Abstract: A method of packaging goods such as red meats is disclosed. The goods (5) are packaged on a base (1) with an inner skin lid (11) which at least partially skin packs the goods (5) to the base (1) to hold the goods (5) to the base (1). An outer lid (7) is placed over the inner skin lid (11)and gas pressure is reduced therebetween causing the inner skin lid (11) to be urged relatively towards the undersurface of the outer lid (7). The outer lid (7) is then sealed to the inner lid (11) and the base (1). The inner skin lid (11) is of a material which will allow a required gas such as O.sub.2 to penetrate the inner skin lid (11) when the outer lid (7) is opened, removed or ruptured to, in turn, allow the red meat, if discolored, to bloom to a red color. The method enables unwanted gases such as O.sub.2 to be substantially excluded from the packaging until the outer lid (7) is opened, removed or ruptured.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a layered food product has a station for introducing a first food component into a container and a station for introducing a second food component into the container on top of the first food component. The apparatus also has a unit for metering CO.sub.2 snow onto the first food component and a suction unit for removal of residual CO.sub.2 snow before introduction of the second food component into the container, the metering and removal being effected during passage of the first food component in the container through a tunnel in which air conditions about the container may be controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for sealing object(s) in various size pouches (10). The apparatus comprises a frame (54) having a support surface (56), a seal assembly (58) including upper and lower sealing jaws (44), a clamp assembly (60) including upper and lower clamping jaws (50), and a snorkel assembly (62) having a snorkel guide member (68) telescopically surrounding a probe (70). The clamp assembly secures the pouch, and the probe is inserted into the pouch to evacuate the air from the pouch. Once the air is evacuated, the seal assembly seals the pouch, and the clamp assembly then releases the pouch.

Abstract: A vacuum pump for removing air from containers includes a pump housing in the form of a conduit with an open end and a closed end. A piston in the form of a conduit, open at each end, is slidably mounted within the housing, and has an inside end within the housing and an outside end protruding from the housing. The outside end of the piston is adapted to fit over a valve secured to the container. A piston ring is provided substantially at the inside end of the piston. The piston ring is adapted to mate tightly with an interior surface of the housing, such that movement of the housing away from the outside end of the piston will draw a vacuum through the valve to remove air from the container through the valve. A system and method for removing air from containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging perishable goods such as red meat. The packaging contains a base (1), a lid (3), and a flexible web (5) of gas permeable material held over the goods (7) so the goods are held to the base (1). A suitable gas is retained within the packaging which can permeate the flexible web (5) to enhance the keeping properties of the goods (7). The method and apparatus provide that the flexible web (5) is held between a pair of web holding means (65) and stretched towards the goods (7) as the lid (3) is moved to close the package, all within a gas flushing chamber. Such stretching holds the goods (7) firmly to the base (1).

Abstract: A device for exhausting air and moisture from a container is disposed in a receiving recess of a container lid. The device comprises a braking member provided on the top thereof with a pressing body and at the bottom with a retaining body engageable with an airtight cushion. The braking member is further provided at the bottom thereof with a columnar body extending through a through hole of the receiving recess to fasten with a locating block, so as to enable the airtight cushion to become attached to the through hole of the receiving recess. The device is capable of working with an air pump or a rotatable air pump set to create a vacuum in the container.

Abstract: A device for spraying a single dose of a fluid in divided form includes a cylindrical tank (1) containing the dose of fluid, a piston (2) sliding in the cylindrical tank (1), a pusher for the piston (2), and outlet passage (5, 6) capable of communicating with the cylindrical tank (1). The piston (2) is displaceable relative to the pusher between a storage position, in which it prevents communication between the outlet passage (5, 6) and the cylindrical tank (1), and an actuation position, in which it puts the outlet passage (5, 6) into communication with the cylindrical tank (1). According to one aspect of the invention, the piston (2) is maintained in its storage position by wedging.

Abstract: A package, packaging method, and packaging apparatus for facilitating the packaging of large meat products and exchanging the ambient atmosphere to establish a desired gaseous atmosphere that extends the shelf life of the product. The package includes a pair of preformed relatively rigid plastic domed or cupped members which abut along a sealing surface. The upper and lower package portions include flanges which are adapted to facilitate not only the formation of the package but its subsequent opening. A reciprocatable filling tube maintains the separation between the upper and lower package portions to permit gas exchange and then may be reciprocated downwardly to allow the upper package portion to abut atop the lower package portion for sealing connection.

Abstract: A rotary cartridge filler for the containerization of hazardous waste in a controlled environment, comprising an upper die module for receiving volumes of shredded waste and a lower canister module for receiving empty containers to be charged with waste from the upper module. The upper and lower modules are axially aligned and separated by a wall containing an opening for the transfer of waste from the upper module to the lower module. Both modules are mounted on a turret which rotates the modules about their axes. The upper and lower modules each contain six chambers uniformly spaced around the outer perimeter of the module and vertically aligned. In a first station, a canister enters a chamber in the lower module, and the modules are then rotated to a second station where both the upper and lower modules are purged with nitrogen.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for exchanging gases contained within a sealed container is disclosed, said system comprising a pressurizable housing through which sealed container is passed, means to affix a valve to said container and means to exchange gases through said valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modified atmosphere packaging uses a rotary conveyor to transport a plurality of trays to be packaged between a plurality of stations in a circular arrangement. The trays may be loaded onto a receiving platform by depositing them over movable beds which can reciprocate downwardly in order to permit the trays to be removably held inside slots in a removable platform. Since the platform is removable from the conveyor, it may be centered in any particular station by lifting the platform from the conveyor and guiding it into a precise alignment at a particular station. The package may then be filled, its atmosphere replaced with one lower in oxygen content, and then the desired atmosphere sealed within the package. This can be done in the continuous fashion so that the film is severed from a continuous web.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for the packaging of a material-web roll, includes the roll being surrounded on all sides by packaging material. The packaging material is closed by a pleating device for the pleating of the axial projections of the packaging material on the end faces of the roll. A device for applying the outer end face covers is also included. When packaging the roll, air is enclosed within the package which often results in a bursting of the package when the roll is being deposited on one of its end faces. To avoid this bursting, a portion of the air mass is removed from the interior of the packaging material and after closing the package, the volume of the still enclosed air is being reduced by the provision of a heating device for heating at least a portion of the air volume being enclosed by the packaging.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing containers filled with product are disclosed. The method includes partially introducing an end piece into the open end of a filled tubular container, softening the end of the container and a corresponding portion of the end piece which is to be molded, thereto, contacting a transverse end wall of the end piece with an abutment device with a flange for direct contact with the transverse end wall, cooling the abutment device with a cooling medium in order to indirectly cool the flange in order to prevent the flange from adhering to the transverse end wall, and closing the container by relatively displacing the abutment device carrying the end piece and the tubular container.

Abstract: An improved hinge assembly for a vacuum packaging machine is designed to pivotally connect a stainless steel tub in the machine to a sealing lid. The lid is equipped with a pair of the hinge assemblies, with each hinge assembly including a stationary hinge plate which is positioned beneath a rear, overhanging lip of the tub. A pair of pins are spaced apart and extend outward from each hinge plate and into and through an arcuate slot in a movable hinge block which is, in turn, connected to the lid. The hinge block is designed to move relative to the hinge plate along a path dictated by the arcuate slot and the pins, with the pins acting as respective stops for the movement. A gas spring is pivotally connected between the rear surface of the machine and each hinge block, with the hinge blocks including different mounting points to vary the effectiveness of the springs.

Abstract: Method and device for manufacturing a thermally insulated container (1) for storing and transporting material such as vaccine, biological material and the like requiring a substantial constant temperature during a substantial period of time, the container comprising an insulated first can-shaped vessel (2) filled with a solid-to-liquid phase transforming refrigerant material (5). In a first step of the method a multilayer insulation is baked under vacuum and arranged about said first vessel (2) by wrapping so that it encloses said first vessel on all sides, in a second step said first vessel is inserted under vacuum into an outer vessel, in a third step the bottom part (18) and the cover part (19) of the container are welded together under vacuum.

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 packaging machine having a filling device, a top breaker, a top heater and a top sealer which are arranged along a path of transport of containers. A hot air applicator is disposed between the filling device and the top breaker for eliminating the froth to be produced when containers, each having an upward opening, are filled with contents. The applicator includes a hot air discharge box having a bottom wall, a top wall, a side wall and two air outlets formed in the bottom wall, the air outlets being arranged along the transport path so as to be opposed to the openings of containers from above, and means for supplying hot air to the box. Each of the outlets is covered with a perforated plate, and has an edge portion provided with a downwardly extending annular portion for preventing the hot air from spreading out.

Abstract: A package, packaging method, and packaging apparatus for facilitating the packaging of large meat products and exchanging the ambient atmosphere to establish a desired gaseous atmosphere that extends the shelf life of the product. The package includes a pair of preformed relatively rigid plastic domed or cupped members which abut along a sealing surface. The upper and lower package portions include flanges which are adapted to facilitate not only the formation of the package but its subsequent opening. A reciprocatable filling tube maintains the separation between the upper and lower package portions to permit gas exchange and then may be reciprocated downwardly to allow the upper package portion to abut atop the lower package portion for sealing connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modified atmosphere packaging uses a rotary conveyor to transport a plurality of trays to be packaged between a plurality of stations in a circular arrangement. The trays may be loaded onto a receiving platform by depositing them over movable beds which can reciprocate downwardly in order to permit the trays to be removably held inside slots in a removable platform. Since the platform is removable from the conveyor, it may be centered in any particular station by lifting the platform from the conveyor and guiding it into a precise alignment at a particular station. The package may then be filled, its atmosphere replaced with one lower in oxygen content, and then the desired atmosphere sealed within the package. This can be done in the continuous fashion so that the film is severed from a continuous web.

Abstract: A gas exchange manifold includes a pair of plates which may be threadedly connected to one another. Gas supplying passages are formed through the plates to supply a desired gas to the package during fabrication. Also, vacuum supplying passages extend through the same plates and communicate with the package as well. A third plate, which may be sandwiched between other two plates, may contain a plurality of apertures which form part of the gas supplying passages. In this way, the third plate, which may be smaller, may be replaced to provide the desired pattern of apertures for a given configuration of packages being formed.

Abstract: A row of open top containers travelling on a conveyor is purged of oxygen by passing the containers along a gas distribution manifold disposed parallel to the direction of travel of the containers. The manifold includes at least one region of lower flow resistance disposed parallel to the direction of travel, for supplying a higher velocity inert gas flushing stream continuously and at substantially steady state to the containers. The manifold also includes at least one region of higher flow resistance disposed parallel to the direction of travel, for supplying a lower velocity inert gas region along the containers, continuously and at substantially steady state. As the containers pass along the manifold, the inert flushing gas steadily removes oxygen from the containers, while the lower velocity inert gas region prevents the flushing gas from drawing in air.

Abstract: A stretcher-injector device to be applied to wrapping machines is disclosed, which is suitable to be inserted into each of the two lateral film sleeves resulting from the wrapping at the two opposite sides of the package not covered by the film wrapping; it is actuated pneumatically both to stretch the film in order to assure its airtightness, and to carry out the atmosphere change inside the package, e.g. of food products.

Abstract: Several vacuum process steps are applied to substrates such as a wafer using a vacuum container for storing and transporting the substrates under vacuum. The vacuum container comprises a container body having a main opening for inserting a substrate and taking out the substrate, a lid engageable with the container body for closing and sealing the main opening of the container body, and a gate provided on one of the container body and the lid for performing at least one of evacuating an interior of the vacuum container and raising the pressure of the interior of the vacuum container to ambient.

Abstract: A vacuum ejector includes an air ejector connected to a vacuum pump by a tube and controlled by a control switch to withdraw air from a food container. The air ejector includes a cap for covering the food container, a plug fastened to the cap by a screw joint, a valve received within a top recess on the cap and coupled to the plug to control the air passage between the food container and the vacuum pump, and a connector detachably connected between the plug and the tube being connected to the vacuum pump. The vacuum effect can be achieved quickly and conveniently for keeping the food fresh or for other vacuum treatment.

