Abstract: A new method and system for establishing, and optionally maintaining, a desired atmosphere for perishable or atmosphere-sensitive goods during their storage and/or transportation. In one embodiment, a conveyor is used to move a pallet with goods from station to station. A mechanical arm at a sheeting station lifts goods from a pallet while one or more sheets are placed between the goods and the pallet. A bottom plate with fingers having hollow tubes holds the pallet while the pallet is being wrapped and enclosed. A portable manifold may also be connected to the hollow tubes and a controller samples and adjusts atmosphere inside the pallet via the portable manifold.

Abstract: Devices and a method for releasing gas in a container after closing and sealing to pressurize and/or prevent or counteract buckling thereof, and or provide structural rigidity and strength thereto and or release components. The method introduces a reactive agent into the container after filling and before sealing. The reactive agent is controlled to react to provide a gas and optionally components, which a) provides a positive pressure to prevent or counteract buckling and provide structural rigidity to the container, and b) and or changes the state or characteristics of the headspace and or contents of the closed container. The devices include a closure, a cap and a container. The reactive agent is brought to chemical reaction by moistening, heating, catalyst and the like. The closure includes the reactive agent and is disposed in the container. The external trigger is a device that emits energy that provides heat to the reactive agent to stimulate the chemical reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: A method for packaging a product arranged in a tray is provided. An upper film located in a distance above the product is clamped along an edge surrounding the tray and is deformed in a direction extending away from the product. Subsequently, evacuating of the space surrounding the product is performed, then a raising of the tray towards the upper film and finally a sealing of the film and of the edge of the tray. In this way, the seam of the upper film and the edge of the tray is attained to be free from creases such that a long-living and good looking package is produced. Additionally, a packaging machine for performing the method is provided.

Abstract: A sealed tampon package and continuous process for making the package. Heat seals, preferably hermetic longitudinal and cross seals, are preferably peelable. The tampon is sealed under sufficient negative pressure to snugly retain the tampon in place without crushing or misshaping the tampon, yet without bursting the package under normal external pressures realized during storage. The tampon package will remain sealed during normal wear and tear, yet is easily opened when desired by peeling the seals.

Abstract: The flexible storage bag includes overlaying first and second sidewalls defining an internal volume that can be accessed from an open top edge. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall and communicating with the internal volume. To prevent the one-way valve element from becoming clogged by the opposing second sidewall, the bag also includes a textured portion that maintains at least a partial clearance between the first and second sidewalls proximate the valve element. To prevent contamination of the valve element, the textured portion can also be configured to facilitate removal of liquids and juices from air exhausting from the storage bag.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device and a method for sealing a package with a sealing seam by partially fusing together the packaging material, and a supply system for protective gas. The device includes a gas supply for inert gas and an inert gas outlet opening, wherein the gas supply for inert gas and the inert gas outlet opening are arranged such that an inert gas current resulting therebetween flows around the sealing seam during sealing of the package. The method provides a flow of inert gas around the sealing seam during sealing of the package.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing or handling a substantially pure object includes shielding the substantially pure object from the environment by substantially enveloping the object in a fluid. A system for manufacturing a substantially pure object includes a mold for forming the object, and a machine adapted to remove the object from the mold. The machine includes a handling device for gripping the object and removing it from the mold. The handling device includes at least one nozzle through which fluid is delivered to substantially envelope the object during, for example, removal of the object from the mold. The object may be a medical object, such as a syringe, or a component or part thereof, such as a syringe barrel or plunger. In a preferred aspect, a molding process is conducted in a room exhibiting less than Class 100 conditions and/or in such a way that the object does not need to be subsequently cleaned or rinsed, as by air or water washing.

Abstract: A vacuum or pressure refrigerator for storing containers having one-way valves and maintaining contents thereof under vacuum or pressure within a specific temperature range. Upon receiving an input that the door is closed, a refrigerator controller is adapted to cease operation of the cooling device and initiate a vacuum or pressure cycle. The vacuum or pressure cycle includes evacuating at least a portion of or pressurizing the air inside the compartment, operating the pump until a desired degree of vacuum or pressure is attained and terminating pump operation. The one way valves then evacuate or pressurize the containers. The controller is also adapted to subsequently initiate a cooling cycle, the cooling cycle commencing when it is determined that the temperature is above an upper set point and to operate the cooling device until the temperature reaches a desired lower set point, at which time the cooling cycle is terminated.

