Abstract: A sealing cap, which is a cap body (100) for sealing a container, has two sheetlike seal rings (210,220) on the cap body (100) so as to form two sealing function portions, further consummate the sealing function for the container and keep the integrality of the container opening. In addition, a trepan boring (102) and multiple air holes (103) are provided on the cap body, and a mushroom air valve (160) is mounted in the trepan boring (102). The cap body can be inserted into the container opening and cover it by means of the air-release function of the air valve (160). Furthermore, an air extractor can be used to vacuumize the container and so make the inside of the container being in vacuum state.

Abstract: Devices comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. One embodiment utilizes a plug that occludes an opening in a housing. The plug is displaced from the opening to inject or evacuate air from a container. An alternative embodiment utilizes a plug having air channels therein which can be sealed once air has been injected into or evacuated from a container. The devices are utilized with hose adaptors connected to vacuum or air hoses having specialized hose tips for coupling with the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum pump valve includes a valve body and a suction element. The valve body includes a sealing platform sealedly attached on the container at the opening thereof, and a guiding sleeve upwardly extended from the sealing platform to form a suction channel, wherein the sealing platform has an operation hole formed thereon at a position within the suction channel and at least a through ventilating groove communicating the receiving cavity of the container with an exterior thereof. The suction element is disposed within the suction channel of the valve body, including an enlarged sealing head adapted to seal on the sealing platform to enclose the ventilating groove thereof, and a guiding shaft extended from the sealing head to slidably mount at the sealing platform at the operation hole to move the sealing head between a releasing position and a sealing position.

Abstract: A container lid assembly (2) that includes an integral pump (6P) so as to create pressure differential within a container. This pressure differential may be lower than atmospheric pressure so as to be at least a partial vacuum within the container. Alternatively, the pressure differential may be a state of higher than atmospheric pressure within the container. There are several features of the present invention that can be used in synergy, but are of value when implemented separately. These features include a pump configuration (120) that activates the reciprocating linear motion of the piston (10) by the rotational movement of a pump actuating element; a contents-dispensing mechanism (150) for removing contents from the container while maintaining the at least a partial vacuum within the container, a vacuum indicator, and a filter configured to filter the gases entering the pump from the interior of the container.

Abstract: The invention is to provide an adjustable vacuum food storage container, comprising of a base, a socket mounted on the base, and a cover covering the socket; a vacuum controller, a pressure detective means, an out connector power means, a spare battery set, and a power switch are disposed on the base, and an exhaust valve are further added on upper cover; the pressure detective connected to the socket for auto-detecting the accommodation between the socket and the upper cover, and the vacuum controller combined to the pressure detective means for keep it at vacuum state at any moment.

Abstract: The invention provides a highly reliable plasma processing apparatus having stable sealing performance. The vacuum processing apparatus comprises a vacuum vessel having its inside decompressed; an opening disposed in a wall of the vacuum vessel for communicating the inside with the outside thereof and through which a sample to be processed is taken in and out; a valve body 701 disposed outside the wall for airtightly sealing or opening the opening; and a drive unit for driving the valve body to carry out the sealing or opening operation, the drive unit comprising a first member 705 coupled to an actuator 702 that moves along a substantially linear first direction as a result of operation of the actuator, a second member 706 coupled to the first member 705 that moves along a substantially linear second direction that intersects with the first direction, and the valve body 701 coupled to the second member that seals the opening as a result of the movement of the second member.

Abstract: The cover of the container has the hollow (2) with an elliptical outline pointed towards the inside of the container; the hollow has the spherical projection (3), pointed upwards, and the projection has the cylindrical cavity (4) with the opening housing the valve head. The valve head has the form of a circular plate and has an edge with a triangular outline; cooperating with the gasket of the valve. The head valve is installed loosely in the opening by means of the sleeve ending with the flange with distancing projections in the form of radial ribs.

Abstract: A vacuum sealing device comprises a lid having a rigid rim with a lower opening for receiving a dish, an impermeable elastic membrane peripherally affixed to the rigid rim for sealing the dish, and a valve-less air evacuator formed between the elastic membrane and the dish rim. The valve-less evacuator allows air to flow out of the dish when the lid is being pressed and becomes closed when the lid is released to cause said lid to rebound to form a vacuum in the dish. The rigid rim prevents lid deformation when the lid is pressed, thus enabling the vacuum formation. To facilitate lid removal, the device has a valve-less vacuum releaser comprising a finger-receiving chamber and a section of the elastic membrane located above the chamber and connected to the rigid rim for releasing the vacuum in the dish. To prevent vacuum loss during storage in freezer or fridge, the elastic membrane is sufficiently thinned prior to being affixed to the rigid rim.