Abstract: Devices for packaging selected items. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices for continuously packaging selected items in a controlled atmosphere enclosure. Further, the present invention relates to devices for continuously sealing containers containing selected items in a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: An evacuation system for unlidded rigid containers including a reciprocating piston pump and a universal disc that provides a leak proof lid for ordinary pots, pans or bowls. The disc is flat and accommodates a variety of container sizes as well as minor surface irregularities in the container lip. Vent holes spaced around the perimeter of the disc prevent implosion of the disc into the container if the disc edge is placed too close to the edge of the container. The disc is somewhat flexible and has a sealing surface on one side for proper seating and sealing on the container lip.

Abstract: A package made from a thin-walled and flexible packaging foil is filled with granular material and the filled package, placed in a holder with flat sidewalls, is vacuumized internally and closed. According to the invention, a relief element is mounted in a wall of a pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls of the holder. The relief element is pressed against the filled package supported by the sidewalls of the holder for the purpose of providing the package with a relief. The relief element depresses the filling locally without essentially changing the shape of the package. The formation of the relief occurs at a time when the pressure difference between the exterior and the interior of the package is less than the pressure difference prevailing when the closed vacuum package is arranged in an atmospheric environment. Thus, at that time, the filling is softer than the hardness of the filling when it is subject to the pressure difference mentioned last.

Abstract: An improved head is provided for an apparatus which places a stopper in the opening of a filled container. The head has a sleeve which includes an inflatable bladder for receiving the end of the filled container and for temporarily sealing the periphery of the container around the opening. A housing is disposed over the sleeve. The housing has a top surface and defines an access passage which communicates between the top surface and the inside of the sleeve. The stopper is subsequently inserted into the container through the access passage. The housing defines a chamber around the access passage, and the chamber communicates with the access passage. A conduit projects from the housing top surface in communication with the chamber, and vacuum can be drawn through the conduit.

Abstract: An improved evacuation pump system uniquely designed to evacuate both lidded rigid containers and sealable flexible containers. A vacuum cup fixed to one end of a reciprocating piston pump attaches to the lid of rigid containers for their evacuation and a flexible probe connects to the pump for flexible container evacuation. To achieve this dual function a inlet passage in the pump has a cross bore that slidably and/or rotatably receives a two position valve that selectively connects the pumping chamber with two outlets, one associated with each mode. The flexible probe connects directly to this valve reducing the need for separate passageways.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a container filled with a product is disclosed. The container has a substantially tubular body portion of thin-walled plastic or laminated plastic material and a butt-weldable end-piece at each end of the body portion. A first end-piece is fitted to one end of the body portion and the product is introduced into the container via the open end of the body portion, a second end-piece 13 is introduced into the open body portion end to an intermediate position at which it partially projects into the body portion, and the plastic material of the body portion end region and the second end-piece is softened through application of heat energy. The end-piece by means of relative displacement between it and the body portion, is pressed into the body portion to its terminal position during evacuation of air from the interior of the container via an opening in the end-piece and the opening is thereafter heat-sealed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing one or more wine bottles to extract and replace corks safely. Specifically, a compartment segregates a first volume from a second volume and contains wine processing tools. Introduction of an inert gas to the first volume displaces oxygen from the first volume. An oxygen meter monitors levels of oxygen to allowing an operator to reduce the oxygen level below a predetermined level before start of processing. An operator uses the wine processing tools placed within the compartment directly by placing their hands and arms through apertures into elastomer gloves. The wine processing tools include a cork extractor, wine filling funnel and a cork inserting apparatus. The processing is all carried out within the inert atmosphere allowing an efficient, economical and safe cork extraction and insertion without promotion of oxidization of the wine.

Abstract: An improved evacuation pump system with dual inlet check valves uniquely designed to evacuate both lidded rigid containers and sealable flexible containers. A vacuum cup fixed to one end of a reciprocating piston pump attaches to the lid of rigid containers for their evacuation and a flexible probe connects to the pump for flexible container evacuation. To achieve this dual function two check valves mounted in the lower end of the pump are provided for the flexible container evacuation mode. One prevents discharge flow into the flexible probe and the other maintains suction in the cup to keep the pump attached to its supporting surface.

