Abstract: A vacuum pump for removing air from containers includes a pump housing in the form of a conduit with an open end and a closed end. A piston in the form of a conduit, open at each end, is slidably mounted within the housing, and has an inside end within the housing and an outside end protruding from the housing. The outside end of the piston is adapted to fit over a valve secured to the container. A piston ring is provided substantially at the inside end of the piston. The piston ring is adapted to mate tightly with an interior surface of the housing, such that movement of the housing away from the outside end of the piston will draw a vacuum through the valve to remove air from the container through the valve. A system and method for removing air from containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air removal device which extracts air from within an air tight flexible wall storage container such as a plastic storage bag, after the container has been sealed, to provide an internal environment of reduced atmospheric pressure within the container. The air removal device contains an air valve and housing which is releasably attached to the storage container providing a self contained mechanism for puncturing the device, inserting a single directional valve and air tight resealing housing thereon which can then be attached to an air removal pump. The invention employs employing air removal techniques to enhance the storage quality and life of perishables and other items.

Abstract: A machine or apparatus is provided for automatically inserting a corner key or angle member in an opening in each end of a lineal member or shape, especially an aluminum extrusion for joining mitered corners of a window together. The apparatus comprises a frame, shape or lineal member feed means mounted on the frame for positioning and feeding a lineal shape or member to a location for receiving a corner key, one or more key feed means for positioning and inserting a corner key into one or both ends of the shape or lineal member, and means for operating the lineal member feed means and the key feed means in a desired sequence.