Abstract: Open-top cup-shaped containers which contain supplies of perishable foodstuffs are transported seriatim past a station where they receive jets of preserving gas which expels air from the unfilled portions of containers, and the containers are then sealed by application of metallic or plastic foils which are bonded or otherwise sealingly secured to washer-like rims surrounding the open tops of the containers. The foils can be partially applied ahead of the gas introducing station and are thereupon finally sealed in at least one second step, particularly in a chamber wherein the containers advance stepwise downstream of the gas introducing station and wherein the temperature and/or pressure is maintained at a preselected value to promote expulsion of air from the containers prior to the final sealing step.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a container with a controlled environment utilizing a plunger having openings with a contour complementary to an opening in the container. The apparatus is useful, for example, in food packaging applications whereby oxygen is removed from the food containers and replaced with a substantially inert environment prior to sealing the containers.

Abstract: A system for introducing liquified gas into filled containers in a continuous container fill line (10), wherein, the dosage of liquified gas dispensed into each container is calibrated to the individual container's particular head-space volume. The system (10) includes measuring the head-space volume of each filled container in-line and communicating that measurement to a controller (28) which can adjust the dosage of liquified gas to be dispensed to each individual container. The system also provides for measuring the internal pressure of each container after sealing, which measurement is also communicated to the controller so that the controller can make additional dosage corrections and can direct the ejectment of improperly pressurized containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for packing perishable goods in which perishable foods are placed in a pre-formed base. A first flexible gas permeable plastic web is then placed over said goods, and a reduced pressure is established below the first web relative to that above the first web for effecting at least partial skin packing of the first web over the goods. A second plastic web is then placed over the first web, the goods and the base. A second web is then sealed to the base so as to provide a space between the first web and the second web. A gas is provided in the space between which can permeate through the first web toward the base to enhance preservation of the goods. The second web comprises a lid serving to retain the gas in the space.

Abstract: A machine for filling cups 42 with a food product has a conveyor formed from slats 40. The machine includes a loading station 10, a sterilizing station 12, a drying station 14, a filling station 16, a gassing station 18, a sealing station 20 and an unloading station. At the sealing station 20, closures cut from foil 84 are heat sealed onto the cups 42. The foil 84 is guided to the sealing station 20 by a series of rollers including a final roller 88 positioned above the conveyor. The function of the gassing station 18 is to create an atmosphere of nitrogen in the unfilled parts of the containers. The gassing station 18 has a gassing chamber formed partly by a casing member 70 and partly by the foil 84 as it passes downwardly to the final roller 88. The upper surface of the gassing chamber is above the rotational axis of the final roller 88. Nitrogen is injected into the gassing chamber by an injection tube 82 formed from sintered stainless steel, the pores in the steel acting as injection holes.

Abstract: In the roller bottle filling and harvesting system of the present invention, a decapper, a medium harvesting and cleaning apparatus, a medium filling apparatus and a capper are all located in an aseptic chamber, in this order along a supply conveyor. Roller bottles at the medium harvesting and cleaning apparatus have their pitch aligned and a plural number of roller bottles are tilted from the upright position, through a predetermined angle and the used medium in the roller bottles is withdrawn, the bottles returned to the upright position and then filled with cleaning liquid by a roller bottle inner surface cleaning apparatus. Then, the roller bottles are sent to a roller bottle roll and tilt apparatus which tilts the roller bottles to a predetermined angle and rotates and cleans the roller bottles and then sends them to an adjacent supply conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing containers using hydrogen peroxide vapor is disclosed. The apparatus for aseptically filling a container comprises a housing, a source of liquid hydrogen peroxide, means for providing a flow of heated gas, means for causing the hydrogen peroxide to mix with the heated gas thereby vaporizing the hydrogen peroxide, means inside the housing for dispensing the vaporized hydrogen peroxide, the means for dispensing the vaporized hydrogen peroxide including means for dispensing the vaporized hydrogen peroxide into the container, fill tube means extending into the housing for dispensing product into the container, means within the housing for sealing the container, and means providing for the passage of the container between the interior and exterior of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a container with a controlled environment utilizes a first flow system for applying a first source of environment to the interior of the container, a second flow system for applying a second source of environment to the interior of the container, and means for controlling application of the individual sources of environment such that the first and second sources of environment are applied simultaneously for at least some period of time. The apparatus is useful, for example, in food packaging applications whereby oxygen is removed from the food containers and replaced with a substantially inert environment prior to sealing the containers. In a preferred embodiment, a rotary drum-type apparatus is employed for exposing containers in a continuous sequence to the individual sources of controlled environment.

