Abstract: A process to reduce oxygen in the head space of non-pressurized containers comprises injecting an inert gas into the container head space and into the cap during the capping process. In an alternative embodiment, inert gas is injected into the caps at one or more points along the conveyance rout to the capping point.

Abstract: A process to reduce oxygen in the head space of containers includes introducing an inert gas into the container head space. This may be accomplished during a capping process. The process may further include flushing the container with an inert gas. The flushing step may be performed while the container is empty or prior to being completely filled.

Abstract: A process to reduce oxygen in the head space of containers includes introducing an inert gas into the container head space. This may be accomplished during a capping process. A cap chute attachment may be incorporated to transfer gas from an inert gas source to a body portion of the attachment. The gas may be directed into the body portion to pressurize the body portion. The inert gas may then flow through a gas exit end to be directed toward one or both of a cap and a container opening as the cap and container are brought into contact with each other. The inert gas displaces at least a portion of the oxygen from the head space.

Abstract: A process to reduce oxygen in the head space of containers includes introducing an inert gas into the container head space. This may be accomplished during a capping process. Multiple conduits may be used to introduce the inert gas. The one or more conduits may be angularly offset from either or both of a plane defined by the opening of the containers and a direction of movement of the containers at the time the inert gas is introduced. In certain embodiments, the openings of the one or more inert gas conduits may be remote from spaces defined by projections of the container openings.

Abstract: A process to reduce oxygen in the head space of non-pressurized containers comprises injecting an inert gas into the container head space and into the cap during the capping process. In an alternative embodiment, inert gas is injected into the caps at one or more points along the conveyance rout to the capping point.

Abstract: Commercially available plastic resin that has been stored in ambient air is contacted with an oxygen-depleted atmosphere to reduce the absorbed oxygen level in the resin, then extrusion molded into the desired shape. The resin can be initially blown against the mold using air, but preferably is blown using an inert gas at or near ambient temperature. Immediately following the blowing step, the inert gas is use to pressurize and flush the molded resin, followed by depressuring the molded product and releasing it from the mold. A second embodiment employs molds kept at a temperature between about 50° F. and 150° F., and the inert gas used to pressurize and flush the molded resin is at a temperature below about 0° F.