Abstract: An evacuation system for unlidded rigid containers including a reciprocating piston pump and a universal disc that provides a leak proof lid for ordinary pots, pans or bowls. The disc is flat and accommodates a variety of container sizes as well as minor surface irregularities in the container lip. Vent holes spaced around the perimeter of the disc prevent implosion of the disc into the container if the disc edge is placed too close to the edge of the container. The disc is somewhat flexible and has a sealing surface on one side for proper seating and sealing on the container lip.

Abstract: An improved evacuation pump system uniquely designed to evacuate both lidded rigid containers and sealable flexible containers. A vacuum cup fixed to one end of a reciprocating piston pump attaches to the lid of rigid containers for their evacuation and a flexible probe connects to the pump for flexible container evacuation. To achieve this dual function a inlet passage in the pump has a cross bore that slidably and/or rotatably receives a two position valve that selectively connects the pumping chamber with two outlets, one associated with each mode. The flexible probe connects directly to this valve reducing the need for separate passageways.

Abstract: An improved evacuation pump system with dual inlet check valves uniquely designed to evacuate both lidded rigid containers and sealable flexible containers. A vacuum cup fixed to one end of a reciprocating piston pump attaches to the lid of rigid containers for their evacuation and a flexible probe connects to the pump for flexible container evacuation. To achieve this dual function two check valves mounted in the lower end of the pump are provided for the flexible container evacuation mode. One prevents discharge flow into the flexible probe and the other maintains suction in the cup to keep the pump attached to its supporting surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for evacuating a rigid container using a two-stroke reciprocating-piston pump having an air evacuating vacuum cup which is to be applied to the container lid. The pump cylinder houses a reciprocating piston-check-valve. An adhesive-tape check valve is applied to a container access opening in the lid; and the vacuum cup is seated over the adhesive-tape check valve to evacuate the rigid container. An alternative embodiment employing a vacuum probe having an in-line check valve is inserted into an otherwise plugged opening in the pump cylinder wall to evacuate a deformable container. In the second embodiment, the adhesive-type check valve is eliminated. The two check valves employed in each embodiment alternate open and closed states during piston reciprocation.