text:
Frank Paine is not your prototypical FBI agent. He's an ex-Hollywood stud with a kinky past, an irreverent wise ass who craves forgiveness from the woman he loves. When a ruthless stalker uses Frank's indiscretions to ensnare him in a sultry cat-and-mouse death match, his investigation points toward a missing biochemist. His hunt for her secret haven takes one tragic turn after another, until he finds himself facing an impossible dilemma. Someone will die as a result of his decisions, and it may be his soulmate. Or him.
FBI Agent Frank Paine is Hollywood bred. The former actor, turned Federal Agent, has more than movies and commercials in his closet, he also has a very kinky past. He abandoned the love of his life at a critical time and then traded the lights and cameras for real life action. Frank wants nothing more than to be forgiven for his indiscretions, but he's having trouble working out all the "kinks." When a tip leads him to the center of an ever expanding crime investigation, Frank finds himself between a rock and a hard place. Will it be his life or hers?
King of Paine is more than a suspense novel, it invites the reader to explore the boundaries of our own addictions (whatever they may be). It also inspires one to take a look at the way that we treat the people we love and how we care for the elderly in this country. This is not your ordinary suspense novel.
Larry Kahn has managed to create a cast of unforgettable characters, throwing in a bit of sex and misadventure, while infusing it with legal, moral, and ethical dilemmas. To say that I thought the King of Paine was brilliantly written would be an understatement. I sat down to read the book in the morning and was unable to put it down until I read the very last page!
Every now and then a novel comes along that gives me just what I need: intrigue, a sprinkle of romance, characters I want to love, the hope of redemption, and a whole lot of "not what I expected." The King of Paine has it all!
I give this book:
I was given a free copy of the King of Paine by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The views expressed are my own.
Larry Kahn has been kind enough to stop by as my guest and he's talking about "Writing Thought Provoking Suspense: Social Themes." There will also be an opportunity to win a copy of the King of Paine....you don't want to miss it!
Plus Larry is taking this show on the road with the King of Paine Blog Tour. I invite you to visit the other stops.
12/1 - What Book Is That?: Review & Snowed in with Indie Authors December Giveaway Festival
12/2 - From the TBR File: Book Giveaway & Review
12/3 - Live To Read: Guest Post "Researching An FBI Story"
12/5 - Thoughts In Progress: Guest Post "Who Are You Chatting With? The Dangers of Anonymous Internet Communications"
12/6 - Boekie's Book Reviews: Review & Author Interview
12/6 - Owl Tell You About It: Review
12/7 - Owl Tell You About It: Guest Post "Researching the Psychology of BDSM"
12/8 - All the days of: Book Giveaway & Guest Post "Crafting Intricate Plots: My Writing Process"
12/9 - The Top Shelf: Review & Author Interview
12/10 - Darlene's Book Nook: Book Giveaway & Guest Post "Rooting for a Flawed Protagonist"
12/11 - Larry Kahn: Interview with Frank Paine, "Getting Inside The Mind Of A Madman"
12/12 - Full Moon Bites: Book Giveaway & Author of the Week Interview
12/13 - The Book Diva's Reads: Review & Guest Post "Buried Treasures: Treats for the Watchful Reader"
12/14 - Alive On The Shelves: Guest Post "When Eye Candy Fights Back: Adding Depth To a Love Interest"
12/15 - The Enchanted Book: Review & Guest Post "What Can You Expect From A 99-Cent E-Book? "
12/16 - Opinions of a Wolf: Book Giveaway & Review
12/17 - Black Diamond's Book Reviews: Book Giveaway & Review
12/18 - Thoughts In Progress: Review
12/19 CMash Loves to Read: Book Giveaway & Guest Post "My Inspiration For King of Paine"
12/20 Goodreads: Live Q&A With Larry Kahn
12/21 Purple Jelly Bean Chair Reviews: Review, Author Interview & Book Giveaway


text:
SCOTTISH ministers have agreed to draw up plans for increasing the number of women in top jobs after calling for extra powers from Westminster.
The Government has confirmed it has accepted an invitation from Jo Swinson, the UK Government's Minister For Women And Equalities, to present "detailed proposals" for setting a legally binding quota for the number of women on the boards of devolved public bodies.
Details of the continuing talks to devolve the power to set a mandatory quota emerged after Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that increasing the number of women in Scotland's boardrooms would be a "gain of independence".
Loading article content
She told a conference at the weekend that if Scots voted Yes in the referendum, an SNP Government "would take action, backed by legislation if necessary, to ensure that a clear target - I would argue at least 40% - of places on boards were occupied by women".
She made it clear the legislation would apply to private companies as well as public bodies. At present, the Scottish Government is only seeking powers to ensure 40% of appointment to public boards are women.
Scottish Government minister Shona Robison requested a "Section 30 Order" - a mechanism for transferring power from Westminster to Holyrood - last October to allow MSPs to set a quota.
Ms Swinson replied last month, saying she did not feel the case had been made. But she added: "Sight of your detailed, concrete proposals may also help us to consider how it may be possible to work together to achieve those objectives."
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "The UK Government has confirmed the powers lie with them. However, we intend to continue to make the case and will be putting forward more detailed proposals."
Fewer than one-third of board members on many of Scotland's top public bodies are women, despite the Scottish Government setting a voluntary 40% target five years ago.
Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said the pledge was "hot air instead of action".

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Comparison website and insurance broker ActiveQuote is participating in the Apprentice Programme, part of the Quality Skills Alliance (QSA).
The Cardiff -based health and protection insurance comparison website, is supporting six students through the Apprentice Programme.
The QSA is a consortium of work based learning providers, with Cardiff and Vale College as the lead provider, offering a package of support to employers in Wales. The Apprentice Programme, funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund (ESF) provides a development framework which supports learning and growth for each apprentice. Welsh Government statistics show that 77% of businesses who have trained apprentices believe it made their company more competitive.
The Apprentice Framework delivers a rounded package of training, with Knowledge and Essential Skills being learnt in the classroom, complimented with Practical skills gained through the work based placement. Combined, they support the development of a talented and skilled workforce in Wales.
Gemma Williams, HR & Learning Manager at ActiveQuote said the opportunity to support a talented group of students as they begin their careers is exciting, and recognition that as a business, ActiveQuote continues to invest in developing its team.
She added "We're passionate about supporting skills development across our entire business. Our apprentices are now part of our business, and developing the skills base of our whole team is key to our growth strategy. We're thrilled to be working closely with our friends at Cardiff and Vale College on this initiative".
Andrew Whitcombe, Chief of Operations for QSA and CAVC Apprenticeships at Cardiff and Vale College said "It's always fantastic when a company new to the world of Apprenticeships contacts us. That contact allows us as the apprenticeship provider to guide the company through the apprenticeship framework and then assist the organisation in recruiting its apprenticeship cohort. Cardiff and Vale college have been very successful in creating bespoke apprenticeship models with leading organisations, Active quote is the latest organisation to realise the value of such a scheme to a business " I look forward to developing and growing their provision in the true spirit of collaboration and partnership "
The Apprentice Programme is available to any business in Wales, whatever side or sector. For more information visit http://www.qualityskillsalliance.co.uk/.
Health Insurance quotes from only £15 per month!
Very helpful and polite and always try their best to obtain the best quotes. Have been using them for the last 3 years and will continue to use them in the future.
A great service from the initial call, to finalising the agreement. I would highly recommend to my family and friends.
Proactive, efficient, and offered me insurance I need. I would say half price I would end up paying if I did it by myself. Many thanks.
Excellent service. Explained everything in detail and really helped to find the right insurance best suited to my needs - which wasn't necessarily the most expensive.
Good value and the advisor was very helpful and recommended the best policy for my grandson. I would definitely use this service again and recommend to others.
We were contacted in good time to make a knowledgable choice. We were given plenty of options with lots of information to enable us to make the right choice.
The service I received was excellent, the staff member was very efficient and knowledgable. She went out of her way to get the best policy for me.
Great service. I really appreciated the help provided by Active Quote to arrange health insurance. The agent was very informative and proactive. Many thanks!
I received excellent care and attention from the first phone call till the last. Friendly, efficient and patient.
Staff are very helpful, friendly and polite. They call back when they say they will and keep you up to date with progress. Pleasure to deal with.
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text:
Family plans service for missing woman
Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:16:07 GMT —
The family of a missing Lee County woman is planning a memorial service at a local church this weekend.
77-year-old Fannie Corley disappeared on Christmas Eve. Her abandoned car was found on the Old Leesburg Road Bridge over Lake Chehaw and search teams believe she is in the water. Cadaver dogs signaled a spot near the Philema Road Bridge on Monday, but did not pick up a scent when they searched the waters again Thursday. Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals says they're scaling back the search, and thanked the dozens of people who have helped during the past eight days.
Corley's service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Lakeside Baptist Church.


