Abstract: A packaging machine for filling and sealing receptacles, the machine having a plurality of stations at which packaging operations are performed by packaging devices (21-29), the stations having at least a filling station (21) and a sealing station (23, 24, 27). The packaging machine includes a conveyor (10) for causing the receptacles to travel along a path passing through the various stations, the packaging machine being characterized in that the stations are disposed in an enclosure (2) in which a vacuum prevails.

Abstract: A method for packaging a liquid to semi-solid substance under a vacuum inside a variable-capacity container closed by a dispenser member that prevents ingress of air, includes at least a stage in which the dispenser member is fixed in sealed manner on the container filled with the substance. The fixing takes place while the container is inside an enclosure in which an air vacuum is maintained. Apparatus for implementing the method includes, for example, a ring suitable for bearing downwards in sealed manner on the open top of a socket containing the container, thereby enabling the enclosure to be established. A device is provided therein for sucking out the air, and also for fixing on the dispenser member. It is possible to obtain like this dispensers that are particularly advantageous, particularly when the dispenser member is a precompression pump.

Abstract: Some paste or liquid products, used as cosmetics and medicines, for example, have to be protected from contact with air. Methods have been developed for vacuum packaging them. These methods are more concerned with eliminating air that may remain in the packaging filled with the product at the time the latter is closed (by welding, by sealed fixing of a dispensing valve, etc). No special precautions are taken during filling of the packaging which is carried out in air and inevitably causes unwanted air bubbles to be trapped. The present method avoids any inclusion of air in the product. The packaging, which consists of a variable volume reservoir, is filled while in its maximum content configuration in an hermetically sealed enclosure that is evacuated. The enclosure is formed by a bucket receiving the reservoir and to which a bell fits in a sealed way. The bell is connected to a system of vacuum pumps and to a store of the product.

Abstract: A method of packaging a liquid or a paste in a flexible tube comprising a bottom (14) and a head provided with a dispensing valve (10), comprises at least the following steps: 1) the liquid or paste (13) is inserted into the tube via its bottom (14); and 2) an air vacuum is established inside the tube, and the tube is the closed in sealed manner by welding its bottom (14). Advantageously there is an intermediate step of initially welding the bottom of the paste-filled up-side-down tube only in part. Then, during step 2), after the air has been evacuated, the weld is immediately finished off. In this preferred implementation of the present invention, step 2) is preferably entirely performed by means of apparatus (50) comprising two groups of parts slidably mounted relative to each other and mounted on a press (90) which is connected to a vacuum pump (91).

Abstract: The device (102) is intended to inject a gas under pressure into an aerosol receptacle (100) through a pump or spray head crimped onto said receptacle. The purpose of the gas is to prevent air from penetrating into the aerosol receptacle as the liquid contained therein is sprayed out. The device is actuated by the pressure of the filling gas and it includes a damping system for ensuring uniform operation.

Abstract: A method for packaging a liquid to semi-solid substance under a vacuum inside a variable-capacity container closed by a dispenser member that prevents ingress of air, includes at least a stage in which the dispenser member is fixed in sealed manner on the container filled with the substance. The fixing takes place while the container is inside an enclosure in which an air vacuum is maintained. Apparatus for implementing the method includes, for example, a ring suitable for bearing downwards in sealed manner on the open top of a socket containing the container, thereby enabling the enclosure to be established. A device is provided therein for sucking out the air, and also for fixing on the dispenser member. It is possible to obtain like this dispensers that are particularly advantageous, particularly when the dispenser member is a precompression pump.