Abstract: A vibrating bowl and the like are provided which are capable of accurately counting the number of objects to be fed. The vibrating bowl (10) includes: a concave portion (10a) capable of storing therein collectivity of objects (15) to be fed; a feed passage (20) capable of feeding the objects (15) within the concave portion (10a) by vibrating the objects (15); and a step portion (26) configured to cause the objects to be ejected outside of the concave portion (10a) in a direction substantially perpendicular and downwardly oblique to a feed direction in which those objects (15) which are present in the vicinity of a termination of the feed passage (20) are fed.

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: 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 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: 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 vacuum packaging machine and a conveyor to deliver a product package from an upstream station to a position adjacent a vacuum chamber. The conveyor has a longitudinal direction defined by the direction of travel of the product package. The vacuum chamber has a heat sealing and cutting assembly oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor and in a position with sufficient spacing between end walls of the vacuum chamber and the assembly for the product package containing two or more products to be loaded into the vacuum chamber with at least one product located in front of the heat sealing and cutting assembly and at least one other product located behind the heat sealing and cutting assembly. The heat sealing and cutting assembly seals and cuts between two products to form two separate evacuated packages.

Abstract: A method of reducing the proportion of oxygen in an at least partly formed package before product is filled into the package in a filling station in a filling machine, where the package comprises a tube-shaped blank of packaging material, the blank being closed in a first end and open in a second end. The method involves, during transport of the package to the filling station from an immediately preceding station in the filling machine, passing the package beneath a supply means for inert gas, and when the package passes the supply means generating a gas pulse in a direction down into the package. An apparatus is provided for reducing the method into practice.

Abstract: A device for removing a closure from a container includes a hollow needle, a piston for driving the needle into the closure and a compressed gas cartridge for driving the piston. Once the needle has been driven into the closure so that an end of the needle is inside the container, the piston can reciprocate to force air through the needle and pressurize the container in order to eject the closure. The piston can also reciprocate to evacuate air from the container through a stopper with a check valve when leftover contents of the container are to be preserved.

Abstract: A bulge reducer is configured for use on a form, fill and seal packaging machine for gable top packages. The machine has a drive element and plurality of discrete package carriers for conveying the packages along a conveyance path through the machine. The bulge reducer includes a drive member operably connected to the machine station chain. A reciprocating member is operably connected to the drive member for the reciprocation toward and away from the conveyance path. The reciprocating member contacts one of the package side walls as the package moves along the conveyance path to exert an inward force on and urge the side wall inwardly of the package.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging apparatus includes a main body including a vacuum pump; and a chamber-forming part disposed in the main body and having a lower chamber body, an upper chamber body that is disposed over the lower chamber body, a chamber that is formed between the upper chamber body and the lower chamber body. The chamber includes a rear side that is configured to open when the upper chamber body covers the lower chamber body. The chamber also includes a foldable member that is configured to close the rear side of the chamber and couple the upper chamber body to the lower chamber body such that the upper chamber body pivots to the lower chamber body, the foldable member having an intake coupled to the vacuum pump.

Abstract: Vacuum packed absorbent articles including diapers, kits thereof, and retail packages including vacuum packed and non vacuum packed absorbent articles are disclosed.

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: A blister pack making mechanism includes a console, a piercing device, a sealing device, and a control unit. A roller and a blower are provided on the console. The roller takes up a bag film. An air inlet block is provided to be inserted into the bag film. A cutting unit is provided on the piercing device for piercing the bag film to admit air to inflate the bag film. The opening of the bag film is sealed up with the sealing device, and the bag film is cut into a proper length to form a blister pack.

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: Vacuum packed absorbent articles including diapers, kits thereof, and retail packages including vacuum packed and non vacuum packed absorbent articles are disclosed.

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: A vacuum storage device includes an impermeable shrink-wrap package having an opening formed at one end portion thereof and a transportable vacuum mechanism. The vacuum mechanism includes a housing including a fan disposed therein and at least one outlet. The vacuum mechanism further includes a power cord electrically coupled to the fan and a cylindrical conduit having opposed end portions attachable to the housing and removably positionable through the package. One end portion of the conduit has a flange for assisting to maintain the conduit at a substantially stable position during operating conditions.

Abstract: Described herein is a capping head for the application of caps on bottles or containers, in which the capping head is enclosed within a casing having an end mouth that engages the bottle or the container during application of the cap so as to define a closed chamber, within which the capping head is contained. Said closed chamber is set in communication with a source of vacuum so as to empty the bottle or container of the air contained therein before completion of application of the cap.