text:
Zipp's 30 Course Disc-brake Clincher aluminium wheelset is as packed full of innovations as your best day on a bike was packed with euphoria. The 30 Course Disc-brake Clincher's durable wide rim profile offers enhanced aerodynamic efficiency as well as better comfort and cornering grip. This is a high-performance aluminium wheelset engineered to provide versatility for the new era of road cycling that includes disc-brake road applications but also cyclocross and gravel adventures, riding or racing.
The 30 Course Clincher is Zipp's first wheelset to be tubeless-ready, providing the ability to run lower tire pressures without risk of pinch flats. The 30 Course Disc-brake wheelset, with its external 25mm rim width and 21mm internal width, incorporates design innovations from the Zipp 202 Firecrest Carbon Clincher profile for low aerodynamic drag, greater stability and predictability in crosswinds. That wider rim platform allows for increased air volume, which spreads the tire casing. That helps increase the contact patch with the ground. The result is improved cornering grip and increased comfort on the road, mud and everything in between.
|Cassette Fitting:
If ordered before 9pm, delivered by courier next working day. Available on orders placed before 9pm (2pm weekends and Bank Holidays) for delivery next business day. Applies to most delivery addresses within mainland UK.
Please remember to add postal time (2-3 working days) to obtain a complete estimate of delivery to your door.
You will receive an email to confirm when your item has been sent.
You can also check the status of your order and individual items by accessing My Account details and following the prompts.
Please allow 10 working days from dispatch of your order before notifying us of any late deliveries.
It may be advisable to check with your neighbours to see if a parcel has been left with them, check any outhouses you might have where it may be left if it cannot fit through your letterbox and contact your local sorting office to see if the item has been returned to the depot as undelivered and awaiting collection.
Please see our returns policy.
Zipp 30 Course Clincher Disc Brake Front Wheel
Zipp 30 Course Tubular Disc Brake Rear Wheel - Shimano/SRAM
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text:
Written on: 11/01/2012 by slowman (25 reviews written)
This Canon mg6250 is my first Canon printer after owning many Epsons and never really being happy with Epson, they were ok, but never brilliant. My new Canon printer is simply superb at everything I ask it to do. I am a semi-pro photographer, and the print quality is as good, and in most cases better than photo lab's prints. My wife makes greeting cards and it prints card with ease, it even has a 'hagaki' setting which in all intents and purposes is card! Our other Epson printers were pretty poor at printing card, but now we have no problems.
The Canon mg 6250 is a wifi printer and it was so easy to set up, just pop in the disc into the computer and follow the on screen instructions, believe me it was dead easy!
The printer even has a 'quiet' setting for if you are printing late at night and don't want to disturb anyone.
The printer employs 6 ink cartridges which makes for true to life photographs and I must say that my photographs have never looked better.
I am more than happy with my Canon mg6250 and I can honestly recommend it to anyone who wants a quality printer without breaking the bank!


text:
I think Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) should win the prize for most appropriate acronym, since folks suffering from the disorder feel well...more than a little sad. About 1 in 5 Americans suffer from this well known but rarely treated disorder, that leaves people feeling a decrease in energy and cheerfulness, as well as a decline in productivity and creativity.
The lack of light that accompanies the winter months disrupts natural sleep / wake cycles creating effects similar to an extreme case of jet lag. Instead of recovering in a few days, it can take upwards of 5 months.
SAD is not treated with antidepressants, since those suffering from it are not emotionally depressed. It is more like they are worn down like an over used battery so light therapy is generally prescribed to recharge them. Patients sit in front of a really bright light (10,000 lux) every morning for 45 minutes to 2 hours. These lights are available to the public through the Center for Environmental Therapeutics , for about $200.
Another option is to plan a vacation to a very bright, very warm destination. Hello Tahiti!!!


text:
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Canwest Global Communications Corp, Canada's largest media company, announced yet another extension to lender talks on Tuesday as it fights a massive downturn in the advertising market.
Debtholders have agreed not to demand payment of their notes for a period that ends on April 21, Canwest said in a statement.
Canwest subsidiary Canwest Media Inc "continues discussions with its senior lenders and noteholders to develop a framework for a potential recapitalization transaction and to secure the necessary extensions to allow the recapitalization process to process," the Winnipeg, Manitoba-based company said.
Tuesday was the day by which Canwest had to pay $30.4 million in interest to holders of its 8 percent senior subordinated notes. The payment was originally due March 15, but the company missed it.
Under the terms of the debt, investors can demand the repayment of about $761 million of outstanding principal on the notes if Canwest failure to pay the interest.
While critical, the interest payment is only the tip of the iceberg for Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Canwest, which has a debtload of about C$3.7 billion ($3.03 billion), some of it dating back to its 2000 acquisition of newspaper assets from Hollinger International.
Canwest also said Canwest Limited Partnership has initiated talks with its senior lenders about amending financial covenants under its senior credit facility.
Reporting by Anupreeta Das and Wojtek Dabrowski; Editing by Gary Hill


text: CVG has a nice feature today all about forthcoming Wii U flagship launch title ZombiU's multiplayer mode, which the writer got a chance to play, the lucky devil! This mode was previously demoed at E3 a few weeks back, but now CVG has actually got their mitts on a little ZombiU capture the flag action, complete with visuals, and reports back on the experience of playing with two people, one of whom wields a Pro Controller, with the other using the Wii U GamePad. In this particular mode, the different players take on very different roles, with the Pro Controller-using player acting as the survivor, either killing or avoiding zombies and capturing a flag in each of four quadrants, while the player using the GamePad takes control of the zombie hordes and directs them with the GamePad. Sounds like a nice mixture between strategy and good old fashioned zombie killing. Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.co...-title-wii-u-is-aiming-for/?page=2#top_banner


text:
WASHINGTON -- About 110 abortion clinics and Planned Parenthood facilities around the nation received envelopes in the mail Monday with white powder inside, according to clinic officials.
Two of the envelopes have been tested by local health and law enforcement agencies. Neither envelope contained anthrax, officials determined.
The envelopes were postmarked from five different states and were not addressed to specific people, said Gloria Feldt, president of Planned Parenthood.
About 90 of the envelopes were sent to Planned Parenthood facilities, Feldt said. Twenty others were sent to independent abortion clinics, according to a statement by the National Abortion Federation.
''The envelopes were very professional and had law enforcement addresses on them,'' Feldt said. ''They had the words: 'time sensitive security information' printed on them.''
The FBI and local law enforcement agencies were investigating who sent the envelopes.
Feldt said most of the clinics have continued to operate.
''We have learned that when facing domestic terrorism, staying the course is the best revenge,'' she said.
This article published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Tuesday, October 16, 2001.
© 2017. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us


text:
Hyderabad: Insurance Corporation Employees union has decided to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee Celebration in the second week of December 2016. Prof. Kodandaram, Chairman of Telangana Political Joint Action Committee has been elected Chairman of Reception Committee Mr. G. Thirpataiah President of the Association in a press conference held yesterday told that a strategy would be formulated to oppose the entry of private companies in insurance sector. He also said that BJP Govt. is making an attempt for the privatization of BSNL, BHEL and other Public sector units which would cause great loss to employees and citizens.
He also said that Govt. of India deceived the employees by introducing new pension policy. Mass scale protest would be launched against Govt. policies.
Siasat News


text:
While he still acknowledges his 8 yo child and cares for her, I feel like STBX has kicked his current family to the curb like yesterday's trash.
And never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be.
― Sarah McMane
I'm also wishing massive shoe puking morning sickness on the Whore. For the ENTIRE pregnancy.
I'm also wishing massive shoe puking morning sickness on the Whore. For the ENTIRE pregnancy.
Thank you, Cheatermagnet.
STBX emailed me the pregnancy news AFTER he told his family and our 8 yo child.
AFTER he told his family and our 8 yo child.
Divorce from this Douche will be a blessing!!!
Involving a child like that???
I have a feeling I will be in your shoes very soon. OW in my case also has a ticking biological clock and is desperate for a baby.
I am sorry...OC's are one of the worst things imaginable.
((((Lavendar and 8 yo)))
Status: Divorced Oct 2011
Him: still with OW
I have a lot of empathy and sympathy, because I and others are suspicious that Nearly Exh has an OC but will not admit it. It's not something I can fathom having to cope with, besides the rest.
FWIW to share, sometimes I've thought that Nearly Exh doesn't think he's married anymore, like in his heart (clearly) and mind (distorted) (and has actually denied me by calling himself a widower while I am very much alive) and hasn't for some time, so I think that's how he was able to go through with his a.
A person is a person, no matter how small. -Dr. Suess
Perserverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.
-George Washington
I hope she pukes all day, everyday for 9 months and gets bloated to the size of a helium parade balloon.
"What did you expect? I am a scorpion."
Sorry to hear what you are going through, trust me, they wont be together long, as once a cheater, always a cheater, get someone else pregnant when he is still married.it is SICK! OW deserves a miscarriage!
Blackhair, are you sure it won't last? It's been 1.5 years since they met. STBX has told whore that he loved her 7 months ago. He also told me 7 months ago that he would not give her a baby.


text:
The national currency hovered near 4.13 lei/euro in the early trades, but recouped losses at noon. In th region, the Polish zloty that fell after the Saturday's tragedy when Poland's president died in a plane crash, grew markedly in the morning today, from around 3.90 units/euro to 3.867 zloty/euro.
"The market is stable. The Poland tragedy didn't have a major impact on currencies, maybe emotionally only", a dealer told NewsIn.
For the US dollar, the central bank set a reference rate of 3.0361 lei/dollar, down 1.57% from Friday.
Inregistreaza-te pe Wall-Street sau conecteaza-te prin Facebook pentru a primi periodic articole similare.
In lipsa unui acord scris din partea InternetCorp, puteti prelua maxim 500 de caractere din acest articol daca precizati sursa si daca inserati vizibil linkul articolului Midday Forex: Leu flat versus euro.