Abstract: A knob assembly for a cooking pan lid that includes an improved visual and/or audible indicator of temperature conditions within the pan.

Abstract: A pressure cap having a generally cylindrical hollow body with a semispherical cap having an orifice defined within and passing through said cap, a valve stem passing through and of smaller cross-section than the orifice, a valve member supported by the valve stem within the hollow body, a valve seat surrounding the inner end of the orifice and upon which the valve member is normally seated so as to close the orifice, and mateable threading to attach to an existing pipe, or attach by frictional fit. It may also have a rubberized flange to fit over a drain line for pressuring a drain and any of a variety of valve stem configurations to accommodate different pump systems and access requirements. Further, a method for clearing an obstructed pipe using a pressure cap as disclosed. In another embodiment a balloon is positioned within the pipe to receive pressurized air until bursting, thereby sending a blast of air down the pipe to clear obstructions.

Abstract: A plumbing end cap that is designed to assist a plumber in removing the air in an underground piping system just prior to testing the system with water. The end cap includes a small valve stem that is fixedly attached to the end cap prior to the end cap being attached to the terminal end of an open pipe. The end cap allows a plumber to eliminate the need to retest a closed system for leaks in the event the water level drops during such a test, due to air remaining in the closed system.

Abstract: Closures for container openings, which comprise: a tap (16); and a piston (4) capable of axial movement along a longitudinal axis (12) within the tap; wherein the tap has a product conduit (5) and a venting conduit (6) blockable by the axially movable piston are disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum seal cover of a circular container has a circular tabular seal ring, so that the container no longer needs a fixing protrusion, and the cover includes a sheathing hole, a plurality of air holes disposed around the cover, and an umbrella valve installed at the sheathing hole and provided for vacuuming the container or releasing the pressure through the umbrella valve. The cover is installed at an opening of the container, and the air in the container can be extracted by an air extracting device to define a vacuum and maintain the interior of the container at a vacuum condition, so as to extend the expiration of the contents stored in the container.

Abstract: The closure has a bung bushing (10) of elastic material which fits sealingly into the charging hole of the container. The bung bushing (10) has a central opening. A bung plug (18) is seated sealingly in the central opening. The bung plug (18) can be pushed out in the direction of the inside of the container. It is the valve member of a manually operable pressure-compensating valve.

Abstract: A vacuum sealing device comprises a lid having a rigid rim with a lower opening for receiving a dish, an impermeable elastic membrane peripherally affixed to the rigid rim for sealing the dish, and a valve-less air evacuator formed between the elastic membrane and the dish rim. The valve-less evacuator allows air to flow out of the dish when the lid is being pressed and becomes closed when the lid is released to cause said lid to rebound to form a vacuum in the dish. The rigid rim prevents lid deformation when the lid is pressed, thus enabling the vacuum formation. To facilitate lid removal, the device has a valve-less vacuum releaser comprising a finger-receiving chamber and a section of the elastic membrane located above the chamber and connected to the rigid rim for releasing the vacuum in the dish. To prevent vacuum loss during storage in freezer or fridge, the elastic membrane is sufficiently thinned prior to being affixed to the rigid rim.

Abstract: A food storage container includes a lid with a vent hole, and a removable cover removably secured to the lid to cover the vent hole. The cover has an evacuation hole. The food storage container further includes a one-way air valve disposed between the vent hole and evacuation hole. When the cover is secured to the lid, the one-way air valve inhibits air flow into the container through the vent hole, and when the cover is not secured to the lid, the one-way air valve allows air flow into the container.

Abstract: A device comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. The plug is positioned within the housing to occlude a port hole in the housing. The housing is positioned within a container so the port hole faces a wall of the container. A hole is created in the container above the port hole. To evacuate or inject air into the container, a hose adaptor with a specialized hose tip is connected to a vacuum or air hose. When inserted into the port hole, the hose tip temporarily displaces the plug from the port hole. Vents within the housing allow air to move through the housing and into or out of the hose tip. Removal of the hose tip allows the plug to resume position over the porthole to maintain the vacuum or air pressure within the container.