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.

Abstract: A process by which low viscosities liquids are filled into syringes without gas bubbles utilizing lowered temperature and valves to isolate the filling system from the vacuum. The liquid may be drug, device, pharmaceutical, and/or biotech products.

Abstract: A plant (10) for the continuous packing of food products in modified atmosphere (11), comprises a machine (12) for continuous packing of food products in modified atmosphere and conveyor (13) for the continuous sequential feeding of food products to the machine. A device (21) is present at the entrance of the machine (12) that temporarily submits a product fed by the conveyor (13) to vacuum and to a modified atmosphere before being packed in modified atmosphere in the machine.

Abstract: Devices comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. One embodiment utilizes a plug that occludes an opening in a housing. The plug is displaced from the opening to inject or evacuate air from a container. An alternative embodiment utilizes a plug having air channels therein which can be sealed once air has been injected into or evacuated from a container. The devices are utilized with hose adaptors connected to vacuum or air hoses having specialized hose tips for coupling with the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance with a sealing sub-assembly including a latching mechanism and release mechanism is described. According to certain embodiments, the release mechanism, latch and sealing sub-assembly operate in an integrated fashion such that the vacuum packaging appliance can be easily opened or sealed.

Abstract: A stopper change device (10) includes an airtight chamber body (21) detachably mountable on a head of a bottle, a gas supply port (19) for supplying N gas to the chamber body, an air vent valve (57) for discharging air from the chamber body, a first supporting structure (28) movable upward and downward for supporting a corkscrew, and a second supporting structure (34) movable upward and downward for containing a substitute stopper. The first and second supporting structures are mutually position changeable, and one of them is selectively placed above an opening of the bottle. When the first supporting structure (28) is placed above the opening, a bottle stopper can be pulled in N gas atmosphere. On the other hand, when the second supporting structure (34) is placed above the opening, the substitute stopper is mountable on the head of the bottle in N gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine includes a plurality of vacuum chambers (3a, 3b) each arranged to receive at least one unsealed product package and operable to perform an independent vacuum sealing operation, each vacuum chamber having a longitudinal direction defined by a direction of travel of the respective product package through the chamber (3a, 3b), each chamber having a heat seal assembly (15) therein which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction. An infeed conveyor (17) can be provided with a telescoping portion (17a) which can extend over the heat seal assembly or a part thereof. Each vacuum chamber can have a respective bed (9) and independently moveable hood (11), and the beds (9) can be synchronously vertically moveable. The vacuum packaging machine can be used in combination with a suitable product bagging or wrapping machine.

Abstract: A portable vacuum device for extracting fluid in a container having an opening includes a handheld housing, a fluid extracting nozzle, a vacuum device and a sensor switch. The fluid extracting nozzle has a vacuum pressure corresponding to an interior pressure of the container, extended towards the handheld housing for communicating with the opening of the container. The vacuum device is supported in the handheld housing to generate a vacuum effect within the fluid extracting nozzle. The sensor switch includes a movable conductive member driven with respect to the vacuum pressure of the fluid extracting nozzle and a control member normally positioned spaced apart from the movable conductive member to allow the vacuum device to be operated, wherein when the vacuum pressure drops below a predetermined threshold pressure, the movable conductive member is driven to electrically contact with the control member to deactivate the vacuum device.

Abstract: An improved sealing gasket for a vacuum-sealing station of a vacuum packaging machine which is made such that the outer perimetric portion thereof is made of a greater hardness than the rest of the sealing gasket, whereby the sealing heat-elements of a reciprocal heating element only substantially contacts against the softer material of the sealing gasket, allowing this softer material to conform to the uneven or non-level condition of the heating element. In the preferred embodiment, the outer-most perimeter of the sealing gasket is made of a greater hardness in the approximate durometer-hardness range of between 60-85 Shore A, while the remainder of sealing gasket is made of less hardness in the approximate durometer-hardness range of between 30-50 Shore A.