Abstract: A vacuum container comprises a body coupled with a bottom seat having an air sucking device mounted therein, the body having a micro switch electrically connected to the air sucking device, a fastener having a second lever slidably contacted with a lever of the micro switch, a first lever having a first end with a pin optionally coupled to a hole defined in the body and a second end slidably contacted with the second lever of the fastener, and a spring mounted between the second end of the first lever and a tab of the body; and a cover pivotally connected to the body and having tabs for being clamped with the fastener of the body. When the cover is closed, the air sucking device can automatically start operation to suck air from the container for keeping food fresh therein.

Abstract: A system for closing tamper-resistant containers, each container having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on an upper surface of the lid. The system comprises a substantially planar surface supporting the base portion of the container and a sealing mechanism having a lower surface with a peripheral flange configured to engage the peripheral groove of the lid of the container and to exert a closing force on the lid in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface to seal the container by attaching the lid to the sidewall.

Abstract: A disposable container for beverages (6) complete with a hermetic closing device (23), and realised in a plastic and/or thermoplastic material by means of a mold-blowing technique; the main characteristic is that it permits the drinking of a single portion of the beverage, whether water, wine or some other gaseous or natural beverage, which maintains the integral flavour and amount of gas that may be contained in said container, in the same condition as that poured from a freshly bottle.

Abstract: A vacuum storage system in a refrigerator includes a bin or drawer unit removably received in a housing. The vacuum storage system may be utilized in a storage configuration or in a vacuum sealing configuration to remove air from one or more food preservation containers having one-way evacuation valves. A switch on a control interface actuates a vacuum source and a front wall of the bin or drawer unit seals against the cabinet. Air is drawn from the storage space via a hose in communication with the vacuum source and air pressure within the storage space is reduced below atmospheric pressure, whereby air is simultaneously evacuated from the containers housed in the storage space. At a predetermined pressure, a control deactivates the vacuum source and an equalizing valve is opened to return the storage space to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for vacuum sealing a food item package. Compressed air forces air out of a food item package such that there is substantially no air within the package after it is sealed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus, method and system for packing and storing carry-out bags, especially bags known as T-shirt bags. In particular, the present invention comprises providing a packaging bag for securing a plurality of polymeric bags. The polymeric bags may be individually folded, or alternatively, folded as groups of polymeric bags. The polymeric bags are placed in the packaging bag and the air inside the packaging bag is removed. The outside, ambient pressure forces the packaging bag to compress onto the polymeric bags. The resulting packaging is generally dumbbell shaped because of the distribution of material in the polymeric bags which provides numerous advantages as discussed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to diaper packaging and, more particularly, to vacuum packing together a plurality of individual diaper packages. The invention also relates to an overall package containing a plurality of individual diaper packages, wherein each individual diaper package is a vacuum packed diaper (VPD). In accordance therewith, a method of packaging diapers includes the steps of: (a) individually packing each of a plurality of diapers to form a plurality of individual diaper packages; and thereafter (b) vacuum packing the plurality of individual diaper packages together to form an overall package of diapers. In a feature, each individual diaper package includes only a single vacuum packed diaper. In another feature, a retail package for sale to consumers includes a group of non vacuum packed diapers, none of which are individually packaged, and an overall package of VPDs.

Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.

Abstract: The method for packaging of phials in a sterile environment comprises, subsequently: moving of each empty phial (1), according to a forwarding direction (K), from an input section toward a filling station (R); inserting of a dosed quantity of pharmaceutical products (F) inside the phial (1); transporting the filled phial (1) toward a closing station (8); closing said phial (1). It is moreover provided that a first laminar flow (H) of sterilized air, having a horizontal direction, is applied at least to the upper edges (1h) which define corresponding input mouths of the phials (1), at least during the aforesaid phases of filling and closing of phials (1), as well as during their transfer from the filling station (R) to the closing station (8).

Abstract: A device and method for transporting and handling catalyst for a chemical reactor.

Abstract: A thermal barrier liner is provided to maintain a beverage within a container at a desired temperature. The thermal barrier liner is installed so to make intimate contact with the internal surface of the container. The thermal barrier liner may be provided in various embodiments including a closed cell substrate, a base layer having gas or liquid filled microcapsules, a base layer having microencapsulated solid-liquid phase change material, or combinations thereof. In the closed cell substrate embodiments, when the thermal barrier liner is under pressure within the container such as prior to the container being opened, the thermal barrier liner maintains a minimum profile or thickness. However, when the container is opened and as pressure is released within the container, the barrier liner expands to achieve equilibrium. The expanded or thickened barrier liner provides an effective thermal barrier thereby maintaining the beverage at a desired temperature for a longer period of time.