Abstract: An ampoule sealing apparatus has a pivotable arm for moving an unsealed ampoule from a first position to a second position, a horseshoe-shaped burner defining an interior area in which the ampoule neck is received at the second position. A vibrator attached to the mechanical arm in order to help induce the evacuation of air from the ampoule. A vacuum source, optionally associated with a purge gas source, is associated with the mechanical arm in order to evacuate air from the ampoule and a thermocouple controller monitors the lighting of the burner and shuts off the flow of fuel thereto if the burner is not lit or if the flame is extinguished within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for aseptically filling and sealing bottles with a liquid preparation includes a plurality of treatment stations in which bottles are successively placed in bottle holding devices, evacuated and flushed or rinsed with an inert gas, filled with the liquid preparation, sealed and removed from the bottle holding devices, all in a system which is sealed from the exterior. The transporting system is adapted to provide a successive, relative movement between the bottles in the holding devices and the treatment stations. The system, which is sealed from the exterior, is provided with known sealing lock arrangements for the sterile introduction of empty bottles, liquid preparation and connections for the discharge of filled and sealed bottles, all while maintaining sterile conditions in the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the sealing of a container (10) by means of a wafer (20). The container comprises one or more joining means (14, 16) which are adapted so that by a joint (12), e.g. a welding joint, they are connected in a leakproof manner, to the wafer in an edge zone (21) of the same. The wafer is held against a contact surface (32) of a retaining means so as to be moved by the same until it rests in its edge zone (21) against anyone of the joining means (14, 16). While the contact with the retaining means is maintained, the wafer is connected by a fixing means (50) in its edge zone in a leakproof manner to anyone of the joining means through the fixing means supplying energy to the edge zone so that a joint (12) is formed. The invention makes it possible to fix in a leakproof manner a previously cut wafer to the opening part of a container.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed package wherein the inside of a container having shape retentive capability is formed from a gas barrier plastic material into which an agricultural product such as rice is filled and sealed together with an inert gas provides an efficient storage and transportation system. Once the product is sealed in this package, it is handled in an integral manner from the packaging area to storage through the distribution channels to the final consumption site. A container formed from a high nitrile resin is suitable for applying the system. Shape retention characteristics is achieved by using a container formed from a gas barrier plastic material packed with an excess of an inert gas, with the amount of the inert gas adsorbed by the agricultural product taken into consideration, or by using a container made of a gas-barrier plastic material, with a smaller part of the wall being made of a film portion which is thinner than the remaining larger portion of the wall.

Abstract: The plant comprises a conveyor (1) above which are disposed a device (3) for injecting liquefied gas into the containers and, on the downstream side of the device relative to the direction of travel of the conveyor, a device (4) for closing the containers, and a tunnel (5) for protecting the containers against the surrounding air and extending between the injecting device (3) and the closing device (4). Application in the packing of non-gaseous beverages and organic products in cans or bottles.

