Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance that detects the amount of liquid present while evacuating and sealing a container is disclosed. The appliance comprises a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the base of the device. The trough in the lower portion of the device contains a heat-sealing element used to seal the contents of the bag once the vacuum packaging is complete. Disclosed are several embodiments relating to a liquid sensor molded into the walls of the trough. The liquid sensor comprises two electrodes that may be located on opposite sides of the trough or on the same side of the trough. When liquid is present in the trough, the capacitance and resistance between the electrodes changes, thereby sending a signal to a controller indicative of the amount of liquid within the trough while the container is being evacuated. The exact amount of liquid present is compared to a predetermined level of liquid.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance for sealing items in a plastic bag is disclosed. The appliance comprises a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the base of the device. The trough in the lower portion of the device contains a heat-sealing element used to seal the contents of the bag once the vacuum packaging is complete. In another embodiment, the heat-sealing element is mounted on the lid of the device and comes into contact with the vacuum bag when the lid is in a closed position.

Abstract: Commercially available jars and containers may be adapted for use for vacuum packaging using a suitable vacuum packaging appliance. Such jars and containers may be adapted by using a vacuum packaging lid arrangement in place of the original lid of such jars and containers. Such a vacuum packaging lid arrangement includes a vacuum lid and/or an outer lid. Further, such a lid arrangement may also be decorative.

Abstract: A lidless vacuum packaging appliance whereby the number of movable parts is reduced is disclosed. A lidless appliance effectively reduces wear and tear of the appliance. Further, the lidless design allows for convenient placement in the operational environment of the appliance.

Abstract: Vacuum packaging appliances and methods of vacuum packaging objects are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an appliance includes a base, a lid movably coupled to the base, a vacuum chamber portion on the base and/or the lid for receiving an open end of a bag, and a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber portion for removing gas from the vacuum chamber portion. The lid includes a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal and proximal ends. The base can also include a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum hose management is illustrated and described. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a holding component coupled to the hose. The holding component is tension mounted to a housing of the vacuum appliance. The holding component has a first and a second position, the first position corresponding to the hose within the housing, and the second position corresponding to the hose partially outside the housing. The apparatus also includes a connector connected to the second end of the hose, the connector sized larger than an opening in the housing through which the hose is threaded. The holding component may be a wheel mounted on an arm, with the arm rotatably coupled to the housing through a pivot and a spring.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a bag clamp for use with a vacuum packaging appliance. The bag clamp has an open and a closed position. The open position is suitable for receiving an open end of a vacuum bag. The closed position is suitable for capturing and holding the open end of the vacuum bag during operation of the vacuum packaging appliance. A vacuum packaging appliance according to the present invention has at least one bag clamp, typically disposed within and fixedly attached to a drip tray. The present invention further teaches removable drip trays and vacuum packaging appliances with removable drip trays holding one or more bag clamps.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance for heat sealing items in a vacuum packaging plastic bag is disclosed. The appliance comprises a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the base of the device. Adjacent to a trough in the lower portion of the device, a heat sealing element is placed in order to seal the contents of the bag once the vacuum packaging is complete. In another embodiment, the heat sealing element is mounted on the lid of the device and comes into contact with the vacuum bag when the lid is in a closed position. The heat sealing elements are controlled by a controller that allows operator selections of seals and sealing time adjustments based on inputs from a plurality of sensors. The controller is further able to energize one or two of the heating elements based on predetermined conditions. The methods and structures described control both heating and cooling of the heat sealing elements.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods providing intelligent and variable speed control of a vacuum pump, intelligent vacuum pump controllers, intelligent vacuum packaging appliances, and vacuum feedback devices and methods. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).