Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel including a tray for retaining contents within the bag and a second panel. Optionally, the tray can include a plurality of ridges or protuberances for suspending contents such that liquid can collect in the tray. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises a first panel and a second panel overlapping each other. A plurality of channels having a plurality of baffles is formed on one or more of the panels for evacuating air and/or other gases from inside the bag using a suction source, while preventing liquids from being drawn into the suction source. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A vacuum bag comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer with at least one panel having a timer and/or sensor embedded or encapsulated by the inner layer. The timer and/or sensor can be used to monitor storage time, contents, and/or the condition of packaged products, or can be used to protect contents. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A vacuum bag comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable resin layer with one panel having a receiving feature and one panel having an insertion feature. The receiving feature and insertion feature together form a zipper or clasp for sealing the vacuum bag. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel having an indicia for communicating informafion to a user and a second panel. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. Optionally, the method further comprises forming a colored indicia such that the indicia is more visible to a user. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A rotary pump includes a stator housing and a rotor. The stator housing preferably has an oblong inner surface. The rotor, which is disposed in the stator housing, preferably has a substantially circular outer surface within which a plurality of vane slots are defined. A first chamber is defined between a first half of the oblong inner surface and the outer surface of the rotor. Similarly, a second chamber is defined between a second half of the oblong inner surface, diametrically opposite the first half, and the outer surface of the rotor. Resting within each of the plurality of vane slots is a corresponding sliding vane. A first inlet port and a first outlet port each provide access to the first chamber. Similarly, a second inlet port and a second outlet port each provide access to the second chamber. At least one of the vanes separates each of the first inlet port, the first outlet port, the second inlet port and the second outlet port from one another.

Abstract: A dual chamber or double sided rotary pump includes a stator housing and a rotor. The stator housing has an oblong inner surface. The rotor, which is disposed in the stator housing, has a substantially circular outer surface within which a plurality of vane slots are defined. A first chamber is defined between a first half of the oblong inner surface and the outer surface of the rotor. Similarly, a second chamber is defined between a second half of the oblong inner surface, diametrically opposite the first half, and the outer surface of the rotor. Resting within each of the plurality of vane slots is a corresponding sliding vane. A first inlet port and a first outlet port each provide access to the first chamber. Similarly, a second inlet port and a second outlet port each provide access to the second chamber. At least one of the vanes separates each of the first inlet port, the first outlet port, the second inlet port and the second outlet port from one another.

Abstract: A hose direct cannister lid includes a port that accepts a hose connected to a source of vacuum in order to evacuate a cannister to which the lid is connected. The hose direct cannister lid includes a first valve for exposing the cannister to the source of vacuum when the vacuum hose is secured to the lid, and wherein the first valve closes when the source of vacuum is removed in order to seal the lid and cannister from ambient. The hose direct cannister includes a second valve used to break the vacuum and expose the interior of the cannister to ambient.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for storing rolls of material so that a user can create individual bags from the rolls. For example, the device may store vacuum bag material suitable for filling with food and vacuum sealing. The apparatus has a support platform, a storage unit and a base for transporting two rolls of material simultaneously to the front of the apparatus. The storage unit has two rollers for storing up to two rolls. The apparatus also has a cutting mechanism for creating straight edges.

Abstract: A canister lid includes a cover member adapted to cover a canister, thereby defining an interior of the canister. An evacuation valve is adapted to allow evacuation of the interior of the container. A vacuum release valve is adapted to allow venting of the interior of the container.

Abstract: A lid for vacuum sealing a container has nested first and second valve system for evacuating the container. A lever is alternatively provided for manipulating the valve system.

Abstract: A screw-threaded impeller 50 having a mixing device 55 thereon is provided in a container 10 of a food processor. A drive unit adjacent the bottom of the container is adapted to move the impeller in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction. During rotation, food placed within the container is lifted away from the mixing device when the impeller is rotated in one direction and is directed toward the mixing device when the impeller is rotated in the other direction. The mixing device includes a horizontal cutting blade 52 extending perpendicular to the impeller and a scooping blade 51 extending downwardly at an angle from the impeller. In order to lift over obstacles, the mixing device is spring mounted or can move along the helical protrusion toward the upper end of the impeller.

Abstract: A food mixer includes a whipping attachment 60. The attachment includes an elongated impeller 20 that engages a drive of the mixer at the lower surface of a container 10. The attachment also includes a plurality of nested wire-shaped elements 22 attached to a side of the impeller. Because the elements are nested, they travel at a different angular velocities resulting in improved whipping, agitating and mixing characteristics.

Abstract: A food processor having a container and a drive shaft extending through a bottom thereof includes a processing device having an impeller 20 for engaging the drive shaft and a dome-shaped cap or shield 90. The cap includes dimples on a lower surface to assist in breaking up lumps of food in the container. The processing device can rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.