inlet manifold wherein each outlet end is positioned adjacent one another and proximate the grippers;
• an annular channel positioned about the arcuate path, the annular channel having an inner annular wall having an opening in communication with the outlet ends of the intermediate supply sections wherein a screen is positioned in the inner annular wall opening, the annular channel further having an outer annular wall spaced from the inner annular wall wherein the arcuate path passes through the annular channel;
• wherein a respective gripper is configured to grip a container wherein a respective filler valve fills the container with the beverage product as the gripper travels along the arcuate path, and wherein the air management system is configured to receive the supply of filtered air wherein the air travels through the inlet manifold, the intermediate supply section, and outlet, wherein the air supply further passes through the screen and proximate the gripper and opening of the container to direct any airborne materials away from the opening of the container while the container is being filled by the filler valve.