text:
By Althia Raj
OTTAWA – A Conservative senator is calling into question his colleagues' loyalty to Prime Minister Stephen Harper after Tory senators revolted against his reforms and forced the government to change course on its Senate reform agenda, Postmedia News has learned.
Tory senators gave Democratic Reform Minister Tim Uppal a rough ride this week when he briefed them on the government's plans to lengthen senators' term limits by one year only, from a previously suggested eight years to a nine-year term limit.
Mr. Uppal also told them Tuesday that the bill would be combined with another setting out the process by which provincial elections would be held to select senators going forward.
Many senators who were appointed by Mr. Harper to serve in the chamber on condition they would support the government's reforms say they no longer believe the government's plans are appropriate and told Mr. Uppal that directly.
Conservative Senator Bert Brown penned a letter to his colleagues Wednesday, reminding them that despite the fact "Minister Uppal was showered with complaints about Senate elections and a nine-year term" those who were appointed to the Senate by Mr. Harper were there to pass his bills through.
"Those of us who came to the Red Chamber were there to get a majority vote for reform. Those in the Senate before Mr. Harper became Prime Minister need to realize that, had he not made appointments, the Conservatives appointed by Mulroney would now be a very small group struggling to do anything!" Mr. Brown wrote to other Tory Senators.
"Every senator in this caucus needs to decide where their loyalty should be and must be. The answer is simple; our loyalty is to the man who brought us here, the man who has wanted Senate reform since he entered politics, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper."
The Prime Minister's Office toyed with the idea of extending senators' terms to 10 or 12 years. The 12-year figure was a number the Liberals had suggested, but officials in the PMO apparently felt that even 10 years was too long.
Faced with a caucus of senators whose support is wavering, Mr. Harper has decided to introduce Senate-reform legislation in the House of Commons instead.
Sources said they expect Conservative MPs will not drag their feet when it comes to studying and approving the government's plans, and once the legislation has been approved by the government's majority in the House, it is expected to make it much more difficult for Tory senators to oppose it.


text:
|Numéro de publication
|Type de publication
|Numéro de demande
|Date de publication
|23 juil. 1985
|Date de dépôt
|10 janv. 1983
|Date de priorité
|18 janv. 1982
|État de paiement des frais
|Autre référence de publication
|Numéro de publication
|Roger M. Powell, Steven Marshall, Philip D. Waterworth
|Cessionnaire d'origine
|Aci Australia Limited
|Exporter la citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Citations de brevets (11), Référencé par (50), Classifications (28), Événements juridiques (4)
|Liens externes: USPTO, Cession USPTO, Espacenet
This invention relates generally to a machine and method for filling a container with a product, and particularly to a machine and method for aseptically filling successive containers with a liquid food or drink product. The machine and method may be particularly applicable for filling flexible bag containers with liquid drinks easily susceptible to spoilage, such as milk, and it will be convenient to hereinafter describe the machine and method in relation to that example application. It should be appreciated, however, that the machine and method is not limited to that exemplary application.
When an untreated and unprotected food or drink product is stored at ambient temperatures, the activity of naturally occurring bacterial organisms can cause that food or drink to spoil in a relatively short period. Storing the product under refrigeration is well recognized as a means of retarding the activity of those organisms and thereby extending the product shelf life, although there can be a high cost involved in refrigerated transportation and storage. As an alternative, the product can be treated by means of the addition of chemical preservatives to retard bacterial organism activity but society in general is becoming increasingly wary of apparent ill affects of such preservatives currently used.
Treating food or drink products with a pasteurising process in which the food and drink is subjected to the application of heat, is also well recognised as a means of destroying bacterial organisms within that food or drink and thereby minimising product spoilage. In a conventional pasteurising process, most foods and drinks become cooked and undergo chemical changes which can affect their characteristics, particularly their taste. A relatively recently developed pasteurising process, identified as ultraheat treatment (UHT) process, however, has been found to destroy bacterial organisms within some food and drink products with minimal damage to product characteristics. The UHT process is based upon raising the food or drink product to a very high temperature for a short period and then rapidly cooling that product to ambient temperature. Once back at ambient temperature, however, some products are again susceptible to spoilage.
Milk can be particularly susceptible to bacterial organism contamination and thus spoilage and none of the above outlined means are entirely satisfactory for preventing that spoilage. In consequence, it is necessary for marketers of milk products to market the milk in a container which will maintain the milk within a sterile atomsphere from final production stage until ultimate consumer use so as to minimise bacterial organism contamination. Such successful maintenance means that the milk can be transported and stored for extended periods without the need of critical refrigeration, added preservatives, pasteurisation or other bacterial organisms destroying means.
A recently developed container for storing and marketing milk, particularly to large users, is a flexible bag composed of sheet material, such as a plastic or plastic/metal laminate, having a closure assembly through which milk can be poured into and from the bag. It has been found that these bag containers can generally maintain the milk in an unspoiled condition provided the containers are sterilized prior to filling and the container is filled with minimum, if any, contamination of either the container or milk. However, machines and methods presently available to fill such bag containers on a commercial scale do not achieve that satisfactorily, so that the useful life of the contained milk is reduced.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a container filling machine and method which alleviates the foregoing difficulty of prior filling machines and methods.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a machine for filling a container through an opening therein, including: a machine frame defining a container conveying zone through which a container loaded into the machine moves during a filling operation; a container. sterilizing assembly mounted on the machine frame and defining a sterilizing station in the conveying zone, the container sterilizing assembly operable to aseptically sterilize the container at least in a region incorporating the opening, when positioned at the sterilizing station; and, a container filling assembly at the mounted on the machine frame and defining a container filling station in the conveying zone, the container filling assembly being operable to receive the sterilized container and fill the container through the opening therein with a product whilst maintaining at least the opening region of the container in an aseptic condition.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for filling a container through an opening therein, including the steps of: loading the container into a container conveying zone; moving the container through the conveying zone to a sterilizing station; aseptically sterilizing the container at least in the region of the opening when positioned at the sterilizing station; moving the sterilized container along the conveying zone to a filling station; and, filling the container received at the filling station through the opening thereof with a product whilst maintaining at least in the opening region of the container in an aseptic condition.
Preferably, the machine frame defines an elongated conveying zone having an inlet through which an empty container is passed for loading into the zone, and an outlet through which a filled container passes to be discharged from the conveying zone. The conveying zone preferably, lies generally along one or more horizontal planes during machine operation.
Preferably, the machine frame is adapted, during machine operation, to enclose the conveying zone along its entire. longitudinal extent. Moreover, preferably, the inlet and outlet to that zone is selectively sealable, that being achieved by the inclusion of suitable inlet and outlet closure members in the machine frame. Because of the extent of this enclosure of the conveying zone during machine operation, contamination of the zone with atmosphere surrounding the machine can be minimised.
As an additional measure against contamination of the conveying zone with surrounding atmosphere, the conveying zone is supplied with a sterilizing gas which pressurizes and maintains the conveying zone at a pressure higher than the surrounding atmosphere. That sterilizing gas is preferably supplied from a zone pressurizing unit.
The machine of the present invention is preferably adapted to operate continuously so that a plurality of the containers are successively introduced into the machine and move through the conveying zone being filled and then discharged from the machine. Those containers are preferably stored adjacent the conveying zone for loading thereinto. Those containers may be loaded into the conveying zone in any suitable manner, such as manually. Those containers may be separate from each other or, to facilitate loading, severably interconnected in seriatim so that a pack of containers may be simultaneously loaded into the machine and then severed from each other before or after filling.
The machine of the present invention preferably also includes a container drive assembly operable to move the containers through the conveying zone. Preferably, that drive assembly is operable to step move the containers along the conveying zone. In this way, container movement steps can be so selected that container movement can be halted between preselected movement steps to allow machine functions to be completed on the containers whilst those containers are in a stop condition. The drive assembly is preferably arranged to ensure the general equal spacing between adjacent containers as they move through the conveying zone.
Preferably, the container sterilizing assembly is mounted on the machine frame such that the sterilizing station is positioned downstream of the conveying zone inlet. Moreover, preferably, the sterilizing assembly is so arranged that the sterilizing station can be generally isolated from the remainder of the conveying zone.
Preferably, the sterilizing assembly is adapted to sterilize containers, or at least a region of those containers, in two stages. For that reason, the sterilizing station preferably has two sub-stations at each of which a respective one of those sterilizing stages occurs, one sub-station being upstream of the other.
Preferably, the sterilizing assembly includes a preliminary sterilizing unit positioned within or adjacent the conveying zone, at the upstream sterilizing sub station, and operable to sterilize at least an outer surface of the containers or a holding bag in which one or more of the containers are loaded into the machine. In this way, contaminants which may be on the outer surface of the containers or holding bags during their storage or otherwise prior to loading into the machine can be sterilized. Preferably, the containers stop their movement through the conveying zone when in the upstream sterilizing sub station to allow proper sterilization by the preliminary sterilizing unit.
The preliminary sterilizing unit may wash cleanse the outer surface of the containers or packs of containers. That wash cleansing may be achieved by spray washing the outer surface with a chemical sanitising liquid and then drying that surface so as to remove traces of that liquid from the outer surface. The preliminary sterilizing unit may also be operable to generally immerse the containers in high frequency light rays such as low intensity ultraviolet light rays to assist in sterilization.
Preferably., the container sterilizing assembly also includes a main sterilizing unit positioned within or adjacent the conveying zone, at the downstream sterilizing sub-station, and operable to sterilize at least the opening region of the containers. In this way, contamination of the product during container filling is minimised. Preferably, the containers also stop their movement through the conveying zone when in the downstream sterilizing sub-station to allow proper sterilization by the main sterilizing unit.
The main sterilizing unit may be operable to immerse the opening region of the containers in high frequency light rays, such as high intensity ultraviolet light rays. That sterilizing unit may also immerse the container generally in high frequency light rays, such as low intensity ultraviolet light rays.
Preferably, the container filling assembly is mounted on the machine frame such that the filling station is positioned downstream of the sterilizing station. Preferably, the filling assembly is so constructed that the filling station can be generally isolated from the remainder of the conveying zone. Preferably, the filling station is positioned immediately downstream of the downstream sterilizing sub-station so that during machine operation containers move immediately from the sterilizing station to the filling station in preparation for filling.
Preferably, the filling assembly includes a container filling unit mounted within or adjacent the conveying zone and operable to fill containers in the filling station with a predetermined portion of product. The filling unit preferably has one or more guide elements extending from the sterilizing station, into and through the filling station for supportingly guiding successive containers from the sterilizing station into and through the filling station. Moreover, the filling unit preferably has one or more locating elements provided in the filling station and selectively operable to positively locate and firmly hold the containers, adjacent the opening thereof, in the filling station in a predetermined filling position for filling with the product. Preferably, when the locating elements hold the container, movement of that container and of succeeding containers through the conveying zone is stopped to allow container filling. This stoppage also provides the stoppage of successive container(s), within at least the downstream sterilizing sub-station. The locating elements are preferably so operable to releasably locate and hold the containers only during container filling.
The filling unit preferably also has a container filling head mounted within the conveying zone, the head being connectable to a source of product and operable to inject a portion of that product into a container, through the opening thereof, located and held by the locating elements in the filling station. The filling head is preferably mounted for movement relative to the held container so that, in machine operation, the head is projected into the container opening for injection of product and then withdrawn frdm the opening to allow the filled container to move from the filling station.
The machine of the present invention preferably further includes a container discharge assembly mounted on the machine frame and defining a discharge station in the conveying zone.
Preferably, the discharge assembly is operable to discharge a filled container, received at the discharge station from the filled station.
Preferably, the container discharge assembly is mounted on the machine frame such that the discharge station is positioned downstream of the filling station. Where the containers moving through the conveying zone are interconnected, the discharge assembly may include a severing unit to separate the containers to that they can pass individually through the conveying zone outlet from the machine.
The following description refers in more detail to the above and additional features of the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings where the various features are illustrated in a preferred embodiment. It should be understood that the features of the invention are not limited to the specific embodiment of those features as shown in the drawings.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1. is a side elevational view showing the general assembly of a preferred embodiment of the container filling machine of the present invention;
FIG. 1a is a side elevation view illustrating a form of containers filled by the machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is a detailed side elevational view illustrating a part of the machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a detailed end elevational view of the machine part of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a detailed side elevational view illustrating a further part of the machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a detailed plan view of a machine part as seen from V--V of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a detailed end elevational view of the machine part of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view illustrating another part of the machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a detailed cross sectional view of a machine part as seen from VIII--VIII of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a detailed side elevational view illustrating yet a further part of the machine of FIG. 1; and,
FIG. 10 is a detailed and elevational view of the machine part of FIG. 9.
Referring initially to FIG. 1 and 1a, there is generally illustrated machine 1, for filling container 2, with a product (not shown). Container 2, includes plastic bag 3, with closure sleeve 4, sealingly mounted in bag 3, so as to define opening 5, into bag 3. Container 2, also has closure cap 6, releasably snap-connectable to sleeve 4, to close opening 5, A plurality of bag containers 2, are arranged into pack 7, bags 2, being interconnected in seriatim and fanfolded into a stack and stored in at least one plastic holding bag (not shown). Pack 7, may have previously been subjected to a sterilization process such as gamma ray radiation, prior to delivery to machine 2.
Machine 1, has frame 8, which defines generally horizontally extending conveying zone 9. Zone 9, is generally quadrangular and defined by bottom wall 10, top wall 11, and opposed side walls 12, 13 of frame 8. Conveying zone 9, has inlet 14, through which packs 7, are loaded into machine 1. Inlet 14, is selectively closable by inlet closure door 15, slidably mounted on frame 8. Conveying zone 9, also has outlet 16, through which filled containers 2, can pass from machine 1, following movement through conveying zone 9. Outlet 16, is selectively closable by outlet closure flap (not shown) hinged to frame 8, and pushed open upon pressure from containers 2, during machine operation.
Frame 8, is conveniently fabricated so as to include access hatches 17, for inspection and maintenance of machine 1. At least some of hatches 17, may be transparent to enable a operator to watch over filling operations.
Machine 1, generally includes container sterilizing assembly 18, for aseptically sterilizing containers 2, container filling assmebly 19, for filling containers 2, with product, container discharge assembly 20, for discharging filled containers 2, from machine 1, and drive assembly 21, for moving containers 2, along conveying zone 9, through assemblies 18, 19 and 20.
Sterilizing assembly 18, is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 2 to 4, and defines upstream sterilizing sub-station 22, and downstream sterilizing sub-station 23, in conveying zone 9. Sterilizing assembly 18, can include movable inner partition door 24, for dividing upstream sterilizing sub-station 22, into regions 25, and 26. In addition, sterilizing assembly 18, may include outer partition wall 27, for at least substantially dividing upstream sterilizing sub-station 22, from downstream sterilizing sub-station 23. In this way, sub-station region 25, in particular and sub-station region 26, to a lesser extent of upstream sterilizing sub-station 22, can be enclosed and isolated.
Sterilizing assembly 18, includes preliminary sterilizing unit 28, (FIGS. 2 and 3) for sterilizing container pack 7, loaded into conveying zone 9, through inlet 14, and located at upstream sterilizing station 22. Preliminary sterilizing unit 28, includes a pair of spaced apart spray nozzles 29, mounted within sub-station region 25, and depending from top wall 11. Nozzles 29, are connectable through pipe 30, to a source of pressurized chemical sanitizing liquid (not shown) to spray wash the outer surface of the holding bag of container pack 7.
Preliminary sterilizing unit 28, may also include at least one electric heating element 31, mounted in upstream sterilizing sub-station region 25, and selectively operable to dry container pack 7, previously washed with sanitizing liquid sprayed from nozzles 29.
Preliminary sterilizing unit 28, further includes collection trays 32, positioned adjacent or formed from bottom wall 10, in sub-station regions 25, and 26, for collecting and removing sprayed sanitizing liquid from conveying zone 9. Each tray 32, may have a drain pipe (not shown) leading therefrom for collection and disposal or recirculation of the sanitizing liquid.
Preliminary sterilizing unit 28, also includes at least one low intensity ultraviolet light generator 33, operable to immerse container pack 7, in ultraviolet light rays. Each light generator 33, depends from top wall 11, and may be a water cooled lamp. A pair of generators 33, may be spaced apart in each of sub-station regions 25, and 26, of upstream sterilizing sub-station 22.
