Abstract: Apparatus for evacuating and sealing containers of perishable food or other substances includes a rigid lid for fitting onto the container and a resilientt valve which is situated over a small passage in the lid. The valve has a hollow interior region which is open at the underside of the member and a stem extends down through the passage in the lid and carries an enlargement at its lower end that is broader than the passage. A hollow cup, coupled to a vacumm pump, is temporarily placed over the valve to draw air from the container after which atmospheric pressure urges the lid against the container and urges the valve against the lid to seal the container. The hollow interior of the valve is broader than the passage in the lid and thus atmospheric pressure is effective against an area of the valve that exceeds the area of the passage thereby assuring a very strong and reliable sealing effect.

Abstract: A method and means for vacuum sealing perishable materials in bags fabricated of vacuum gas impermeable material. A method according to the present invention includes: partially filling a bag fabricated of gas impermeable material with perishable product, loosely positioning clamping means about the open end of said bag, isolating the loosely clamped bag in a sealed treatment zone, drawing a vacuum in the treatment zone to evacuate the interior of said loosely clamped bag, maintaining the vacuum for a period of time to equalize vacuum pressure within the treatment zone and the loosely clamped bag, rapidly breaking the vacuum to expel remaining gases from the bag and to compress the clamping means to seal the bag, separately sealing the clamped-end of the bag and removing the clamping means to obtain a vacuum packed product.