Abstract: A capping method and its cap for hydrogen-reduced water or hydrogen-reduced food production are characterized by fine carbon particles absorbing hydrogen being attached to the cap. After filling and capping the container, the hydrogen will be dissolved into the food. In addition, the fine carbon particles, flavorings, processed and unprocessed food are attached to the cap, and during the heating and sterilizing process, the extraction or cooking can be finished, omitting conventional extraction and heating steps when cooking. This result can be used in all food production fields.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of supplying gas or a gas mixture to the inside of partly formed packages in a filling machine before a subsequent filling and sealing of the packages involves supplying the gas or gas mixture as at least one flow into the package via an opening in the package. The supply is made such that the at least one flow flows into the package to the inner region of the package and thereafter returns back through the opening. The method also involves temporarily catching the return flow from the package in a delimited space outside the opening, and directing the return flow out from the space in such a way that a substantially vertical flow along the outer envelope surface of the package is formed.

Abstract: A method of individually packaging training pants for use in intimate absorption of body fluid includes compressing training pants for use in intimate absorption of body fluid from a first condition to a second, compressed condition and retaining the training pants in the second, compressed condition with a pressure differential that acts upon a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material to maintain the training pants in the compressed condition. The pressure differential is created by locating the training pants in an interior space of a substantially air impermeable, substantially flexible material, creating a negative pressure within the interior space, and hermetically sealing the training pants at the negative pressure within the flexible material, wherein said training pants are the only training pants contained within the hermetically sealed substantially air impermeable, substantially flexible material.

Abstract: The machine comprises: a reel (3) with means (4, 104) for controlled unwinding therefrom of film (30) for closing the trays; first means (5) which are situated underneath the said reel and around which the film is deflected so as to pass from a descending path to a horizontal path; counter-die means (12) for supporting at least one tray (V) horizontally, along the upper edge (Z), with a predefined orientation and for displacing it horizontally underneath the said horizontal section of film, with entry via the said first means (5) for deviating the said film and with feeding in synchronism with the film which gradually closes the tray at the top; means (5) situated downstream of the first film deviating means (31), for sealingly welding the film onto the upper edge of the tray; means (27) situated upstream of the said first deviating means (5) for blowing an appropriate amount of the modified atmosphere at appropriate pressure values into the open part of the tray which advances underneath the film until the t

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for sealing a package, and a method for sterilization, filling and sealing of the package. The device comprises a peripheral part adapted to be mechanically connected to the package round an opening in the package, said peripheral part comprising a passage for internal sterilization of the package and filling of the package with a product after connecting the peripheral part t the package. The device further comprises a separate upper part for permanent gas-tight sealing of the passage, said upper part being adapted to fit tightly against and form a unit with the peripheral part.

Abstract: A method for preparing packages holding liquid alkanes exhibiting high transparency and photochemical stability at wavelength of about 193 nm, wherein a sealable vessel is flushed with an inert gas to form an atmosphere of inert gas, a liquid alkane is charged into the vessel in the atmosphere of inert gas, and the charged vessel is sealed.

Abstract: A method of traveling with a single-use intimate feminine absorbent article on one's person includes the steps of packaging a single-use intimate feminine absorbent article such that the packaged single-use intimate feminine absorbent article is dimensioned to fit within a pocket of an article of clothing on one's person. This packaging includes locating the single-use intimate feminine absorbent article in an interior space, creating a negative pressure within the interior space, and hermetically sealing the single-use intimate feminine absorbent article at the negative pressure within the interior space. The method further includes placing said packaged single-use intimate feminine absorbent article in a pocket and traveling with said packaged single-use intimate feminine absorbent article in the pocket of the article of clothing on one's person.

Abstract: A method for packaging an intimate feminine absorbent article for use in intimate absorption of body fluid to yield a single individually packaged intimate feminine absorbent article for use in intimate absorption of body fluid that is compact and portable includes the steps of compressing the single-use disposable intimate feminine absorbent article from a first condition to a second, compressed condition and retaining the single-use disposable intimate feminine absorbent article in the second, compressed condition by locating the single-use disposable intimate feminine absorbent article in an interior space defined by a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material, creating a negative pressure within the interior space, and hermetically sealing the single-use disposable intimate feminine absorbent article at the negative pressure within the interior space of the flexible material such that a pressure differential acts upon the flexible material to maintain the single-use disposable intimat

Abstract: An appliance for storing articles within flexible and non-flexible containers under vacuum. 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 appliance. The trough is slidably removable from the base of the appliance. The appliance is further adapted for connection to vacuum sealing attachments for various containers whereby the containers can be selectively evacuated. The appliance includes a thermal sealing mechanism for sealing a flexible container as well as a cutting mechanism for cutting the flexible container to a desired size. The appliance includes a control panel for selectively operating the vacuuming and sealing processes.

