A & M Technology Co. Ltd.

An automatic pneumatic filling system for charging an aerosol can is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,260. This known filling system utilizes a can receiver having a female liquid outlet depending downwardly from the reservoir, and the male valve seat or stem of the can is brought into engagement with the outlet for the can receiver. The filling apparatus includes a platform having a movable support means for supporting the Aerosol Filling Machine manufacturer , and a liquid reservoir spaced above the platform. A reciprocating piston or plunger is disposed above and coaxial with the female liquid outlet, and each downward stroke or extended position of the piston or plunger applies pressure against the liquid in the outlet, thereby forcing the liquid into the can. A check ball is positioned in the reservoir and over the opening to the outlet in order to prevent the flow of liquid from the reservoir when the piston is in a retracted position. Thus, in operation, a can positioned on the support means is automatically raised so that the male valve stem of the can engages the female outlet of the reservoir. As a consequence, the male valve stem, which is normally spring biased to a closed position, unseats the check ball over the outlet in the reservoir. The pressure applied against the liquid by the reciprocating piston opens the male valve and permits the liquid to flow from the reservoir and into the can. A pneumatic pump means forces a measured amount of liquid into the can. When filled, the can is automatically lowered, an actuator is placed over the male valve, a cover placed over the top, and the can is now ready for use by the consumer.

Although in wide use, this type of system has several disadvantages. The connection between the female reservoir outlet and the male valve stem does not provide a tight liquid seal between the two members. Further, the check ball in the reservoir is gravity dependent, and when a filling operation is finished, there is frequently a time lag before the ball finds its seat, particularly with viscous liquids. Thus, overspill and leakage are somewhat common, which results in an unnecessary loss of liquid product, a messy cup, lost time in cleaning the can cup, and a dirty work area. Also, clogging should be avoided, but is a known problem with this system.

This invention has therefore as its purpose to provide an improved apparatus or device for filling an Aerosol Filling Machine , which improvement may be utilized with either an automatic or manual system. In accordance with the present invention, the filling apparatus for charging a pressurized aerosol container utilizes a male injector fling device depending from the liquid reservoir in conjunction with a female valve of the container. It should be understood that the terms "dispenser," "container" and "can" are used herein interchangeably and synonymously. Known filling systems used in the industry comprise a support means for the aerosol can, including means for selectively positioning, or raising and lowering, the support means between a can non- filling position and a filling position; a liquid reservoir spaced above the support means; and means for selectively drawing liquid from the reservoir into the can when in a filling position. In accordance with our invention, the improvement utilizes a filling apparatus or filling injector comprising a substantially cylindrical housing, which is engageable with and extends from the reservoir, and has an open-ended, axial bore for liquid communication with the reservoir.

Valve control means includes a valve body disposed in the axial bore of the cylindrical housing, and the valve body has a central opening in liquid communication with the axial bore. A hollow injector pin extends longitudinally from the valve body and is concentrically arranged with the opening of the valve body, and the injector pin terminates with at least one aperture. Suitable means, such as a locking nut, retains the valve control means in the axial bore of the cylindrical body. The valve control means is biased to a closed, no- filling position, and establishes liquid communication between the reservoir and the can when the can is in an aerosol filler supplier position. The injector pin is adapted to be received by the female valve when the can is in a filling position. Thus, when the can is brought to a filling position, the valve control means is opened so that liquid will flow from the reservoir and through the axial bore of the cylindrical body, the valve control means, the female valve of the can, the dip tube depending downwardly from the female valve, and into the can.