Abstract: An exemplary method for releasing a vacuum seal is disclosed as comprising inter alia puncturing a portion of a lid closure with a penetrator device and optionally sealing the puncture with a laminar valve or thin film held in place with PST or other suitable adhesive. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve release of a vacuum seal for any application or operating environment. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide for quick, easy and safe opening of vacuum packaged containers for food products.

Abstract: Devices comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. One embodiment utilizes a plug that occludes an opening in a housing. The plug is displaced from the opening to inject or evacuate air from a container. An alternative embodiment utilizes a plug having air channels therein which can be sealed once air has been injected into or evacuated from a container. The devices are utilized with hose adaptors connected to vacuum or air hoses having specialized hose tips for coupling with the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance with a sealing sub-assembly including a latching mechanism and release mechanism is described. According to certain embodiments, the release mechanism, latch and sealing sub-assembly operate in an integrated fashion such that the vacuum packaging appliance can be easily opened or sealed.

Abstract: Portable Vacuum Food Storage System with a housing that contains a vacuum pump, an on off power switch, a vacuum pressure switch and a plurality of rechargeable DC batteries. The top of the housing has a gripping member help the user to twist and fasten the housing onto a mating container lid. The housing has a bayonet type fastener at its lower center portion that mates to a receptacle located on the lid, the lid has a vacuum releasing member that can be pressed by the user to relieve the vacuum in the container. The vacuum housing is capable of resting on the lid in a stable manner so that the vacuum operation can take place unattended by the user. The vacuum lid is capable of fitting on standard TupperWare or Rubber Maid containers.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for providing and releasing a vacuum seal is disclosed as comprising inter alia: puncturing a portion of a lid closure with a penetrator device; actuating a vacuum pump to remove at least a portion of atmospheric gas from inside the containment vessel via the puncture hole; and sealing the puncture with a laminar valve or thin film held in place with PST or other suitable adhesive. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve release and/or re-establishment of a vacuum seal for any application or operating environment. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide for quick, easy and safe opening and resealing of vacuum packaged containers for food products.

Abstract: A lid for a food storage container includes a lid body with a vacuum sense opening and a vent opening extending through the lid body, a releasable cover disposed over the vent opening, and a pressure-indicating protrusion. The cover impedes air flow into the container through the vent opening until the cover is released. The pressure-indicating protrusion, which has a cavity in it, is in hydraulic communication with the container through the vacuum sense opening. The pressure-indicating protrusion contracts toward the vacuum sense opening in response to negative container pressure.

Abstract: A hermetically sealable container with internal partial vacuum making facilities, comprising a base body with which a lid is hermetically associable, the lid having, at least in its peripheral region, an elastically flexible portion that has a groove arranged peripherally and open toward the edge of the base body. On the edge of the base body, at least one through hole is provided, arranged at a distance from the free border of the edge of the base body that is shorter than the depth of the groove.

Abstract: A canister lid includes a cover member adapted to cover a canister, thereby defining an interior of the canister. An evacuation valve is adapted to allow evacuation of the interior of the container. A vacuum release valve is adapted to allow venting of the interior of the container.

Abstract: A vacuum container for preserving food is disclosed herein that includes a cover member for covering an upper part of a container member in which food is filled, a piston member equipped with the cover member and ascending and descending movable, and first and second valve members that alternately operate by a pumping operation using ascending and descending operation of the piston member to make a suction aperture and an exhaust aperture alternately open and close, thus discharging air from within the container member. Such operation allows the interior of the container member to become a vacuum state, thereby allowing food within the container member to be preserved for a longer time period, in a more sanitary manner, and a simple manufacture and a low manufacturing cost to provide users with convenience.

Abstract: Shut-off valve, composed of a container (3) provided with valve seat (4), and also a valve body (2, 22, 42) that can be moved through the opening bounded by the valve seat (4), in order to provide a seal. The valve body (2, 22, 42) is provided with a conical or spherical shut-off edge and is connected to the container (3) by way of a flexible connecting part (5). This makes it possible to move the valve body (2, 22, 42) laterally, in other words perpendicular to the direction of closing, and in this way achieve an opening of the shut-off valve. The container (3) can comprise any construction known in the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention is a container lid assembly that includes an integral vacuum pump so as to create at least a partial vacuum within the container. There are several features of the present invention that can be used in synergy, but are of value when implemented separately. These features include a pump configuration that activates the reciprocating linear motion of the piston by the rotational movement of a pump actuating element; a contents-dispensing mechanism for removing contents from the container while maintaining the at least a partial vacuum within the container; a selectively activated lid-removal mechanism (child proof mechanism); a vacuum indicator; and a filter configured to filter the gases entering the pump from the interior of the container.