Sterilizing assembly 18, also includes main sterilizing unit 34, (FIG. 4) located in downstream sterilizing sub-station 23. Main sterilizing unit 34, includes high intensity ultraviolet light generator 35, in the form of a water-cooled lamp, positioned in sterilizing sub-station 23, so that containers 2, moving along conveying zone 9, will have that region thereof including closure sleeve 4, and closure cap 6, pass immediately therebeneath for immersion in the ultraviolet light rays. Main sterilizing unit 34, also includes at least one low intensity ultraviolet light generator 36, arranged in downstream sterilizing sub-station 23, so as to immerse at least the outer upper surface of bags 3, in ultraviolet light rays. At least two such generators 36, also in the form of water cooled lamps may be spaced about sterilizing sub-station 23, and depend from top wall 11.
Sterilizing assembly 18, also includes at least one manipulative element 37, mounted on machine frame 8, and adapted to allow manual manipulation of container pack 7, within upstream sterilizing sub-station 22, and to some extent also within downstream sterilizing sub-station 23. Each manipulative element 37, may be a surgical glove sealingly mounted on machine frame 8, so as to extend through side wall 12, or 13, into conveying zone 9, and into which a machine operator's arm may extent to allow manipulation of container pack 7. At least one pair of manipulative elements 37, can extend into each of upstream and downstream sterilizing sub-stations 22, and 23 (not all shown for reasons of simplicity).
Sterilizing assembly 18, further includes dump outlet 38, (FIG. 2) opening from downstream sterilizing sub-station 23, and through which the holding bag of container pack 7, can be discarded following dispensing of containers 2, from pack 7. Dump outlet 38, includes dump chute 39, sealable from within downstream sterilizing sub-station 23, by removable lid 40, manipulated by conveniently positioned manipulative element 37.
Container filling assembly 19, is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 4 to 8, and defines container filling station 41, in conveying zone 9, and at which containers 2, are actually filled with a product (not shown). Container filling assembly 19, is open to downstream sterilizing sub-station 23, but has a partition 42, dividing to isolate filling station 41, from discharge assembly 20, except for outlet opening 43, through which filled containers 2, move during machine operation. Outlet opening 43, is generally rectangular shaped and sized to neatly receive filled bag containers 2, therethrough.
Container filling assembly 19, includes container filling unit 44, arranged at or adjacent filling station 41. Filling unit 44, includes a pair of closely spaced apart guide rails 45, extending from within downstream sterilizing sub-station 23, through filling station 41, and out through outlet opening 43, thereof. Guide rails 45, are generally L-shaped and are arranged to face each other so that sleeve 4, of container 2, can extend therebetween and be slidingly supported thereby for sliding movement therealong. Guide rails 45, are rigidly mounted on machine frame 8, adjacent bottom wall 10, of conveying zone 9, and pass beneath high intensity light generator 35. That mounting positions rails 45, in a horizontal plane so that closure sleeves 4, guided thereby generally vertically upstanding therefrom with opening 5, facing upwardly.
Guide rails 45, vary in their relative spacing so that they are more closely spaced apart in filling station 41, than in downstream sterilizing sub-station 23. In this way, closure sleeve 4, of containers 2, can be easily received by and guided between rails 45, to minimise frictional resistance whilst in sterilizing sub-station 23, and is only retained in a close sliding and supporting fit between guide rails 45, at filling station 41, so as to positively locate and hold closure sleeve 4, for container filling.
Inner surfaces 46, of guide rails 45, may be highly polished or reflective so that ultraviolet light rays particularly from light generator 35, are reflected therefrom and concentrated about closure sleeve 4, and closure cap 6.
Container filling unit 44, also has support platform 47, extending beneath guide rails 45, from within downstream sterilizing sub-station 23, through filling station 41, to outlet opening 43, thereof. Support platform 47, acts to positively support container bags 3, between support platform 47, and guide rails 45, as they move through filling station 41, and particularly during and following filling with product. To allow for increased container size following filling, support platform 47, extends parallel and closely spaced beneath guide rails 45, in downstream sterilizing sub-station 23, but diverges downwardly therefrom in filling station 41, to outlet opening 43. Support platform 47, may be in the nature of a support plate or support rack.
Filling unit 44, also has a pair of locating arms 48, and 49, selectively actuable to grip and hold closure sleeves 4, of containers 2, when located in filling station 41. Each arm 48, 49, is mounted on a respective guide rail 45, and includes gripping finger 50, mounted on respective guide rail 45, for pivotal movement about axes 51, with finger 50, of arm 48, being located slightly downstream from finger 50, of arm 49. Each arm 48, 49, also includes actuating lever 52, pivotably connected to respective gripping finger 50, and actuable by respective linear motor 53, to pivotably move gripping fingers 50, about axes 51, toward and away from each other so as to respectively grip and release a closure sleeve 4, placed therebetween.
Filling unit 44, also includes filling head 54, (FIGS. 7 and 8) for actually attending to filling of containers 2, when located at filling station 41. Filling head 54, includes support plate 55, rigidly mounted on support rod 56, which in turn is mounted on machine frame 8, through bearing 57, for linear movement along and rotary movement about vertical axis 58, relative to machine frame 8. Support plate 55, is spaced immediately above guide rails 45, and gripping fingers 50, within filling station 41, so that it will be spaced above closure sleeve 4, of containers 2, positioned between gripping fingers 50, in filling station 41. Support rod 56, is pivotal about axis 58, by means of linear motor 59, mounted on machine frame 8, and connected eccentrically to rod 56, through linkage 60. Support rod 56, is linearly movable along axis 58, by means of further linear motor 61, also mounted on machine frame 8, and connected to rod 56, through connecting link 62.
Filling head 54, further includes closure cap removal mechanism 63, mounted on support plate 55, and operable to remove closure cap 6, from container 2, located in filling station 41, for filling of container 2, and subsequently replace that cap 6. Removal mechanism 63, includes tubular body 64, rigidly mounted on support plate 55, and projecting downwardly therefrom. A series of elongated gripping claws 65, are mounted on tubular body 64, and project downwardly thereof. Claws 65, are spaced apart about body 64, in a ring formation and are mounted for radial pivotal movement about individual axes 66. Tubular body 64, and claws 65, together define downwardly facing open mouth 67, for receipt of closure caps 6, therein during operation of machine 1.
Mounted on tubular body 64, is a series of resilient bands 68, extending circumferentially about body 64, and also gripping claws 65. Those bands 68, resiliently bias gripping claws 65, radially inwardly so as to extend parallel with body 64. Resilient bands 68, may be coil springs.
Cap removal mechanism 63, further has cap seating plunger 69, operable to engage and move gripping claws radially outwardly against the bias of resilient bands 68, to cause them to release any closure cap 6, gripped therebetween and also to press that released closure cap 6, into engagement with closure sleeve 4. Seating plunger 69, has elongated shank portion 70, longitudinally slidable within tubular body 64, and head portion 71, located adjacent gripping claws 65, plunger 69, being movable between an inoperative position (as illustrated in FIG. 8) where head portion 71, is retracted from engagement with gripping claws 65, and an operative position in which head portion 71, engages gripping claws 65, and projects from mouth 67. Plunger 69, is resiliently biased into its inoperative position by means of coil spring 72, mounted for reaction between tubular body 64, and shank portion 70, and is movable to its operative position against that bias by action of linear motor 73, mounted on machine frame 8, immediately above where closure sleeve 4, will be gripped by arms 48, 49, in filling station 41.
Filling head 54, also includes filling nozzle 74, mounted on plate 55, and support rod 56, for movement therewith. Coveniently, support rod 56, is provided with passageway 75, extending between nozzle 74, and outlet 76, outlet 76, being connectable to a source of product (not shown) for delivery to nozzle 74. Filling nozzle 74, is circumferentially spaced apart from removal mechanism 63, about vertical axis 58, of support rod 56. In this way, during machine operation, support plate 55, can be rotated between positions where cap removal mechanism 63, and filling nozzle 74, are alternatively positioned beneath linear actor 73, and above closure sleeve 4, of container 2, positioned between gripping claws 65, in filling station 41.
Nozzle 74, has elongated body 77, which extends generally downwardly from support plate 55, to terminal nozzle nose 78. Nozzle 74, is generally tubular and thereby defines product passageway 79, connecting with passageway 75. Nozzle nose 78, is sized so as to project into opening 5, of closure sleeve 4, with nozzle nose 78, sealing against sleeve 4.
Filling nozzle 74, also has dispensing valve 80, selectively actuable to block and unblock passageway 79, thereby to respectively prevent and permit product dispensing through nozzle nose 78. Valve 80, includes valve closure plug 81, adapted to move toward and away from valve seat 82, to respectively block and unblock passageway 79. Valve closure plug 81, is mounted on and movable by hollow plunger stem 83, and is resiliently baised into passageway blocking engagement with valve seat 82, by spring 84, acting between body 77, and hollow plunger stem 83. Movement of plunger stem 83, and thus valve closure plug 81, to unblock passageway 79, against bias of spring 84, is achieved with linear motor 73.
Filling nozzle 74, is also selectively connectable to a source of vacuum and low positive pressure gas (not shown) and is operable to communicate that vacuum and gas through nozzle nose 78, to container 2. Connection of filling nozzle 74, to the source of vacuum occurs when filling nozzle nose 78, is sealed against closure sleeve 4, and prior to container filling so as to evacuate any air from container 2. That connection also occurs immediately following withdrawal of filling nozzle nose 78, from closure sleeve 4, after filling so that any drops of product on nozzle nose 78, can be removed and thereby minimise the possibility of those drops falling and contaminating either containers 2, or filling station 41. Connection of filling nozzle 74, to the source of pressure gas occurs upon completion of container filling and as filling nozzle 74, is about to be lifted away from sleeve 4, to assist in breaking the seal between sleeve 4, and filling nozzle nose 78, and thereby avoid splashing of product from sleeve 4. The gas may be nitrogen. That connection occurs through passageway 85, which communicates through relief 86, and port 87, to inner bore 88, hollow plunger stem 83. Although not shown, machine 1, provides for selective separate connection of the source of vacuum and the low pressure gas during machine operation, as will become more apparent hereinafter.
Filling nozzle 74, further includes control valve 89, selectively actuable to control connection of inner bore 88, through nozzle nose 78, and thus into opening 5, of container 2, during machine operation. Control valve 89, includes port 90, extending coaxially through valve closure plug 81, and defining seat 91, therein. Valve closure needle 92, is slidably mounted in inner bore 88, and adapted to move toward and away from seat 91, to respectively block and unblock port 90. Valve closure needle 92, protrudes from plunger stem 83, and is sealed thereto with O-ring 93, so as to confine vacuum and pressure gas in inner bore 88, and prevent escape except through port 90. Valve closure needle 92, is resiliently biased out of port blocking engagement with seat 91, by spring 94, acting between plunger stem 83, and closure needle 92. Movement of valve closure needle 92, against bias of spring 94, to block port 90, is achieved with linear motor 73, when plunger stem 83, is moved thereby.
Filling nozzle 74, also has inlet port 95, and outlet port 96, communicating through relief 97, in body 77. Ports 95, and 96, are connected to a source of steam (not shown) during machine operation to sterilize that region of plunger stem 83, facing relief 97, and which enters product passageway 79, to be contaminated thereby.
Filling unit 44, also includes nozzle cleansing device 98, mounted on machine frame 8, adjacent filling head 54, for cleansing nozzle nose 78, following each container filling operation. Cleansing device 98, is operable to liquid wash filling nozzle nose 78, when support plate 55, is rotated to move nozzle 74, away from closure sleeve 4, and move the removal mechanism 63, into registry therewith. Cleansing device 98, includes cleansing cup 99, into which filling nozzle nose 78, can extend and a series of spray jets 100, spaced about cup 99, and selectively connectable to a source of cleansing liquid (not shown), spray jets 100, operable to spray filling nose nozzle 78.
Discharge assembly 20, is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 9 and 10, and defines discharge station 101, in conveying zone 9. Discharge assembly 20, includes sealing device 102, operable to permanently seal closure caps 6, replaced on sleeves 4, following container filling. Sealing device 102, is located in discharge station 101, immediately downstream of filling station 41, and may be a suitable welding device such as an ultrasonic welder, construction of which is well known to those skilled in the relevant art.
Discharge assembly 20, also includes severing unit 103, operable to separate filled containers 2, as they are moved through discharge station 101, so that they are individually discharged from machine 1, through outlet 16. Severing unit 103, includes severing blade 104, mounted adjacent top wall 11, defining conveying zone 9. Severing blade 104, has cutting edge 105, extending longitudinally in a configuration. Severing blade 104, is mounted on linear motor 106, and through which blade 104, is mounted on machine frame 8. Actuation of linear motor 106, causes upward and downward movement of severing blade 104, in a guillotine action.
Although not shown, discharge assembly 20, may also include a discharge chute through which separated, filled containers 2, fall out of conveying zone 9, through outlet 16, for subsequent collection.
Machine 1, also includes pressurizing units 107, (FIGS. 1 and 6) connected to conveying zone 9, for supplying sterilized and pressurized air thereto. Pressurizing unit 107, ducts the air through coveying zone 9, via ducts 108, opening into filling station 41, to freely circulate within and between filling station 41, and downstream sterilizing sub-station 23. In addition, that pressurized air is free to leak into and then from upstream sterilizing sub-station 22, and discharge station 101, to provide at least partial pressurization of that sub-station 22, and station 101. Pressurizing unit 107, may be selectively operable to single pass and recirculatively duct the air into conveying zone 9.
Pressurizing unit 107, may include a pump device 109, operable to draw air from atmosphere surrounding machine 1, and pumping the air through incinerator 110, for sterilization and cooler 111, prior to delivery to ducts 108, and subsequent recirculation. Although not shown, pressurizing unit 107, may alternatively be an air cleaning sterilizer operable to draw air from a compressed air source and sterilize the air prior to delivery to ducts 108.
Machine 1, also includes drive assembly 21, for moving container pack 7, and containers 2, therein along conveying zone 9. Drive assembly 21, includes inlet conveyor 112, (FIGS. 2 and 3) comprising idler rollers rotatably mounted within sterilizing sub-station 22, and 23. One series of rollers 113, extends along bottom wall 10, of conveying zone 9, in both sub stations 22, and 23 whilst further series of rollers 114, extend along side walls 12, 13 of conveying zone 9, in upstream sterilizing sub-station 22. This inlet conveyor 112 is such that container packs 7, loaded into sterilizing sub-station are manually movable along the series of idler rollers 113, 114, therewithin.
Container packs 7, are loaded into conveying zone 9, so that they bear directly on conveyor roller series 113. Alternatively, however, drive assembly 21, may provide one or more support pallets (not shown) arranged to bear on conveyor roller series 113, and to support the container pack 7, thereon. These pallets may facilitate mechanical loading of container packs 7, into conveying zone 9, and also movement of packs 7, within sterilizing sub-stations 22, and 23. Where support pallets are provided, one of access hatches 17, may be positioned adjacent downstream sterilizing sub-station 23, to allow removal of those pallets following depletion of the containers 2, of pack 7, on the pallet within the sterilizing sub-station 23.
Drive assembly 21, also includes outlet conveyor 115, (FIGS. 9 and 10) extending along conveying zone 9, within discharge station 101, and operable to move filled containers 2, therethrough and discharge them from machine 1. Outlet conveyor 115, is a series of driven conveyor rollers 116, extending within discharge station 101, Roller series 116, is driven through suitable motor and drive transmission train 117, such as an air motor, drive shaft, and belt train.
Each roller in series 116, of outlet conveyor 115. may have outer surface 118, treated to facilitate frictional grip with filled containers 2. To that end, each roller in series 116, may be provided with an at least partially rubberised outer surface 118. That surface 118, may be provided by a rubberised coating or, as shown, a series of O-rings 119, spaced apart along each of rollers in series 116.
In this preferred form, outlet conveyor 115, may have a slight downward gradient from the container filling assembly 19, to conveying zone outlet 16, to facilitate container movement therethrough.
A variety of monitoring and control mechanisms may be provided to monitor and control the various functions of machine 1. In that regard, means (not shown) may be provided to monitor the number of bag containers 2, within machine 1, awaiting to be filled, the presence of closure cap 6, with each of those containers 2, the correct positioning of each container 2, on support platform 47, and within guide rails 45, prior to container filling, the maintenance of a positive pressure within at least filling station 41, the maintenance of a predetermined temperature within one or more stations 22, 23, 41, and 101, the hours of operation of ultraviolet light generators 33, 35, and 36, the sealing of filling nozzle nose 78, within closure sleeve 4, prior to filling, and the spillage of product or other contamination within conveying zone 9. Means (not shown) may be provided to control operation of, inter alia, washing spray jets 100, heating element 31, ultraviolet light generators 33, 35 and 36, filling head 54, movement involving closure cap removal mechanism 63, and filling nozzle 74, outlet conveyor 115, sealing device 102, and severing blade 104. Linear motors 53, 59, 61, 73, and 120, may be air operated piston and cylinder motors, the control means control flow of pressurized air to and from those motors.