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 vacuum packaging machine for performing a vacuum sealing operation on product packages, comprises a vertical stack of vacuum chambers 4 which each manage to receive at least one unsealed product package 2 and are operable to perform an independent vacuum sealing operation on the least one product package 2. A conveyor arrangement 8, 9 is operable to load and unload a selected vacuum chamber 4 with the at least one product package, and the machine is arranged to operate the respective vacuum chambers 4 to perform the vacuum sealing operation while the conveyor arrangement is operated to load and unload another vacuum chamber 4. The conveyor arrangement loads and unloads the vacuum chambers in sequence, and the vacuum chambers are synchronously operated to perform the vacuum sealing operation to allow the conveyor arrangement to operate continuously.

Abstract: A capping and nitrogen dosing apparatus for containers includes a rotary capping machine which is configured to serially receive filled containers, and apply closures to respective ones of the containers. The present apparatus includes a dosing system for injecting an inert gas, typically nitrogen in liquid form, into the head space of each container to enhance the integrity and rigidity of the package, and to improve the freshness and flavor of the container's contents. Notably, the dosing system is configured to effect nitrogen injection close to or at the so-called transfer point of the capping machine, thus desirably abating nitrogen dissipation, and enhancing consistent and efficient product dosing.

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 container sealing device includes a platform slidable and movable in and out of a casing and having an opening for receiving a container to be sealed. A lever and a support device are slidably attached to the platform, and movable up and down relative to the platform, to support the container. The platform includes a peripheral bulge having a peripheral channel to form an inner peripheral wall which may support an outer flange of the container, and an outer peripheral wall having an orifice for supplying a food preserving agent to the container, and an aperture for vacuuming the container. The support device may be adjusted relative to the lever, to support containers of different heights or depths.

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 vacuum sealing apparatus has an inlet portion and an intermediate portion. The inlet portion is adapted to couple to, or insert into, a container to be vacuum sealed. The intermediate portion connects to a vacuum source, such as an in-house vacuum system. When the vacuum source is active, air is drawn in through the inlet portion. The vacuum sealing apparatus may also have a contamination filter disposed therein that substantially impedes contaminants from entering the vacuum source. In another configuration, the vacuum sealing apparatus is self-contained and includes a dedicated vacuum source.

Abstract: A positive-pressure packaging system is provided to seal a product within an open package. The system includes a pressure chamber which encloses the product and package and is configured to expel atmosphere gases initially present within the package. The system includes a seal assembly for straitening the opening of the package so as to prevent the passage of particulate and other matter from within the open package. The system also includes a pressure source configured to increase pressure within the pressure chamber so as to expel the atmosphere gases by compression of the open package. A method of using the positive-pressure packaging system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable vacuum device for extracting fluid in a container having an opening includes a handheld housing, a fluid extracting nozzle, a vacuum device and a sensor switch. The fluid extracting nozzle has a vacuum pressure corresponding to an interior pressure of the container, extended towards the handheld housing for communicating with the opening of the container. The vacuum device is supported in the handheld housing to generate a vacuum effect within the fluid extracting nozzle. The sensor switch includes a movable conductive member driven with respect to the vacuum pressure of the fluid extracting nozzle and a control member normally positioned spaced apart from the movable conductive member to allow the vacuum device to be operated, wherein when the vacuum pressure drops below a predetermined threshold pressure, the movable conductive member is driven to electrically contact with the control member to deactivate the vacuum device.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance with a sealing sub-assembly including a latching mechanism and release mechanism is described. According to certain embodiments, the release mechanism, latch and sealing sub-assembly operate in an integrated fashion such that the vacuum packaging appliance can be easily opened or sealed.

Abstract: A filling and sealing device includes an upper part forming a bell and a lower part forming a bowl, receiving a container to be sealed with a film in the chamber defined by the two parts. The upper part has a wall, on the side supplying the sealing film, inserting and filling elements emerging inside the chamber between the sealing film and the lower edge of the wall for inserting products into the chamber and for filling the container therein. Preferably, the upper part also includes above the inserting and filling elements, a slot for passing through the sealing film, closing and locking elements with controlled actuation for closing the slot and lock the film relative to the upper part, and elements for introducing and/or removing fluid (gas).

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine for performing a vacuum sealing operation on product packages, comprises a vertical stack of vacuum chambers 4 which each manage to receive at least one unsealed product package 2 and are operable to perform an independent vacuum sealing operation on the least one product package 2. A conveyor arrangement 8, 9 is operable to load and unload a selected vacuum chamber 4 with the at least one product package, and the machine is arranged to operate the respective vacuum chambers 4 to perform the vacuum sealing operation while the conveyor arrangement is operated to load and unload another vacuum chamber 4. The conveyor arrangement loads and unloads the vacuum chambers in sequence, and the vacuum chambers are synchronously operated to perform the vacuum sealing operation to allow the conveyor arrangement to operate continuously.

