Patent attributes
Apparatus for automatically filling fluid into containers includes an actuator for raising and lowering a fluid dispensing needle. The needle is supported for vertical sliding movement. A first end of a pivot arm is engaged with a cam rotated by a motor for rocking the pivot arm. The dispensing needle is also engaged with the pivot arm for being raised or lowered thereby as the pivot arm rocks. The cam, which may be circular and eccentric, may be surrounded by a circular bearing and slidingly received within a yoke at the first end of the pivot arm. The needle is coupled to a pump. A first sensor senses that the needle has been moved to its lowered position. A control circuit responsive to the first sensor prevents the pump from pumping fluid to the needle unless the needle is in its lowered position.