Since efficient filling of containers 2, requires that filling nozzle nose 78, be properly inserted in, and sealed against closure sleeve 4, before and during container filling, the monitoring and control mechanisms may particularly include a nozzle check facility operable to check effectiveness of sleeve sealing before operation of dispensing valve 80, to dispense product is permitted. This facility may involve monitoring the effectiveness of the evacuation of container 2, by holding and monitoring the residual vacuum following the period of evacuation and, if the negative pressure decays toward zero, providing an indication to the machine operator that the seal between filling nozzle nose 78, and sleeve 4, is incomplete. Once the sealing has been checked and eventually completed then dispensing valve 80, can be operated to dispense product to container 2.
The majority of these monitoring and control means are located outside conveying zone 9, at least in filling station 41, to minimise potential contamination of that zone 9. Where those means of necessity extend into conveying zone 9, from outside machine 1, suitable aseptic seals (not shown) may be provided.
The monitoring and control means may be a combination of electronic and mechanical devices well recognised by those skilled in this art. Wherever practical in this form, those devices preferably automatically function to facilitate automatic operation of the machine.
In order to further understand machine 1, of the present invention, operation of the preferred embodiment thereof as outlined above will now be described.
Prior to any period of operation of machine 1, that machine 1, is caused to automatically undergo a sterilizing procedure to ensure that machine 1, is sterilized for operation. To that end, the control means is operated so that support plate 55, is rotated and lowered under action of linear motors 59, and 61, until filling nozzle nose 78, is positioned within cleansing cup 99, and dispensing valve 80, is actuated by linear motor 120, mounted on manchine frame 8, to unblock product passageway 79, to allow sterilization of all product delivery lines. The control means additionally causes the gas pump device 109, to operate so that sterilized air is ducted into conveying zone 9, at least in downstream sterilizing sub-station 23, and filling station 41. That air is filtered to about 25 micron and then passed through incinerator 110, raising the air to a temperature of approzimately 300° C. Prior to direct circulation through ducts 108, and within conveying zone 9. At this air temperature, all living bacteria are destroyed. Metal components of machine 1, contacted by this hot dry air are raised to a temperature in the region of 150° C. When the required sanitizing temperature is reached it will be monitored for a set time and recorded on a chart recorder and at the completion of that heating period, the air will be diverted through cooler 111, to lower its temperature to approximately 45° C. This air can then be continued to be ducted through ducts 108, into at least downstream sterilizing sub-station 23, and filling station 41, and used as the low pressure sterile air for maintaining conveying zone 9, at a positive pressure throughout the filling operation. During machine operation, a large percentage of the air will be recycled by gas pump device 109, along with a volume of makeup air replacing air vented through inlet 14, and outlet 16, of conveying zone 9.
In operating machine 1, an operator working in a clean environment adjacent machine 1, removes any outer storage or transportation packaging (not shown) from container pack 7, to leave the holding bag closed about bag containers 2. This container pack 7, is then loaded into conveying zone 9, through inlet 14, and placed in the upstream sterilizing sub-station region 25.
The operator then isolates that region 25, by closing inlet closure door 15, and inner partition door 24, and initiates spray washing and drying of the holding bag. That washing and drying is a timed function with the operator being alerted by the control means as to the end of that function. The holding bag and containers 2, are then immersed in ultraviolet light rays from light generators 33, in upstream sterilizing sub-station region 25.
Once container pack 7, has been washed and dried, inner partition door 24, is opened and pack 7, manually moved into upstream sterilizing sub-station region 26, and partition door 24, again closed. There the operator will slit the holding bag to reveal bag containers 2. Access for that splitting is through manipulative elements 37, extending into that sub-station region 26. In region 26, the holding bag and containers 2, are again immersed in ultraviolet light rays from light generators 33, in that region 26.
A leading bag container 2, in slit container pack 7, is then removed from pack 7, and clipped to a draw cord (not shown) threaded through conveying zone 9, prior to machine sterilization. That cord passes through conveying zone outlet 16, and is gripped by the operator to draw successive bag containers 2, from pack 7, onto support platform 47, with closure sleeves 4, in sliding engagement with guide rails 45. As bag containers 2, are drawn through downstream sterilizing sub-station 23, they are immersed in ultraviolet light rays from light generators 35, and 36, and so sterilized prior to moving to filling station 41.
As the leading bag container 2, approaches filling station 41, it will satisfy a bag container present sensor of the control means so that downstream gripping arm 48, will be actuated by respectiye linear motor 53, to block closure sleeve passage along guide rails 45. When at filling station 41, upstream gripping arm 49, will be actuated by respective linear motor 53, to cause closure sleeve 4, of that leading bag container 2, to be firmly gripped between fingers 50, of the gripping arms 48, 49.
The operator then operates the control means to initiate filling of that leading bag container 2. In that regard, cap removal mechanism 63, is initially placed inmediately above closure cap 6, and, with plunger 69, in its inoperative position, filling head support plate 55, lowered under action of linear motor 61, until removal mechanism gripping claws 65, extend over and about to resiliently engage closure cap 6, in mouth 67. Filling head support plate 55, is then raised with linear motor 61, with removal mechanism 63, withdrawing closure cap 6, from closure sleeve 4.
Filling head support plate 55, is then rotated about axis 58, under action of linear motor 59, until filling nozzle 74, is located immediately above closure sleeve 4, and then plate 55, is again lowered with linear motor 61, until filling nozzle nose 78, enters opening 5, and seals against the periphery of closure sleeve 4. At this stage passageway 85 is connected to the source of vacuum and with needle 92, unblocking port 90, due to bias of spring 94, air is caused to be evacuated from bag container 2. Following evacuation and (if provided) confirmation of the effectiveness of the seal between filling nozzle nose 78, and closure sleeve 4, the control means actuates linear motor 73, to push plunger stem 83 and needle 92 against their respective biasing springs 84 and 94. Because of the relative positions of plunger stem 83, and needle 92, linear motor 73, initially actuates needle 92, blocking port 90 and so ending air withdrawal. Immediatley, thereafter linear motor 73, actuates plunger stem 83, which in turn actuates dispensing valve 80, to unblock passageway 79, and allow a preset quantity of product to be delivered through passageways 75, and 79, to that bag container 2. During this delivery passageway 85, is connected to the source of low pressure nitrogen.
Upon completion of bag container filling linear motor 73, is again actuated to release plunger stem 83 and needle 92, causing dispensing valve 80, to initially block passageway 79, then unblock part 90 to deliver low pressure nitrogen to opening 5. Support plate 55, is then raised slowly with linear motor 61 to lift filling nozzle nose 78, out of sleeve 4, to avoid product splashing, the low pressure nitrogen assisting separation between nozzle 74, and product.
While filling nozzle nose 78, is above sleeve 4, and for about 200 milliseconds before support plate 55, further moves away, filling nozzle 74, is reconnected to the source of vacuum through passageway 85, to draw any drops of product on filling nozzle nose 78, into inner bore 88, and eventually out thfough passageway 85.
Support plate 55, is then completely retracted and then rotated under action of linear motor 59, so positioning filling nozzle 74, above cleansing cup 99, and repositioning removal mechanism 63, above closure sleeve 4. Again, lowering support plate 55, with linear motor 61, causes filling nozzle nose 74, to enter cleansing cup 99, for washing with a cleansing liquid, and closure cap 6 to re-engage with closure sleeve 6. The control means then causes linear motor 73, to move plunger 69, from its inoperative position to its operative position where it moves gripping claws 65, against the resilient bias of resilient bands 68, and so out of contact with closure cap 6, and presses closure cap 6, into firm engagement with closure sleeve 4. With plunger 69, maintained in its operative position, filling head support plate 55, is then raised with linear motor 61, to clear removal mechanism 63, from filled bag container 2, and linear motor 73, retracted to allow plunger 69, to return to its inoperative position.
Locating arms 48, 49 then release closure sleeve 6, so that filled leading bag container 2, can be then manually drawn out of filling station 41, to discharge station 89, where operation of outlet conveyor 115, moves that leading bag container 2, through that station 101, and simultaneously draws a successive bag container 2, into container filling station 41, for filling as above. Following welding of closure cap 6, to closure sleeve 4, by the ultrasonic welder 102, and separation of leading bag container 2, from the pack 7, with severing blade 104, that filled container 2, is conveyed through outlet 16, of conveying zone 9, and the discharge chute (not shown).
Until two filled bag containers 2, are pulled through filling station 41, onto outlet conveyor 115, the operator will be required to manually draw containers 2, along conveying zone 9, with the draw cord. Once those two containers 2, are on outlet conveyor 115, then the draw cord can be unhooked and outlet conveyor 115, will operate to continuously draw containers 2, from pack 7, and through conveying zone 9.
If, for any reason, a spillage of product should occur during the filling, machine operation can be stopped and a wash down programme initiated. A series of fixed spray heads (not shown) spaced along conveying zone 9, can spray cleanse and sterilize that zone 9, to wash away the residue of that product. That wash down programme may be timed for approximately 3 minutes and then machine 1, can be set for a further filling operation.
In normal operation, machine 1, will have at least two container packs 7, within conveying zone 9, one in each of the upstream and downstream sterilizing sub-stations 22, and 23, one pack 7, having containers 2, being drawn therefrom for filling and the other pack 7, in readiness upon depletion of that one pack 7. To ensure that the filling operation is not delayed following completion of the one container pack 7, the leading container 2, of the other container pack 7, in upstream sub-station 22, is connected to the last container 2, of the one container pack 7, in the downstream sub-station 23, by the operator while the one container pack 7, is being filled. That connection can be achieved with adhesive tape applied to either the last container 2, of the one container pack 7, or the leading container 2, of the other container pack 7, during pack manufacture. Thus, when the one container pack 7, is depleted the other pack 7, will automatically commence being filled. The machine can be provided with visual indication through the access hatches 17, to advise the operator that the one container pack 7, is depleted so that the other container pack 7, should be moved into downstream sub-station 23, and a further container pack 7, loaded into upstream sub station 22. The monitoring means may provide an alarm indication should that function not be carried out.
The present invention provides a machine and method which can operate to fill containers in an aseptic condition. In an example application of that machine, it is particularly suitable for filling flexible bag containers with liquid food and drink. In the result, containers so filled with the machine can maintain the product in a usable condition for a longer period of time when compared with previous filling machines.
The machine and method of the present invention enables rapid continuous filling of containers with minimal possibility of interruption through incorrect container feeding or filling. As such, container filling can be achieved economically and efficiently thereby minimising ultimate cost of the product to the consumer.
It will be appreciated that various modifications and/or alterations may be made to the container filling machine and method without departing from the ambit of the present invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.
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|4 oct. 1978
|19 aoűt 1980
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|Method and an arrangement for the cleaning of a filler pipe in a packing machine
|7 mai 1981
|29 nov. 1983
|Scholle Corporation
|Apparatus and method for aseptically filling flexible containers
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|Titre non disponible
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|7 avr. 1986
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|Aqua-Chem, Inc.
|Sterile docking system for filling IV bags
|2 juil. 1987
|28 mars 1989
|Bhmw Partnership
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|13 mai 1987
|27 juin 1989
|Baxter International Inc.
|Fluid transfer apparatus
|27 juin 1988
|27 mars 1990
|Burton John W
|Bottle filling device
|30 mai 1990
|20 aoűt 1991
|Seitz Enzinger Noll
|Arrangement for cleaning capping mechanisms of a rotary-type capping machine
|23 juil. 1992
|23 aoűt 1994
|Fountain Fresh International
|Beverage dispensing apparatus and process
|22 aoűt 1994
|19 sept. 1995
|Fountain Fresh International
|Beverage dispensing apparatus and process
|3 févr. 1995
|23 juil. 1996
|Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
|Method and apparatus for finishing and filling packaging containers
|13 juin 1997
|16 mars 1999
|Baxter International, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for filling and sealing intravenous solution bags
|12 nov. 1997
|8 juin 1999
|B. Braun Medical, Inc.
|Flexible medical container with selectively enlargeable compartments and method for making same
|12 nov. 1997
|27 juil. 1999
|B. Braun Medical, Inc.
|Flexible multiple compartment medical container with preferentially rupturable seals
|11 avr. 1997
|31 aoűt 1999
|B. Braun Medical, Inc.
|Flexible, multiple-compartment drug container and method of making and using same
|18 déc. 1997
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|10 nov. 1998
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|B. Braun Medical, Inc.
|Sacrificial port for filling flexible, multiple-compartment drug container
|10 nov. 1998
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|10 nov. 1998
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|13 mai 2003
|Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
|Container cleaning, draining and drying apparatus
|14 juin 2000
|18 mai 2004
|Kent A. Louviere
|Method of making a plurality of interconnected vials
|28 aoűt 2002
|20 juil. 2004
|B. Braun Medical
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|29 mars 2002
|25 janv. 2005
|B. Braun Medical Inc.
|Flexible multi-compartment container with peelable seals and method for making same
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|14 févr. 2006
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|10 mars 2004
|7 mars 2006
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|Method of making a plurality of interconnected vials
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|27 oct. 2009
|Ds Smith Plastics Limited
|Puncturable cap and piercer
|24 janv. 2005
|22 déc. 2009
|Erik Forsberg
|Apparatus and method for manufacturing and assembling sterile containers
|20 sept. 2013
|26 janv. 2016
|Pouch Pac Innovations, Llc
|Diving nozzle for filling a product into a package and for gas purging and method for the same
|16 déc. 2015
|29 nov. 2016
|Pouch Pac Innovations, Llc
|Diving nozzle for filling a product into a package and for gas purging and method for the same
|28 aoűt 2002
|2 janv. 2003
|Sperko William A.
|Flexible medical container with selectively enlargeable compartments and method for making same
|2 oct. 2002
|8 avr. 2004
|Michael Wilford
|Patch for flexible container
|17 sept. 2003
|15 avr. 2004
|Smith Steven L.
|Flexible multi-compartment container with peelable seals and method for making same
|10 mars 2004
|11 nov. 2004
|Louviere Kent A.
|Method of making a plurality of interconnected vials
|24 janv. 2005
|27 oct. 2005
|Erik Forsberg
|Apparatus and method for manufacturing and assembling sterile containers
|9 juil. 2003
|12 oct. 2006
|Wolfgang Haase
|Method and device for attaching advertising media to bottles
|8 aoűt 2005
|8 févr. 2007
|Luis Alves
|Container filling device
|1 mars 2006
|6 sept. 2007
|Smith Mark A
|Puncturable cap and piercer
|15 juil. 2011
|9 févr. 2012
|Albert Handtmann Maschinenfabrik Gmbh & Co. Kg
|Device and method for cooling food machinery
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|7 oct. 1999
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|Robert Bosch Packaging Technology, Inc.
|Vial filling apparatus
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|Robert Bosch Packaging Technology, Inc.
|Vial filling apparatus
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|Method and device for cooling food machines
|7 sept. 2010
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|Device for aseptic or sterile treatment of packaging elements
|7 sept. 2010
|1 avr. 2015
|Device for aseptic or sterile treatment of packaging elements
|7 juin 1989
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|Seitz Enzinger Noll Masch
|Verschliessmaschine umlaufender bauart
|3 févr. 1999
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|Hassia Verpackung Ag
|Füllstation für eine Aseptik-FFS-Verpackungsmaschine
|3 févr. 1999
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|Hassia Verpackung Ag
|Füllstation für eine Aseptik-FFS-Verpackungsmaschine
|24 juil. 1996
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|Smithkline Beecham Corporation
|Vial closure remover
|24 juil. 1996
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|Smithkline Beecham Corp
|Vial closure remover
|10 févr. 2003
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|Classification aux États-Unis
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|Classification internationale
|Classification coopérative
|Classification européenne
|10 janv. 1983
Owner name: ACI AUSTRALIA LIMITED, 200 QUEEN ST., MELBOURNE, V
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:POWELL, ROGER MCLEAN;MARSHALL, STEVEN;WATERWORTH, PHILIP D.;REEL/FRAME:004083/0012
Effective date: 19821223
|21 févr. 1989
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|23 juil. 1989
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|10 oct. 1989
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 19890723