Abstract: Liquid cryogen is added to a container of particulate material (e.g. powder, flakes or granules) immediately before the container is capped as part of a process for pressurizing the container. A liquid cryogen retainer is positioned within the unsealed container above the particulate material, and the flow of liquid cryogen is directed to the retainer to substantially prevent eruption from the container of the particulate material, which may otherwise result when the liquid nitrogen penetrates the particulate material and causes the particulate material to erupt, with an unacceptable loss of the particulate material and of the liquid cryogen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a flat lid with a lower layer of heat bondable material onto the upper, generally flat surface of a flange extending around the periphery of an access opening in a container of the type used to store a substance susceptible to deterioration when exposed to atmosphere for a prolonged time such as prepared foods, which method and apparatus moves a separate and distinct heating unit with a downwardly facing heating ring in a preselected path, preferably circular in shape, between first and second positions, includes a generally fixed high frequency power supply for energizing said heating ring, connects this fixed high frequency power supply to the individual heating rings of the moving heating unit only when the unit is moving between the first and second positions, and energizes the power supply only while the heating unit is moving between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A crimper head for use in introducing a fluid product under pressure into the mouth of a container provided with a closure and thereafter crimping the closure to the container mouth. A container, such as for an aerosol package, with a closure resting freely in the mouth of the container is delivered to the crimper head. The head has a lower bell which forms a seal with the upper end of the container when the head is lowered. While the bell remains stationary, other parts of the head are actuated so that vacuum is applied to the bell and the container while the closure is lifted by vacuum from the mouth. Thereafter, the head is actuated to shut off the vacuum and admit a metered quantity of fluid under pressure, such as aerosol propellant, into the bell and container. When the pressurized fluid is admitted it lifts the closure from the container mouth and also acts to lift as a unit all parts of the head except the bell which remains stationary and engaged with the container.

Abstract: The lower edge of the peripheral wall of a can cap and the upper edge of a can barrel are spaced from each other by a gap therebetween. Streams of an inert gas from different groups of injector nozzles are injected, from outside of the gap, through the gap into the can cap and the can barrel, respectively, to replace air in the can cap and the can barrel with the injected gas. Then, the can barrel is fitted in to the can cap, and welded thereto to entrap the injected gas in the can barrel and the can cap.

Abstract: This relates to a nest for receiving a container which is to be filled and thereafter have a lid applied thereto with the lid being sealed to the container by a sealing head in conjunction with the nest. Most particularly, there will be a plurality of such nests with the nests being carried by an endless conveyor chain. The endless conveyor chain is provided with special links which are elongated and wherein an upper one of each set of elongated links is adapted to have seated thereon a nest in supporting relation. Further, the chain links are connected together by customary pins which have been elongated so as to project upwardly above the chain. In conjunction with these projecting pins, the nest is provided with bores which receive the pins. Thus the nest may be readily placed on and removed from the conveyor chain. Each nest is in the form of a housing which defines a cavity for a container. An upper part of the cavity carries a seat member over which a flange of a container is engaged.

Abstract: A vacuum storage device comprises a base member, a housing sealingly and removably mounted on the base member to form a storage chamber, a pressue reducing device mounted on either of the base member and housing, and a means for introducing air into the storage chamber. The pressure reducing device comprises a barrel and a bellows pump housed therein, the bellows pump comprising a bellows body with an inlet valve, which opens the bellows body to said storage chamber during the suction stroke, and an outlet valve, which opens the bellows body to the open air during the dischargeing stroke. The pressure reducing device includes a means for communicating its barrel chamber with the storage chamber.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed package wherein the inside of a container having shape-retentive capability is formed from a gas barrier plastic material into which an agricultural product such as rice is filled and sealed together with an inert gas provides an efficient storage and transportation system. Once the product is sealed in this package, it is handled in an integral manner from the packaging area to storage through the distribution channels to the final consumption site. A container formed from a high nitrile resin is suitable for applying the system. Shape-retention characteristics is achieved by using a container formed from a gas barrier plastic material packed with an excess of an inert gas, with the amount of the inert gas adsorbed by the agricultural product taken into consideration, or by using a container made of a gas-barrier plastic material, with a smaller part of the wall being made of a film portion which is thinner than the remaining larger portion of the wall.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously producing bottled beverages and closing bottles with caps, each bottle having an externally threaded mouth and having been charged with a liquid product for drinking, the apparatus includes a timing screw for advancing bottles continuously at fixed spatial intervals, each bottle having an externally threaded mouth and having been charged with a liquid product for drinking. An inlet star wheel having a plurality of recesses at the periphery thereof at fixed spatial intervals is provided. The recesses receive bottles with externally threaded mouths that have been conveyed by the timing screw. A cap release applies caps onto the threaded mouths of bottles. A nozzle ejects a stream of a non-oxidizing gas into bottles with the nozzle being situated immediately ahead of the cap release. A capper having a plurality of recesses at the periphery thereof at fixed spatial intervals is provided.