Abstract: A dual-section nozzle-head for use in a vacuum-packaging machine. The first section of the nozzle-head is provided with an interiorly-located manifold, that fluidly connects a series of first orifices, the exit-ends of which are located at the tip of the nozzle-head, so that these orifices may be fluidly coupled to the interior of packages at a sealing station of a vacuum-packaging machine for evacuating the packages via a vacuum source to which the orifices are connected. Interspersed between these first orifices are second orifices, which also have their exit-mouths at the tip of the nozzle-head. The second orifices are spaced apart, one from the other, along the length of the nozzle-head, and are coupled to a second manifold that is positioned exteriorly of the housing of the nozzle-head. The second manifold is coupled to a supply of protective inert gas.

Abstract: An automatic machine for sterilizing, packing and sealing a meat product includes a first station (1) for sterilizing the meat product surface layer or stratum by submitting it to a thermal shock of high temperature during a very short interval (HTST technique), an apparatus (E) for feeding the meat products to the first station and a further meat product conveying apparatus (0) for withdrawing the meat product from the first station and transferring it to a wrapping position, a second station (2) for wrapping the meat product in a pre-set position including a device (57, 58) for sequentially positioning tubular containers such as bags (65) from a storage area (62) therefor to the wrapping position and opening the inlet of the tubular container for insertion of the meat product therein from the transfer device (0), a device (85, 86, 87, 88, 95) for transferring the filled tubular containers in the open position to a third station (3), and a device at the third station for vacuum sealing of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for atmosphere-modifying and sealing individual trays includes a film disposing roller disposed closely adjacent the top of the tray to define a nip region and an elongated gas injection nozzle spanning the nip region for injecting gas through the nip region between the film and the tray. A split conveyor belt advances the trays past the film disposing roller to a sealing unit utilizing band sealers for the longitudinal tray edges and reciprocal "hot bar" sealer for the leading and trailing tray edges. The gas injection nozzle injects the gas substantially perpendicular to the advancing direction, down and into the individual trays. An optional second gas nozzle provides a gas flow curtain across the tray leading edge.

Abstract: An improved generally concave body (bell attachment) is disclosed for applying a vacuum to conventional canning jars. Like the prior art, the bell attachment fits over the jar top and a placed flexible lid for sealing the jar and seals to the top of the jar at the jar sealing rim. Unlike the prior art, the top locates with respect to the thread on the jar to limit the penetration of the top of the bell over the top of the jar and to define clearance between the bell and lid. This clearance sets forth a small distance of vertical excursion between the captured flexible lid and the top of the bell. Preferably, a system of peripheral and overhead grooves are provided in the interior of the bell so that the flexible top may be guided into sealing registry with the jar top while still maintaining a free passage for the evacuation of gas interior of the jar to an evacuating connection communicated to the bell.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing a vacuum-package made from a thin-walled and flexible packaging foil, filled with a granular material, wherein the package is arranged with clearance in a holder having walls adapted for mutual relative movement, suction means create a pressure in the space around the package that is lower than the vacuum pressure in the package so that the walls of the package are straightened, the holder walls are moved towards each other by pressing means so that the straightened walls of the package are pressed against the contents of the package, the low pressure around the package is removed, the holder walls are retracted and the package is removed from the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for exposing the interior of containers to controlled environments is provided. In particular, one or more controlled force biased probes are provided for penetrating the contents of a container to inject alternate environments, such as inert gas, to desired locations within the container. The controlled force bias allows the probe to yield should an obstruction be encountered without damaging the obstruction or the apparatus itself. In a particular embodiment, two or more biased probes are provided spaced apart by a distance at least equal to the maximum linear dimension of any anticipated obstruction, so that at least one probe will avoid the obstruction and reach its desired location within the container for processing.

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 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: The invention comprises improved packaging for goods such as, for example, meats, and method and apparatus for producing such packaging. The package comprises a base over which the goods are placed. A web of flexible material is positioned over the goods, with the web being in tension and tightly engaging and compressing the goods to the base. The side portions of the web are secured to the base at positions below the top of the goods. A lid is positioned over the base and the web, and is sealed to the base and spaced from the web. The space is charged with a gas enhancing the preservation of the goods, with the gas preferably being at a pressure higher than the pressure under the web so that the goods are retained on the base both by the tension in the web and by the pressure differential which serves to further hold the goods on the base.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus that seals a product within a container while under a controlled environment. The container, holding a product and having a lid tacked to the open end thereof leaving vents between the lid and the container. The container is enclosed within a chamber having a device for controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the chamber. The chamber and container are evacuated and then flushed with an inert fluid at least once. While the container is still within the chamber the lid is completely peelably sealed to the container.

Abstract: A food product packaging apparatus for a conveyor environment, and having a vacuum chamber operatively associated with the conveyor, which vacuum chamber is selectively moved into and out of a position in sealing engagement relative to the conveyor. A manifold, a vacuum source and conduit structure are included, the conduit structure connecting the manifold structure to the vacuum source and the vacuum chamber so that the vacuum source is selectively operable to draw a vacuum in the vacuum chamber through the manifold structure. A shuttle includes frame structure and drive structure for the frame structure so that the frame structure is movable in the direction of conveyor movement and, after a predetermined increment of movement, the frame structure shuttles opposite the direction of conveyor movement to a position to repeat movement in the direction of conveyor movement for a subsequent movement for the predetermined increment.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing vacuum blood collecting tubes comprises a pinhole checker for checking the bottom portion of each of bottomed tubular containers for pinholes, a sprayer for spraying a blood coagulant to the inner surface of the container, an injector for injecting a serum separating agent into the container, an evacuating-closing device for evacuating the interior of the container and applying a stopper to an opening of the container, and container transport devices between these components.

Abstract: Apparatus for evacuating and sealing containers of perishable food or other substances includes a rigid lid for fitting onto the container and a resilientt valve which is situated over a small passage in the lid. The valve has a hollow interior region which is open at the underside of the member and a stem extends down through the passage in the lid and carries an enlargement at its lower end that is broader than the passage. A hollow cup, coupled to a vacumm pump, is temporarily placed over the valve to draw air from the container after which atmospheric pressure urges the lid against the container and urges the valve against the lid to seal the container. The hollow interior of the valve is broader than the passage in the lid and thus atmospheric pressure is effective against an area of the valve that exceeds the area of the passage thereby assuring a very strong and reliable sealing effect.

Abstract: This relates to a sealing head for sealing lids to cartons. The sealing head is provided with suction heads or cups for receiving a lid from a lid supply and depositing such lid in position on a carton which is mounted in a nest. The sealing head is provided with a seal member which forms the seal with a nest carrying a carton so that a vacuum may be drawn within the nest both within and around the carton. Thereafter, the sealing head provides an inert gas, such as nitrogen, to fill the carton with the inert gas, after which a support further sealing head moves the sealing head down further so that a lower edge of a projecting induction heating coil will clamp a lid against a carton and effect a heat bonding of the lid to the carton. The sealing head is self contained and has a fitting including a plurality of electrical prongs and fluid line sockets for coupling the sealing head to a receptacle.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber has its cover 11 adjustable in height by way of two rams 37 and 38 which lift a chamber cover ceiling 39 relative to a sidewall assembly 35, with the agency of an equalizing cylinder 41 to ensure identical lifting and lowering of the ceiling. During adjustment, an inflatable seal 33 around the periphery of the ceiling 39 is relaxed to allow the sliding movement and then after adjustment the seal 33 is re-inflated to ensure complete sealing between the ceiling 39 and the sidewall assembly 35.

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 method and apparatus for packaging food products provides evacuation of air and application of purging gas in two stages. The first stage evacuates air and applies an initial gas flush to a first group of packages while the second stage provides an evacuation of a portion of the gas initially applied and applies a second gas flush to the group and then seals the packages. The packages include food containing bases which enter the first stage station of the apparatus where lidding material is laid over a small leading portion of the group, and as this group is transported to the second stage station the lidding material is fed onto the remainder of the bases of the group. Each station includes an evacuation chamber having a base receiving cavity, the second station including base receiving dies acting in conjunction with a heater for bonding the lidding material to the bases. The cavity is closed after two groups of bases have been indexed into the cavity.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed case (2) delimits a chamber (7) with an inert atmosphere within which are located a series of product processing and transfer stations (10,14,19,21,22). A product washing means (5,6) forms an inlet lock to the chamber while a product packaging means (23,24,26,30) forms an exit lock from the chambrer.