Abstract: Container for storing food products including a base defining a product support surface for supporting the food product and a cover releasably engaging with the base such that when the cover engages with the base, a storage compartment is defined by the cover and the base. The cover includes an air control unit for controlling air pressure in the storage compartment and a window extending downward from the air control unit to surround food products in the storage compartment. A product supported on the product support surface of the base is visible through the window when the cover engages with the base. By providing the window as part of the cover, the base is separable from the window to thereby expose the product support surface of the base so that cakes can be easily placed on the product support surface and then enclosed by the cover.

Abstract: A contaminant detection system for mail is provided. A tray of mailpieces is transported along a transport path into a chamber that has a negative pressure maintained by a vacuum system. The tray of mail enters the chamber and is quickly decelerated, such as, for example, by hitting a stop. The quick deceleration compresses the mailpieces in the tray, thereby ejecting air, dust and other particles from the mailpieces into the surrounding environment inside of the chamber. The vacuum system draws the ejected air, dust and other particles into a sampling system that monitors for the presence of a possible biohazard. If any type of contaminant is found in the ejected air, dust and other particles, the tray can be held for further investigation of the mailpieces. If no contaminants are detected, the tray is accepted and the mailpieces are further processed.

Abstract: A vacuum-closed cap provided with a device to open containers completely designed to allow the release of the inner pressure of the container (2) so that it can be opened later on, said cap (1) being fully removed therefrom and being comprised of a gripping ring (3), attached through its front tab (4) to a shoulder (5) on its surface (6), said shoulder (5) being provided with a slit (7) in the junction between same and the surface (6) of the cap (1), in such a way that, when the tab (3) is manually pressed vertically upward, it reveals an orifice (8) caused by the disruption of said slit (9), said cap (1) being provided with shoulders or claws (9) which, during the filling process, are coupled to the packing wire (2) or the lip (10) thereof, thus attaining a perfect coupling between both the container (2) and the cap (1).

Abstract: A container is provided having corresponding shells that mate together about a joint to create an enclosed airtight container. A valve seat is formed on the exterior of a shell adjacent the joint. The valve seat has an opening in communication with the container interior. A latch assembly is used to secure the shells in a closed position. The assembly includes a latch body which is attached to a shell by a hinge fastener close to said joint. The inside face of the latch body is provided with a valve gasket having a curved outer face that is aligned and sealingly engageable with the valve seat. When the latch is closed, the gasket will seal against the valve seat. When the latch is dislodged from its connection to the other shell, the gasket will be simultaneously removed from the valve seat and allow air to flow through the opening. This action permits equalization of any pressure differentials between ambient pressure and the pressure in the container interior.

Abstract: A hose direct cannister lid includes a port that accepts a hose connected to a source of vacuum in order to evacuate a cannister to which the lid is connected. The hose direct cannister lid includes a first valve for exposing the cannister to the source of vacuum when the vacuum hose is secured to the lid, and wherein the first valve closes when the source of vacuum is removed in order to seal the lid and cannister from ambient. The hose direct cannister includes a second valve used to break the vacuum and expose the interior of the cannister to ambient.

Abstract: A lid member for an original container of a liquid paint component. The lid member is usable with a system for dispensing the paint component from its original container into a paint receptacle according to a paint formula to form a liquid paint mixture. The lid member includes a base portion that is adapted to releasably engage an open top of the paint component container. The base portion has a pour spout through which the paint component can be dispensed, and a movable cover element. The cover element is movable between a closed state, wherein the cover element covers the pour spout, and an opened state, wherein the pour spout is uncovered and the paint component can be dispensed from its original container and into the paint receptacle. A resilient seal mechanism is positioned between the pour spout and the movable cover element for preventing leakage of the paint component, upon tilting of the original container, out of the pour spout past the cover element in the closed state of the cover element.