Abstract: A method of traveling with training pants on one's person includes the steps of packaging training pants such that the packaged training pants are dimensioned to fit within a pocket of an article of clothing on one's person. The training pants are hermetically sealed at a negative pressure within an interior space of a substantially air impermeable, substantially flexible material such that, when placed within a pocket of an article of clothing on one's person, a pressure differential acts upon the substantially air impermeable, substantially flexible material to maintain the training pants in the compressed condition. The method further includes placing said packaged training pants in a pocket of an article of clothing on one's person, and traveling with said packaged training pants in the pocket of the article of clothing on one's person.

Abstract: A method of individually packaging an intimate feminine absorbent article such that the packaged intimate feminine absorbent article is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person includes compressing the intimate feminine absorbent article from a first condition to a second, compressed condition and retaining the intimate feminine absorbent article in the second, compressed condition with a pressure differential that acts upon a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material to maintain the intimate feminine absorbent article in the compressed condition. The pressure differential is created by locating the intimate feminine absorbent article in an interior space of a substantially flexible material, creating a negative pressure within the interior space, and hermetically sealing the intimate feminine absorbent article at the negative pressure within the flexible material.

Abstract: A multilayer film which loses its memory when subjected to heat shrinking comprising at least three layers, wherein at least one of the layers comprises a styrene-butadiene copolymer and the other layers comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of HDPE, LLDPE and LDPE.

Abstract: This packaging for sterile products or products intended to be sterilized by a gas, for example a gas of the ETO type, comprises a tub (2) made of plastic and a cover sheet (14) made of selectively impervious material, fixed to the tub (2) so as to seal the latter imperviously. According to the invention, the packaging comprises a screen (20, 22; 24, 26; 26) against electron radiation (E), placed along the cover sheet (14) on the inside of the tub (2) and dimensioned in such a way as to extend above the products (10) to be sterilized and so as to delimit on the cover sheet (14) a peripheral zone (14a) for fixing this cover sheet (14) to the tub (2).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enclosing a palletized container of fresh containers of perishables inside a modified atmosphere-containing plastic bag/enclosure stretched over the containers and over upwardly-folded and sealed margins of a plastic sheet placed between the pallet and the containers to seal the containers of perishables inside the bag/enclosure and to facilitate forming and maintaining a modified atmosphere inside the bag/enclosure.

Abstract: A multiflow gassing system for providing controlled environment gas to a lid and container, the system including a lid carrier; and a gas rail assembly adjacent the lid carrier, the gas rail assembly having a top portion including a top portion gas outlet, an end portion including a end portion gas outlet, and a plate adjacent the end portion. The top portion gas outlet is oriented to direct the controlled environment gas into the lid and the end portion gas outlet is oriented to direct the controlled environment gas into a lid-container engagement region.

Abstract: This application discloses a method of making a laminated display, the method comprising the various steps including obtaining the items that will be used in the display; assembling the items used in the display on a first side of a lower sheet having a first and second side and an outer edge; covering the displayed items with an upper sheet; binding selected portions of the lower and upper sheets together using spot seals; removing the air within the display between the lower and upper sheet through the unsealed portion of the upper and lower sheets; and sealing the remaining unsealed portion of the display so as to form the laminated display. The application also discloses a method of providing such a display with personal items supplied by a client.

Abstract: “MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND END PRODUCT OF VACUUM PACKED SILAGE”, described as a manufacturing process and end product of vacuum packed silage which, according to the characteristics thereof, provides, by means of a proprietary and specific industrialized process, the manufacturing of an end product fully based on vacuum packed silage (A), that is, vacuum packing chopped green forage (B) to feed animals, with the purpose of providing a fully mechanized and optimized manufacturing process, and a silage of high nutritional and hygienic quality and, mainly, high durability, and having as a basis a proprietary and specific manufacturing process incorporating an assembly of successive and properly integrated operations formed by a harvesting and chopping phase of the green forage, a packing and weighting phase, a pressing phase, a vacuum phase and a storage phase.

Abstract: A vacuum control valve includes a valve body defining a cavity, an inlet opening and a vent opening. A vacuum supply control member is movably mounted at the inlet opening, and is movable between an open position to open the inlet opening, and a closed position to close the inlet opening. A vent control member is movably mounted at the vent opening, and is movable between an open position to open the vent opening, and a closed position to close the vent opening. The vacuum supply control member and the vent control member are movable independently of each other, for selectively controlling the supply of vacuum when the vacuum supply control member is in the open position and the vent control member is in the closed position, and for selectively venting vacuum when the vacuum supply control member is in the closed position and the vent control member is in the open position.