Abstract: A cap chute end for capping a plurality of in-line containers in an ambient atmosphere includes a fluid manifold having a plurality of first manifold apertures for injecting a first fluid into the plurality of containers. A fluid shoe is operatively adjacent the fluid manifold and has a plurality of shoe apertures for dispensing a second fluid into the plurality of caps and plurality of containers. A frame that supports the fluid shoe is configured to receive a plurality of caps at a receiving end of the frame. A wiper supported at a dispensing end of the frame has a pair of arms operatively adjacent the fluid shoe. The pair of arms is configured to orient the plurality of caps to the plurality of containers.

Abstract: A packaging machine for sealing a packaging container having a lid and a tray comprising an upper part and a lower part arranged vertically moveable against each other, at least three vertical pins mounted on springs for opening a packaging container by lifting the lid off of the tray, evacuating mechanism for exchanging gas within the packaging container and sealing mechanism for sealing the lid to the tray.

Abstract: The foot-print of a vacuum packaging appliance may be decreased by decoupling the appliance into a base component and a movable receptacle unit according to certain embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum packaging machine for vacuum sealing by putting food into a vacuum packaging bag, removing air from the vacuum packaging bag, and sealing an open portion of the vacuum packaging bag, and a system for controlling the vacuum packaging machine. The vacuum packaging machine includes a housing (10), a hood (20) and a separation unit (60). The housing (10) has a cover (11b) with a rubber packing (12) attached to a border thereof and an outlet (110b) formed therein, and a heater (16) for sealing a vacuum packaging bag. The hood (20) is hingedly connected to the housing (10) to selectively open and close a top of the housing (10), and has a rubber packing (22). The separation unit (60) communicates with the outlet (110b) through a communicating member and is connected to a vacuum pump. The vacuum packaging machine forms a vacuum through the vacuum pump when the rubber packings (22 and 12) of both the hood (20) and the housing (10) come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A coffee storage container, for storing a quantity of coffee within a jar having a bottom and a side wall, and using a piston having a top and bottom, and a one-way valve. The quantity of coffee is placed in the jar bottom. The piston extends within the jar and defines a storage volume beneath the piston bottom. A stem is selectively attached to the piston top to push the piston downward to allow air to escape through the one-way valve so that the storage volume becomes substantially the coffee volume and little or no air remains within the storage volume. The stem may be removed from the piston for storage.

Abstract: A method for packaging a product in a hermetically sealed container having a cup-shaped rigid or semi-rigid body with a rim fitted with a closure, the method comprising introducing the product into the cup-like shaped body. Forming an isolated space with a gas inlet and a gas outlet, the space defined between the body and a closure-forming member adjacent to and with a clearance from the rim. Introducing a replacement gas through the inlet to replace at least a substantial portion of gas originally contained in the isolated space, and displacing at least one of the body or the closure-forming member towards the other of the two members to close the clearance and to attach the closure-forming member to the rim, and hermetically attaching the two to one another to form a gas-tight steel.

Abstract: An automated container production line or automatically removing, orienting, filling, sealing and providing a label and applying a straw to the outside of the labeled container is provided which utilizes a novel orienting conveyor for receiving unoriented containers from a supply bin and orienting the containers for a plurality or novel short production lines having a positioning screw conveyor which intermittently starts and stops the advancement of the containers as groups of containers in which various groups of containers are simultaneously filled, sealed, inspected and then subsequently transported to a sleeving device for adding labels, a heat shrink tunnel for fastening the sleeve to the container and then to a novel straw applicator for subsequently attaching a straw to the outside of the container.

Abstract: In an airtight chamber in an atmosphere under a desired degree of evacuation to be generated by use of a vacuum pump, there are provided an ampoule holder, which can hold at an upright position, a plurality of ampoules with an open upper portion faced upward, a stage for putting the ampoule holder thereon, a melt-sealing unit for the upper portion of each of the ampoules, and a transfer unit, which catches an ampoule held in the ampoule holder, transfers the ampoule to the melt-sealing unit, catches again the ampoule melt-sealed by the melt-sealing unit and transfers the melt-sealed ampoule to the ampoule holder to hold the ampoule therein. The ampoule holder and the stage are made of metal having a good thermal conduction. There is provided a temperature controller for the stage.