Abstract: The present invention features a storage container having a lever-actuated rod and piston mechanism that extracts air from inside the interior chamber, thus creating a vacuum state. This vacuum state is desirable for the fresher storage of many air sensitive materials, including perishable food items and other goods. The opening to the chamber is sealed with an air-sealing cover in order to retain a state of vacuum in the chamber once the interior chamber has achieved a vacuum state.

Abstract: A canister lid includes a cover member adapted to cover a canister, thereby defining an interior of the canister. An evacuation valve is adapted to allow evacuation of the interior of the container. A vacuum release valve is adapted to allow venting of the interior of the container.

Abstract: A resilient vacuum relief valve 52 is urged tightly on the lid stem 44 engaging the lid bottom 42 while encircling the vent 46 preventing air passage through the vent 46. The vacuum relief valve 52 is also formed of a pliable, resilient thermoplastic such as silicon and is in an inverted hat shape or dish shape as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and includes a circumferential outwardly extending rim 54 on top that has sufficient resilience to deform when exposed to negative pressure. This arrangement provides an air tight seal when the lid 38 is inserted into the canister body 22 and while it remains stationary, however, when the lid 38 is pulled upwardly, negative pressure within the canister 20 is created, forcing the valve 52 to break its seal and relieve the newly created vacuum within the canister 20 allowing it to be easier to dislodge the lid 38 and preventing dispersal of powdered contents out of the canister 20 during lid removal.

Abstract: A pressure cooker handle assembly that relieves pressure in the cooker and unlocks the lid by pushing a single button twice. The button includes a tab that directly activates a pressure relief valve to release the pressure and a leg that depresses a stopbar to unlock the lid. Pressing of the button a first time releases the pressure in the cooker, but does not unlock the lid. A latch system prevents the cooker from again building pressure once the button is pressed. When the button is pressed a second time the leg depresses the stopbar to unlock the lid from the cooker.

Abstract: A pressure cooker handle assembly that relieves pressure in the cooker and unlocks the lid by pushing a single button twice. The button includes a tab that directly activates a pressure relief valve to release the pressure and a leg that depresses a stopbar to unlock the lid. Pressing of the button a first time releases the pressure in the cooker, but does not unlock the lid. A latch system prevents the cooker from again building pressure once the button is pressed. When the button is pressed a second time the leg depresses the stopbar to unlock the lid from the cooker.

Abstract: An air tight canister (20) is taught that incorporates an integral vacuum relief valve for storing various food stuffs including powdered goods. The canister incorporates a body (22) in cylindrical shape with a lid (38) that interfaces with the top of the body for closing the canister to protect goods stored inside. The lid bottom has a downwardly depending stem (44) and one or more vents (46) adjacent to the stem that extend completely through lid creating an air passageway. A lip seal (50) is disposed securely on the lid, engaging the inside surface of the canister body in a air tight manner when the lid is inserted into the canister. A resilient vacuum relief valve (52) is positioned on the lid stem and engages the lid bottom encircling the vent preventing air passage through the vent.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a cover cap mounted detachably and sealingly on a container. The cover cap has a pump-mounting wall portion defining a pump-receiving chamber, an inlet formed in the pump-mounting wall portion and in fluid communication with the pump-receiving chamber and a storing space of the container, and a valve-mounting wall portion defining an opening which is in fluid communication with the storing space and the atmosphere. A pump member is disposed movably and sealingly in the pump-receiving chamber, and has an outlet in fluid communication with the pump-receiving chamber and the atmosphere. An urging member urges the pump member away from the inlet. First and second check valves are respectively mounted on the cover cap and the pump member for closing the inlet and the outlet of the pump-receiving chamber, respectively. An air-inlet valve is mounted on the pump member for closing the opening in the cover cap, and is operable to uncover the opening in the cover cap.

