US Patent 12103838 Needle actuator for cartridge filling machine

Apparatus for automatically filling fluid into containers includes an actuator for raising and lowering a fluid dispensing needle. 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. A horizontal actuator moves the needle actuator in a horizontal plane from one container to another. A second sensor senses that the needle has been moved to its raised position, and the control circuit is responsive thereto for preventing operation of the horizontal actuator unless the needle has been moved to its raised position.