text:
Bryen Caron
From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
| Lord of the Marches
Lord of Nightsong
|House Caron
|In 289 AC or 290 AC[1]
|A Feast for Crows (mentioned)
Bryen Caron was Lord of Nightsong and head of House Caron.
Lord Bryen was the father of Bryce Caron, a second, younger legitimate son, as well as a bastard son, Rolland Storm. He also had several daughters. He, along with his wife, second son, and all his daughters died of a chill in 289 AC.[2] Bryen's second son was twelve and had been engaged to Brienne of Tarth for two years at his time of death.[2]
It is unclear how Bryen is related to Mylenda Caron, the wife of Petyr Frey.
References and Notes
- ↑ See the Bryen Caron calculation
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 14, Brienne III.


text:
A Weekend show covering all aspects of the world of Land Rover. The show aims to celebrate all Land Rover public service vehicles and we are looking to get as many of these iconic vehicles as possible to the show. There will be hundreds of Land Rovers on show, plus a Mini Land Rover parade in the display arena on Sunday.
Why not make a weekend of it and enjoy two nights camping, which will give you time to look around the newly refurbished Museum and brand new Collections Centre, which houses the Land Rover reserve collection.
Camping pitches start from £25 and includes use of our on site shower and toilet facilities. Camping Details: A camping pass is £25 for two nights – Friday & Saturday. Access from 4pm on Friday to 7pm on Sunday.