Abstract: Tubular, especially can-shaped, receptacle for the accommodation of fluids, especially drinks, with a tubular body and a base and top section attached to this, wherein the top section is constructed in the shape of a shoulder and is suitable for attaching a closure device, especially a resealable one. The shoulder-shaped top section is at least partially enclosed, especially in the shape of a shoulder, by an upper edge of the tubular body and sealed with this.

Abstract: A portable vacuum unit for use with a resealable, evacuable container, comprising a vacuum pump housed within a body, an accumulator removably coupled to the body and in fluid communication with a vacuum port of the body, the accumulator comprising a receptacle, a tip, wherein a first end of the tip is coupled to a first end of the receptacle and in fluid communication therewith, the tip having a shape which facilitates interaction with a valve on the resealable, evacuable container, the tip comprising at least one support structure and a semi-rigid material coupled to a second end of the tip.

Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.

Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.

Abstract: A method for introducing at least one substance into a sealed enclosure holding at least one product. The sealed enclosure having at least one conduit through which one of gas or fluid may flow into or out of the sealed enclosure. Air is evacuated from the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit to create a predetermined pressure within the sealed enclosure and a predetermined quantity of the at least one substance is injected into the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit.

Abstract: The machine comprises: a reel (3) with means (4, 104) for controlled unwinding therefrom of film (30) for closing the trays; first means (5) which are situated underneath the said reel and around which the film is deflected so as to pass from a descending path to a horizontal path; counter-die means (12) for supporting at least one tray (V) horizontally, along the upper edge (Z), with a predefined orientation and for displacing it horizontally underneath the said horizontal section of film, with entry via the said first means (5) for deviating the said film and with feeding in synchronism with the film which gradually closes the tray at the top; means (5) situated downstream of the first film deviating means (31), for sealingly welding the film onto the upper edge of the tray; means (27) situated upstream of the said first deviating means (5) for blowing an appropriate amount of the modified atmosphere at appropriate pressure values into the open part of the tray which advances underneath the film until the t

Abstract: A system and method for opening a vacuum package is disclosed. The method includes providing a chamber at a normal pressure and loading the chamber with a vacuum package wherein the vacuum package is at a first pressure. The method also includes applying a vacuum to the chamber such that the pressure inside the chamber is substantially equal to the first pressure. The method further includes opening the vacuum package and equalizing the pressure inside the chamber to the normal pressure.

Abstract: A fine pressure fluctuation at short time intervals occurring when a portable type hermetically sealed container is purged is reduced to thereby prevent the deterioration or the like of a seal member due to the pressure fluctuation. In order to achieve this object, a gas flow rate regulating apparatus is disposed in a gas supplying system in a purging system, and pressure in the portable type hermetically sealed container during purge is measured and the result thereof is fed back to thereby control the flow rate of a supplied gas.

Abstract: An automatic bulk filling process for filling a large number of liquid containers (20) simultaneously which consists of placing the open-topped liquid containers upside down in a rack (22). The rack is then inserted into a vacuum chamber (28) and positioned directly above a tray (38) that contains a liquid medicinal product (40). The next step is to evacuate the chamber to a predetermined level below atmospheric pressure and then lowering the rack until the containers are partially immersed in the liquid product. Following that step, nitrogen is introduced into the vacuum chamber at a predetermined gradual rate, thereby quickly forcing the medicinal liquid product into the containers. The rack is then raised from the tray containing the liquid medicinal product and removed from the chamber as another rack full of containers is simultaneously inserted into the chamber from the other end.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging system includes a series of vacuum chambers that are carried by a movable combination support member and vacuum manifold, which defines an interior connected to a vacuum source. The vacuum chambers are in communication with the interior of the combination support member and vacuum manifold, through vacuum valves carried by the combination support member and vacuum manifold and conduits that extend between the vacuum valves and the vacuum chambers. The combination support member and vacuum manifold is movable between a lowered position and a raised position, to move the vacuum chambers into and out of engagement with platens that support packages located below the vacuum chambers. The vacuum chambers and platens are movable in an upstream to downstream direction, to advance the packages while the packages are being evacuated by the vacuum chambers.

Abstract: A device comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. The plug is positioned within the housing to occlude a port hole in the housing. The housing is positioned within a container so the port hole faces a wall of the container. A hole is created in the container above the port hole. To evacuate or inject air into the container, a hose adaptor with a specialized hose tip is connected to a vacuum or air hose. When inserted into the port hole, the hose tip temporarily displaces the plug from the port hole. Vents within the housing allow air to move through the housing and into or out of the hose tip. Removal of the hose tip allows the plug to resume position over the porthole to maintain the vacuum or air pressure within the container.