Abstract: A method for substituting inert gas for ambient air in the headspace of a container prior to closing of an opening of the container. The container is displaced along a straight path in a predetermined horizontal direction from a first position to a second position, e.g., by a conveyor. A stream of inert gas is injected generally downward from an outlet toward the headspace via an inverted recess as the container travels from the first position to the second position along the path. The inverted recess has a peripheral edge which is a closed contour lying in a horizontal plane. The exit velocity of the inert gas at the outlet and the dimensions of the outlet are such that the flow of inert gas from the outlet into the headspace is generally laminar. A portion of the inert gas enters the headspace to displace gases inside the headspace until less than 1% oxygen remains in the headspace.

Abstract: A gas displacement device and method for substituting inert gas for ambient air in a gable-top paperboard carton prior to closing of an open top of the carton. The open top has first and second predetermined dimensions in mutually perpendicular directions. The device includes a source of inert gas, a channel for outputting a blanket of inert gas through an outlet and a conveyor for moving cartons in the first direction so that each open top passes under the outlet. The outlet has maximum dimensions in first and second mutually perpendicular directions which are respectively greater than the first predetermined dimension and less than the second predetermined dimension. The open top of the carton passes underneath the outlet with the directions of the first and second predetermined dimensions being oriented substantially parallel to the first and second directions respectively. The outlet has the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners.

Abstract: A gas displacement device and method for substituting inert gas for ambient air in a gable-top paperboard carton prior to closing of an open top of the carton. The open top has first and second predetermined dimensions in mutually perpendicular directions. The device includes a source of inert gas, a channel for outputting a blanket of inert gas through an outlet and a conveyor for moving cartons in the first direction so that each open top passes under the outlet. The outlet has maximum dimensions in first and second mutually perpendicular directions which are respectively greater than the first predetermined dimension and less than the second predetermined dimension. The open top of the carton passes underneath the outlet with the directions of the first and second predetermined dimensions being oriented substantially parallel to the first and second directions respectively. The outlet has the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners.