Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the multiple fixation of goods on a pallet includes the placement of the goods on a basic board, covering of the goods by an air-tight deformable bag, creating a detachable and air-tight connection with the basic board, and exhausting air from the bag by a valve. The free ends of the bag are inserted into a circumferential groove along the perimeter of the basic board prior to exhausting the air, and are fixed in the groove by at least one fixing component. In one example, the fixing component is at least one of a fixing elastic band or a tightening band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a device, and a control program for the fluid-tight sealing of capsules containing medicaments, wherein the capsules consist of at least one capsule body and a capsule cap which are set one into the other telescopically and provided with a tight band in the abutment region on the exterior side of the capsule, wherein the capsule components are filled with gas which has a changed temperature and/or a changed pressure in relation to the environment, and wherein a reduction of the difference in pressure in the capsule to occurs via gaps between capsule body and capsule cap after the capsule components have been placed one inside the other. The capsules produced via the method according to the invention are disposable capsules and preferably contain a single dose of an orally administered pharmaceutical formulation in the form of a powder or a liquid.

Abstract: A packaging machine for producing closed packages includes a chamber that can be sealed in an airtight manner around one or a plurality of packages, a gas flushing unit for flushing with a gas the at least one package contained in the chamber, at least one gas line leading into the chamber or out of the chamber as well as a measuring device for determining a concentration of the gas. The measuring device comprises a measuring head for reading, through the use of electromagnetic radiation, an indicator for the concentration of the gas. The indicator is arranged in an interior of the chamber, in an interior of a package and/or in an interior the at least one gas line.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a method of filling and sealing a beverage container, the method comprising the steps of: a) dispensing a predetermined amount of beverage, preferably wine, into an open-topped container having a circular rim, preferably a plastics wine glass, to leave a headspace above the beverage in the container; b) temporarily tacking a generally flat flexible film lid sized to fit over the open top to the rim of the container at at least one position around the rim while leaving the remainder of the rim free; c) engaging the tacked lid to cause flexure thereof to create a gap between the lid and the rim on one side; d) dispensing an inert gas, preferably nitrogen, through the gap so created and into the headspace to displace air therefrom; and e) bringing a heat sealer into engagement with the lid to heat seal the lid to the rim about its entire circumference, thereby trapping the inert gas within the headspace.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing containers includes a movable closing head for applying closures to the containers and is arranged in the interior of a sterile chamber of the apparatus and arranged to move in a longitudinal direction (L) of the containers to be closed. At least one wall is provided which delimits the sterile chamber, wherein the closing device is arranged on a carrier which is arranged partially inside the sterile chamber and partially outside the sterile chamber, and extends through the wall and moves in the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the wall. Arranged in the interior of the sterile chamber is a first sealing element which is elastic in the longitudinal direction (L) and which seals off from the sterile chamber a region of the outer periphery of the carrier.

Abstract: A method is provided for feeding small items, for example pills, that does not require tooling changes or position adjustment regardless of the size or shape of the pills. A first hopper supplies small items to a second hopper that separates the small items. The method incorporates sensors to detect the presence, size and travel time of the pills in the separating bowl hopper. The method uses the sensed values for setting vibration amplitude and the duration of an air flow to discharge pills from the apparatus.

Abstract: A large transfusion filling and corking machine includes a frame unit, an electric control unit, a bottle-in unit, a following and filling unit, a nitrogen-charging and corking unit, and a bottle-out transfer wheel unit. The bottle-in unit, the following and filling unit, the nitrogen-charging and corking unit, and the bottle-out transfer wheel unit are mounted on the frame unit and connected by turns. The nitrogen-charging and corking unit is connected with a cork-delivering unit. A nitrogen-precharging unit is arranged between the bottle-in unit and the following and filling unit, which is connected with the bottle-in unit through a bottle-in transfer wheel unit, and connected with the following and filling unit through a transitional transfer wheel unit.

Abstract: A mattress frame that occupies a small volume and can be used by a recipient without having to assemble the frame. The frame has four connected sides and is made of foam. The frame is rectangular in shape and has two longer sides and two shorter sides. The two shorter sides are folded in a U shape so that a bow-tie-shaped frame results. The bow-tie-shaped frame is rolled and packaged in a container. The frame can be rolled to form a spiral or an M-shape. A recipient of the rolled frame removes the frame from its packaging and the frame expands to its intended shape.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention discloses cleaned storage processes and systems for high level cleanliness articles, such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reticle carriers. A decontamination chamber can be used to clean the stored workpieces. A purge gas system can be used to prevent contamination of the articles stored within the workpieces. A robot can be used to detect the condition of the storage compartment before delivering the workpiece. A monitor device can be used to monitor the conditions of the stocker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for filling a plastic container (1) having a high degree of molecular orientation with a liquid, which process comprises the following steps: filling of the container (1) with a liquid at high temperature; cooling the walls (5) of the container (1) during the filling step; sealing of the container (1); cooling of the walls (5) of the container (1) during the sealing step; passive shrinkage of the container (1) following said sealing step; and cooling of the walls (5) of the container (1) following the shrinkage step. The invention also relates to a device for implementing said process and to a container thus obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placed in an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried out within the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package (P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can be positioned. A snorkel (17) is inserted into the package (P) and via connector (23) vacuum, pressure and sterilant can be applied to the interior of the package (P). A sealing arrangement (14b, 22b) can seal the package closed after the sterilization process has been completed.

Abstract: A method for packaging a liquid product (1), such as a food product, and, in particular, a product sensitive to oxygen, in a container (2) with a low oxygen content, the container including an opening (3). The method includes the following steps: the air is removed from the container by filling same to capacity with the liquid product in a non-controlled atmosphere; the full container is placed in a non-oxidizing atmosphere formed by at least one non-oxidizing gas; the liquid product is partially emptied from the container in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, such that the at least one non-oxidizing gas replaces the product discharged from the container; and the above-mentioned container opening is closed in a gas-tight manner while the container is partially full of the liquid product in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A disposal unit can include a substantially air tight chamber, an insertion component, an air tight region of the air tight chamber containing a disposal container, an air holding region, an air extraction unit, an air sanitation component, a container sealant mechanism, and/or combinations thereof. The air holding region can be distinct from the air tight region and the remaining region of the substantially air tight chamber. The air extraction unit can be configured to capture air from the remaining region and place the captured air in the air holding region. Air can be optionally redirected from the air holding region into an airtight disposal container, which is thereafter sealed. The air sanitation component can be configured to sanitize the captured air to a predetermined air quality level. Harmful byproducts of the waste (e.g., toxic vapors) inserted in the disposal unit can be reduced and/or neutralized through sanitation and/or containment.

Abstract: Between the two housings (1, 18), and below and parallel to the film (F), there is provided a frame (7) having openings (8) with shapes and dimensions suitably greater than the shapes and dimensions in plan view of the underlying trays (V) to be packaged, supported by any means such that, during the closure of the housings (1, 18), this frame (7) interacts with sealing means and contributes to the formation of a main chamber (29) delimited by the upper edge of the tray and by the film above this edge, which is initially connected to the inner chambers (19, 2, 102) of the two housings (1, 18), to enable the air to be removed from these chambers and to form the desired level of vacuum therein, while, in the next step, said main chamber (29) is isolated from the inner chambers of the two housings, so that the process gases for preserving the product can be injected directly into this main chamber, while a corresponding quantity of atmospheric air is directed into said inner chambers of the housings (1, 18) to co

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing moisture and staining the web of a plurality of tobacco sachets. The apparatus includes a turret wheel assembly comprising a rotatable turret wheel having a plurality of cups for receiving containers for tobacco sachets, a sensor for verifying the presence a container within a cup of the rotatable turret wheel, a hydraulic injector for injecting water into a container having a plurality of tobacco sachets, means for tamping tobacco sachets, and means for agitating and stirring the plurality of tobacco sachets to lift and stir tobacco sachets from the bottom of the container. A method of distributing moisture and staining the web of a plurality of tobacco sachets is also provided.

Abstract: A system for reducing oxygen in a package of produce product using a lance manifold. The lance manifold has a first end adapted to receive an input gas flow and a second end adapted for placement in a partially-enclosed cavity containing the produce product. The second end of the lance manifold includes a plurality of exit ports adapted to produce an output gas flow and a sampling port for taking an air sample from the partially-enclosed cavity. The system also includes an oxygen analyzer for detecting oxygen content of gas inside the partially-enclosed cavity using the sampling port. The system is configured to produce an output gas flow with the following properties: a substantially oxygen-free composition; a flow rate of at least 100 standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH); and a flow direction substantially 90 degrees to a cavity opening of the partially-enclosed cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging machine having an ultrasonic device (1), the ultrasonic device (1) comprising: an ultrasonic generator (2) which generates electric vibrations; an ultrasonic converter (3) which converts the generated electric vibrations into mechanical vibrations of the same frequency; a transformation intermediate piece (4) which transfers the mechanical vibrations to a sonotrode (5); the sonotrode (5) comprising a sound-radiating end surface (6) at which it reflects the mechanical vibrations, so that a standing wave to be passed into a packaging foil (18, 19) is formed, and the sound-radiating end surface (6) being disposed in a vacuum and/or in a modified atmosphere.

Abstract: The packing according to the invention comprises: a container for holding said at least one object to be sterilized, having an inlet opening and a discharge opening via which said at least one object may pass into and out of said container, said container comprising a rigid part which comprises a peripheral wall bored with a multitude of small holes having dimensions smaller than those of the said at least one object, and a non-rigid part in a material porous to the sterilization fluid and non-porous to microbial contamination, this non-rigid part being able to contain said rigid part and to be sealed thereon; and at least one envelope made in a flexible and airtight material, which is vacuum sealing fitted on said container.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a chamber (4) having a cover (5), wherein the cover (5) which is liftable from a lowered position in which a chamber (4) is closed into a lifted position, in which a chamber (4) is opened. It is the object of the device or the method to improve the ergonomic accessibility and the visibility of the cover inside of a vacuum chamber of a packaging machine during maintenance, repair or cleaning work. For this purpose, the cover (5) is pivotable in the lifted position.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the subject invention facilitates the filling of an air-permeable casement or shell with feather down material. The apparatus of the subject invention includes two chambers which are selectively connected to one another by means of a passageway. The subject invention further includes a mechanism for selectively inducing a partial vacuum in either chamber to facilitate the filling of article casements with feather down. By inducing a partial vacuum in the first chamber and connecting a supply hose to its access port, feather down may be conveyed from a supply container into the first chamber. By selectively opening the passageway and inducing a partial vacuum in the second chamber, the feather down is conveyed from the first chamber to the second chamber in a clean, efficient and controlled manner where it is contained within an air permeable casement formed over the passageway.

Abstract: The evacuation device is configured to remove air from a container via a one-way valve element attached to the container. The evacuation device includes a motor with a rotating shaft that extends along an axis line. The shaft is operably interconnected to a reciprocating element reciprocally movable within a chamber along a direction parallel to the axis line. Reciprocal motion of the reciprocal element draws air into and exhausts air from the chamber. To facilitate the operable interconnection, the evacuation device includes a cam having a cylindrical sidewall mounted to the rotating shaft. Disposed circumferentially into the cylindrical sidewall is a channel. The evacuation device further includes a yoke connected to the reciprocal element and having a follower element received in the channel. Rotation of the cam causes the follower element to move with respect to the channel, thereby converting rotational motion to linear translation. The evacuation device may also include a pressure adjustment feature.

Abstract: A cap removal apparatus for a vacuum blood collection tube is configured to remove a cap from the collection tube of which an opening is closed by the cap so that the tube is kept under vacuum inside. The cap removal apparatus comprises, a tube clamping mechanism which clamps the collection tube upright in a cap removal position, a chuck mechanism which is disposed in the cap removal position and chucks the cap of the collection tube, seal pressure reduction unit which is disposed in the a chuck mechanism and configured to seal a region around the opening including the cap and reduce the pressure of the sealed region to substantially the same level as the internal pressure of the collection tube when the cap is chucked, and a lift mechanism which raises the chuck mechanism from a cap chucking position, thereby removing the cap from the collection tube.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to the use of liquid nitrogen to displace air, or other water and/or oxygen containing atmospheres, from containers prior to filling with a highly sensitive product. The process in general has two steps: a) depositing a volume of liquid nitrogen into the cavity of an empty container and b) applying a vacuum to the cavity of the container. The vacuum will accelerate vaporization and thereby shorten the liquid nitrogen vaporization time frame. This procedure results in a highly effective one step de-oxygenation and/or de-humidification of the container cavity. Further, the evacuation ensures complete liquid nitrogen vaporization prior to product filling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine with a series of three operating stations (S1, S2, S3), of which the first station (S1) arranges the full trays in a predetermined pattern in one or two parallel rows, while the intermediate station (S2) closes the full trays with a cover of film heat-sealed onto their top edge, optionally after conditioning the atmosphere inside said trays, to preserve the products packed inside them and also performs the operation of cutting off the sealed trays from the continuous web from which said closing cover is taken, and in which the final station (S3) discharges the full trays, closed and separated, as they come from said intermediate station.

Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus 1 for releasably securing the lid 2 of a receptacle 3 for removal or replacement of the lid, the apparatus 1 comprising means 6 defining first and second vacuum chambers 5,7, the second vacuum chamber 7 being adapted to contact and secure a lid 2 when a pressure drop occurs in said second chamber 7, the arrangement being such that creating of a vacuum in the first chamber 5 acts on the defining means 6 to create a pressure drop in the second chamber 7 without fluid flow between the chambers, the pressure drop being sufficient to secure the lid 2 for removal of the lid from the receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for folding an airbag (1) for placement in an airbag module for a motor vehicle. The method involves folding the airbag (1), exposing the airbag (1) to moisture, compressing the airbag (1), and simultaneously extracting the moisture. Moisture in liquid or vapor form can be introduced before or after folding the airbag. Further disclosed is a device for folding the airbag.

Abstract: A packaging device for packaging a foodstuff within a receptacle includes an inerting unit having an empty zone, walls of the empty zone configured to receive an upper portion of the receptacle, and the walls being made of a porous material capable of passing an inert gas under pressure, and a closure means retractably disposed above the inerting unit, wherein the inerting unit is configured to pass the inert gas through the walls and into the receptacle, and the closure means is configured to retractably extend into the empty zone to seal the passed inert gas within a headspace volume of the upper portion of the receptacle disposed the foodstuff.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for creating a vacuum in containers, both flexible like bags, and rigid, for the preservation of vacuum packaged products. It comprises a base plate (11) having a front part separable and behind the suction chamber (15), a notch (21) designed to house a roll (22) of a tubular element extractable from the front of the apparatus and cut using a trimmer (23) placed on board a casing or cover(12) above the base plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inert gas flow which is directed through a channel. The channel includes walls (19,21) which limit the flow. A container having a charging inlet is fed through a recess (10) which is arranged in the first wall (21) adjacent to the flow. According to the invention, the channel includes limiting structures for the flow which are arranged in the area opposite the recess and the first wall can be displaced in a parallel manner in relation to the limiting structures. The channel, together with the container, forms a closed inert gas rinsing chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum device for removal of air from a flexible package storing a perishable food item includes a motor and fan blade assembly having a first air channel and fan blade housing. The fan blade housing encloses at least a portion of a motor and fan blade forming part of the motor and fan blade assembly. The vacuum device also has a nozzle assembly electrically connected to the motor and fan blade assembly. The nozzle assembly is provided with a second air channel in fluid communication with the first air channel. Air in an external environment flows through the second air channel and into to the first air channel upon actuation of the nozzle assembly to a closed position, which energizes the motor and rotates the fan blade connected to the motor to draw air from the external environment into the device.

Abstract: A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture having improved shelf life. The method comprising the steps of providing an inner package having a source of antimicrobial agent, providing an adsorbent material effective to adsorb a portion of the antimicrobial agent over time, positioning a suture within the inner package, the suture comprising one or more surfaces, covering the inner package with an outer package having an inner surface and subjecting the suture, the inner package and the inner surface of the outer package to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the antimicrobial agent source to the suture and the inner package, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the inner package, wherein the packaged antimicrobial suture exhibits improved shelf life.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to create a product, such as, but not limited to, a fruit juice, vegetable juice, fruit puree, soup, fruit cup or a combination of fruit and vegetables in solid or liquid form with extended shelf life without deterioration of color, texture, nutritional profile, or flavor which are typically associated with conventional processing methods. The disclosed apparatus and method avoids oxidation by creating an oxygen-free environment for produce processing followed by pasteurization treatment. The disclosed apparatus and method avoids degradation of nutrition content by maintaining stable processing temperatures and avoiding oxidation throughout all processing steps. Based on the type of produce to be processed, the particular processing steps are customized in order to optimize the nutritional profile of the particular fruit or vegetable product to be produced.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging system for packaging a vacuum apparatus includes a first accommodating room, a second container, a vacuum room, a first hatch, a second hatch, a delivery apparatus, a discharge device, and a heating apparatus. The delivery apparatus transports the vacuum apparatus from the first accommodating room to the vacuum room to the second accommodating room. The discharge device discharges a sealing element to seal an exhaust through hole of the vacuum apparatus. The heating apparatus is mounted on the inner wall of the vacuum room between the second hatch and the transport pipeline to heat and soften the sealing element.

Abstract: A method for packaging a wrapped, moisture-sensitive, cylindrically rolled film by positioning along an alignment axis, a wrapped, rolled moisture-sensitive film, a funneling guide, a tube, and an extendible rod that includes a support head. The method comprises the steps of extending the rod through the tube while simultaneously and while maintaining the alignment of the wrapped film, funneling guide, tube and rod, tilting the alignment axis from a first position to a second position such that the wrapped film enters and moves through the funneling guide, and the wrapped film contacts the support head of the rod, retracting the rod such that the wrapped film enters the tube through the funneling guide, and while maintaining the alignment of the wrapped film, funneling guide, tube and rod the alignment axis, tilting from the second position to the first position and retracting the rod from the tube.

Abstract: A machine for sealing vacuum packs, include a pump for aspirating air from inside a pack; an electric motor, the electric motor is powered by an electricity grid supply; at least a welding element that is placed in contact with the pack, for welding and sealing the pack; a supply circuit configured to connect the welding element to the electricity grid supply; a control unit that controls the supply circuit to supply energy to the welding element; and a measuring device for measuring a value of a parameter indicating the electrical energy supplied to the welding element. The measuring device is connected to the control unit, which is configured to determine the value of electrical energy supplied to the welding element from the start of the welding, and interrupts supply of the electrical energy to the welding element on reaching a predetermined value of the electrical energy.

Abstract: A flexible, plastic thin film food package is provided having an elongate opening check valve with an air removal port that allows repeated opening and resealing of the package followed by removal of air and moisture by vacuuming. The top open edge of the food package is bonded to a flexible but rigid frame that fits a lid with the air removal port flat valve. The flat valve is a compressed foam sponge and a thin film housed in a rigid case that is bonded to the lid. Air is removed with a spatula attachment of the vacuum pump that is inserted into the space between the lid and the flat check valve. Once vacuum is induced in the interior of the food package, the film covering the frame is sucked against the lid thereby shutting off influx of air into the package.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for packaging foodstuff, particularly pizza, comprising a formed packaging tray and a formed cover film, wherein the space provided between the films and containing the foodstuff is gas-treated, and the cover film fixes the foodstuff in the packaging container.

Abstract: A sealing station for a packaging machine comprises a sealing tool for sealing packages, an underpressure source for evacuating packages in the sealing station, and an overpressure source for providing compressed air so as to press the sealing tool against a package. A single drive is provided for the underpressure source and the overpressure source, the underpressure source and/or the overpressure source being a pump that is configured as a rotary vane pump or as a helical pump.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging system includes a vacuum room, a delivery apparatus, a discharge device, a second heating apparatus. The delivery apparatus transport the pre-packaged container into the vacuum room. The discharge device discharges a sealing material to seal an exhaust through hole of the pre-packaged container. The discharge device includes a vessel configured for containing sealing material, a transport pipeline, a first heating, and a controlling element. The first heating apparatus softens the sealing material into viscous liquid. The second heating apparatus is mounted on the inner wall of the vacuum room between the second hatch and the transport pipeline.