text:
The Commonwealth of Dominica
The Commonwealth of Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is an English speaking country in the Eastern Caribbean. Dominica was named after its sighting on a Sunday by Christopher Columbus when he sailed past the island in 1493. Dominica is a ruggedly beautiful mountainous country with a population of approximately 72,000 inhabitants. Dominica is a Republic which is a member of the Commonwealth. It enjoys Westminster style parliamentary democracy and being unspoiled the sobriquet "the Nature Island of the Caribbean".
The island, 289 square miles (748.51 square kilometres), is situated at the northern end of the Windward chain of the Lesser Antilles, lying between the two French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe (one hour by boat to either island) and is readily accessible from Antigua, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Lucia and San Juan.
More information on:• Country profile• Geography• Population• Government
More information


text:
Earrings are the essential finishing touch to everything you wear. At Gemvara, we believe that your earrings should be as unique as you. All our stylish earrings are made to order in your choice of gems and precious metals. Choose green amethyst and white gold or tanzanite and sterling silver: it's your choice. Mix and match gems and precious metals for a look that's exactly you. It's jewelry for all life's occasions, from a wedding or birthday to your own personal milestones and celebrations. Gemvara uses only the highest quality materials to craft your yellow gold june birthstone birthstone earrings with meticulous attention to detail. Our precious metals are recycled or responsibly mined. The most popular fine jewelry alloy in America, 14k yellow gold is 58.5% pure gold mixed with other metals that give it excellent durability. Our wide selection of yellow gold june birthstone birthstone earrings by Just Like You Designs, Jessica Behzad, Bijoux & Bijoux, and other talented designers means you can find earrings that are exactly your style. Every Gemvara design can be customized with birthstones. Although our birthstone collection includes our best-selling birthstone jewelry styles, you can explore many more options. You can choose your favorite earring backs too. Gemvara's fine quality yellow gold june birthstone birthstone earrings are designed to be passed down for generations to come, crafted by hand in the United States.
We can help right away. Chat with a jewelry expert now!


text:
In Granite State, power restored, flights on timeFrom Staff Reports
November 02. 2012 1:05AM
Electrical service was expected to be back to normal throughout the state by early this morning. Public Service of New Hampshire said only isolated outages remained by Thursday evening.
At 12:26 a.m., PSNH posted on its Twitter account: "Under 100 customers remaining out! Crews will keep working until every customer has been restored."
Spokesman Mike Skelton said the company expected that just about all of them would have service restored during the night
Unitil said its electric customers in New Hampshire had electricity restored by Wednesday. The utility, which also provides natural gas service, has dispatched gas crews to other states to assist. National Grid reported all affected customers in its New Hampshire service area had their power restored.


text:
Forgot your password? Enter the email address you signed up with and we will send you a link to create a new password.
Your password reset has been submitted to the address provided.
Design plus words, letters, and/or numbers
Resortwear, namely, t-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts, dresses, beach cover-ups, sarongs, shorts, board shorts, swim trucks and headwear, namely, hats, caps and visors
Business in Oldsmar, FL


text: So i have another question about live lol, so i have an old pc but it has no modem and i already have a wireless router. so if i put the pc and the router in my room. Can i setup live or do i need to connect the router to a modem. Or can i just go ahead and plug my router straight into my pc for a live connection? so basically would i need a modem or do i already have enough stuff.


text:
March 24, 2014 BY Brendan Dunne
Nike's Air Max day is just a few days away, so it's only right that we pay tribute for our weekly rundown of the best of #SneakerNews. We put out the call once again for our followers to show off their best on-feet Air Max photos and they've come through as usual. You'll find rarities like the DQM "Bacon" Air Max 90s, "Viotech" Air Max 1s, and plenty more. Tell us down in the comments which of the myriad pairs is your favorite and watch for our top pick from the bunch to show up on the @SneakerNews Instagram account.
Filed under: Air Classic BW Air Max 1 Air Max 90 Air Max 95 Air Max 97 Air Max Light Nike Air Max


text:
It was a great day at Katie's Cars and Coffee this weekend. Everytime I go, I see something I thought I'd never see in real life. Like, y'know, a real Shelby Daytona. Here are some of my favorite pictures that I took.
Ferrari F40
Ferrari F40 Competitzione
Corvette Grand Sport
A REAL Shelby Daytona Coupe. There are only 6 of these ever made. Some were crashed, others are in museums. This one's in a parking lot. Amazing.
BMW 2002 Turbo
Sunbeam Tiger
I love luggage racks on the back of British roadsters.
Ford GT
A 'Cuda
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
For more, check me out on Instagram at @willkinton247 and on Tumblr.


text:
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