Abstract: A filler neck for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle. The inventive filler neck comprises a housing (12, 14) which has an outer closure (30) that can pivot between a closed and opened position and which has a second closure element (50) that is accommodated inside the housing. Said second closure element is interactively connected to a ventilating valve (16) which, in order to equalize pressure, automatically opens in the instance of excess pressure inside the fuel tank and opens when inserting the dispensing nozzle (100), said dispensing nozzle causing the closure element (50) to swivel open. The inventive filler neck is characterized by a lever (1) which is pivotally mounted on the housing (12). Said lever is actuated by the dispensing nozzle (100) when the same is inserted, and opens the ventilating valve (16) before the dispensing nozzle (100) causes the second closure element (50) to swivel open.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bottle cap for vacuum preservation, comprising a cap main body consisting of a cylindrical cap tube inserted in a vessel, and a holder part extended from an end, located at a vessel inlet, of the cap tube; a piston airtightly inserted in the cap main body and axially sliding along the cap main body to release air in the vessel; and a valve member positioned in an end, located in the vessel, of the cap main body. The holder part is bent in such a way that its bent part is parallel to the cap tube, and the valve member opens and closes an air hole for introducing and releasing air in the vessel according to movement of the piston. The bottle cap can avoid disadvantages of deterioration of contents in the vessel, inconvenience of separately storing a pump, and loss of the pump. Furthermore, the vessel is readily vacuumized using the bottle cap.

Abstract: A hose direct cannister lid includes a port that accepts a hose connected to a source of vacuum in order to evacuate a cannister to which the lid is connected. The hose direct cannister lid includes a first valve for exposing the cannister to the source of vacuum when the vacuum hose is secured to the lid, and wherein the first valve closes when the source of vacuum is removed in order to seal the lid and cannister from ambient. The hose direct cannister includes a second valve used to break the vacuum and expose the interior of the cannister to ambient.

Abstract: Vacuum producing appliance and associated food and beverage holding vessels, the vacuum producing appliance with a hollow housing, the housing enclosing a vacuum pump, a pressure switch, a vacuum holding tank, a solenoid valve, a power switch, and associated tubing to attach the components to each other. A conical shaped concavity built into the bottom of the housing capable of drawing air from a vessel and passing it through the vacuum. A plurality of vessel sealing lids interact with the vacuum producing appliance, said lids having a convex conical shape at their top surface that can interface in an air tight way with a mating concave conical shape located in the main housing, the lids having a check valve that allows air to leave the lid but not reenter it. The lids are capable of interfacing in an air tight way with the mouth of a jar, bottle, can or the like so that a vacuum can be drawn in the jar, bottle or can.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating substance tank (1) which is especially for a portable handheld work apparatus (2). The tank (1) has a fill opening (3) and a suction connection (4). The tank is configured from a first housing part (6) and a second housing part (7) connected to the first housing part (6). In this way, the tank is built up in a simple manner and is operationally reliable. A valve (8) is formed in the interior of the tank (1) so that a valve member (9) is held by the first housing part (6) and the valve member (9) comes into seal-tight contact on an opening (10) of a through bore (11) on the second housing part (7). The valve (8) functions especially as an aerating valve for the tank (1).

Abstract: A sealable container in the present invention has a container body and a cover closed on the container body and provided with a push button and a suction hole. The cover is combined with a release assembly and an outer cap therein. The release assembly includes a housing, a membrane piece, a covering piece and a follower. A combination of aforementioned components enables the sealable container of the present invention to be effectively proofed against moisture and mildew after the air in the container body is drawn to be a vacuumed state. When the cover is to be opened for taking out the food stored in the container body, it is only necessary to press the push button of the cover to release the vacuumed state in the container body, which is very convenient to open the cover.

Abstract: A mail tub in the form of a substantially rigid container and a removable lid which seals the container. The container includes an air inlet port and an air outlet port for sampling air in the mail tub for possible biological contamination, such as anthrax. The container includes structure along the bottom and walls to prevent mail from contacting the walls and bottom. Such structure, in one embodiment, may include raised standoffs along the bottom of the container and channels along the walls to facilitate airflow efficiency through the mail tub when the lid is attached and an air pressure source is applied to the one of the ports. Air samples of the sealed container air are collected for contamination analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum valve including a lid, a depression defined on the lid, a boss formed on the lid at a bottom of the depression, a rotary cover rotatably arranged in the depression, and a closure member detachably coupled to the rotary cover.

Abstract: A kind of sealing valve for vacuum container comprising: the cap body, the connecting body and the locking portion; the cap body is to be jointed to the locking portion through the connecting body; the locking portion is formed with the concave portion; the locking portion is to lock onto the hole on the upper cap via the concave portion, thus when the vacuum pump proceeds to extract air out of the vacuum container, the cap body is to be deflected and deformed by air flow, so that the air hole of the upper cap is to be opened, and then the cap body is to automatically close the air hole of the upper cap after the pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the vacuum container has reached the predetermined value.