Abstract: A device for conveying objects includes a conveyor belt for the transport of the objects and fluid nozzles for the treatment of the objects. The device is characterised in that in addition to the conveyor belt a second belt is provided which is arranged above the conveyor belt in order to retain an object on the conveyor belt. This transport device can be installed in a packaging system, in particular in a tunnel dryer or in a shrink tunnel for packages.

Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.

Abstract: Jar adaptors are provided for mounting jars and aiding in the application of vacuum to the jars. The jar adaptors are configured to mount jars having openings of various sizes. The jar adaptors are configured to mount jars, provide vacuum to the jars, and be subsequently removed from the jars after vacuum has been applied to the jars. Vacuum is maintained in the jars with the aid of a seal formed between the openings of the jars and lids disposed over the openings.

Abstract: A portable storage apparatus for storing perishable items at a reduced temperature and under a reduced pressure is provided. The method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging machine having a lifting unit comprises at least a spindle and a spindle nut. It is the object of the present invention to provide a packaging machine having a lifting unit which can substantially receive the same forces in any lift position and which exhibits shorter moving times. For this reason, the spindle is motor-drivable and stationary relative to a frame (2).

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus for a vacuum compression pack used to store foods is provided. The vacuum apparatus includes a vacuum valve and a piston-type vacuum pump. The vacuum valve is installed in the vacuum compression pack, and the vacuum compression pack is prepared by using a pair of an upper vinyl and a lower vinyl having a sheet structure. Three edges of the vacuum compression pack are thermally compressed to seal the vacuum compression pack, and one edge of the vacuum compression pack is equipped with a zipper to seal the vacuum compression pack. The piston-type vacuum pump is installed in the vacuum compression pack such that the vacuum valve is buried in the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A packaging system or container for packaging one or more oxygen-sensitive products. The container includes a wall that defines an interior for receiving one or more oxygen-sensitive products. The space between the product or products and the wall defines a headspace. The headspace is filled with an inert gas and a scavenger gas. The wall has at least an inner layer and one or more outer layers. At least one of the outer layers includes an oxidation catalyst such that as oxygen diffuses from outside the container to the interior and scavenger gas diffuses from the interior to outside the container, the diffusing scavenger gas and oxygen react together with the oxidation catalyst in one or more of the outer layers substantially consuming the oxygen.

Abstract: A packaging machine for producing packs from packagings filled with items, by means of which the shelf life of items that need to breathe can be improved is proposed. This is achieved according to the invention by means for influencing the atmosphere in the space inside the packs (26) in a way dependent on the breathing rate of the item (4).

Abstract: A method for producing a package with an inner volume of the package containing a headspace volume and a volume taken by the product, and a packaging machine. To allow the reduction of the size of such a package, the package is formed providing a product to be packaged inside the package; providing a tray with its height being smaller than the maximum height of the product; placing the product into the tray; replacing the atmosphere surrounding the product by a gas mixture of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen; covering the tray containing the product by a formable sheet material; forming the formable sheet material and sealing tray together with the formable sheet material, so that the headspace volume containing the gas mixture makes at most half of the volume taken by the product inside the package.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus and method are provided for depositing pills into a container. At least one cylindrical rotary slat is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and includes a radially inward portion defining a plurality of pill apertures. Each pill aperture receives a pill from a plurality of pills in an interior space of the respective cylinder at a first angular position of the rotary slat. A negative pressure system applies a negative pressure to the pill apertures to retain the pills therein as the rotary slat rotates at least from the first to a second angular position. An ejection mechanism ejects the pills from the respective pill apertures toward the interior space at the second angular position. A collection mechanism disposed adjacent to the radially inward portion of the rotary slat about the second angular position collects the ejected pills and directs the pills toward the container for deposition therein.