Abstract: A method of making a hermetically sealed container is disclosed. In the method, a water vapor (40) is blown into a container body (1) that has been placed with a product such as solid foods or the like leaving a space portion (3). Immediately thereafter or immediately after an inert gas (51) has been blown into the container body, the container body is hermetically sealed. The container has a relatively low negative internal pressure which is controllable with a small range of variation. The water vapor (40) is generated by blowing a non-condensable gas such as air, nitrogen gas or the like at a constant flow rate into a water (13) which is controlled to a constant temperature. When the inert gas (51) is blown, only the surface and its vicinity of the product (4) is heated by blowing the water vapor (40).

Abstract: A crimper head for use in introducing a fluid product under pressure into the mouth of a container provided with a closure and thereafter crimping the closure to the container mouth. A container, such as for an aerosol package, with a closure resting freely in the mouth of the container is delivered to the crimper head. The head has a lower bell which forms a seal with the upper end of the container when the head is lowered. While the bell remains stationary, other parts of the head are actuated so that vacuum is applied to the bell and the container while the closure is lifted by vacuum from the mouth. Thereafter, the head is actuated to shut off the vacuum and admit a metered quantity of fluid under pressure, such as aerosol propellant, into the bell and container. When the pressurized fluid is admitted it lifts the closure from the container mouth and also acts to lift as a unit all parts of the head except the bell which remains stationary and engaged with the container.

Abstract: The process, applied to inerting of airtight packagings, used together or separately the deoxygenation of empty packagings under inert atmosphere, purging of the gas ceiling of the packagings after filling and before closing with an inert fluid, under inert atmospheres, each operation being performed by two simultaneous injections of fluid; said liquid or pasty product optionally being deoxygenated by an inert gas. This technique is applicable to the preservation of any liquid, pasty, solid and powdery food product, to pharmaceutical and biological products.

Abstract: An inert gas-filling and packaging apparatus which is adapted to fill an inert gas in containers, each having a content and seal the containers one by one after coverage of an opening of the container with a sealing film is described. The apparatus comprises a plurality of buckets for individually receiving a container having an upper opening, a film supplying means for supplying a sealing film arranged to move over the plural buckets, a vertically movable keep pad for keeping the sealing film in contact with the upper face of the bucket, the contact member having grooves provided at opposite sides of the plural buckets, through which the nozzle is inserted to inject an inert gas, and a nozzle for injecting the inert gas. The sealing film is sealed on the container by means of a heat sealing means surrounded by the keep pad. The heat sealing by the apparatus ensures a good appearance of a final product without involving any wrinkles in the sealed film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for vacuum-packaging bags filled with articles and to an apparatus therefor. Such packaging bag is stored in a chamber and a vacuum is applied to the interior of the chamber; the opening edge of the packaging bag is sealed. Such chambers are suspendedly supported on a rotor rotating around a horizontal axis. The chambers are rotated with the rotor along a circular path in a vertical plane. At this time, the component force acting on a packaging bag is smaller than in the case where the chambers are rotated along a circular path in a horizontal plane. As a result, deviation of packaging bags is prevented.

Abstract: A paper container filling a liquid content which comprises an upper air gap formed therein for sealing solely carbon dioxide or nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide. Thus, a recess is produced on the paper container by utilizing a small pressure reduction in the container generated as a result of carbon dioxide dissolved in the liquid content, and the recess is used as a criterion of deciding the presence of gas substitution, presence of pinhole of the container and the propriety of sealing of the container only by the recess. This container can be fully inspected by the naked eye. Further, a method of filling gas and apparatus for filling the gas in a paper container formed of a synthetic resin layer of aluminum foil or polyethylene mainly with paper by eliminating the abovementioned disadvantages and performing gas substitution merely by adding a simple unit on a filling machine, thereby holding taste, odor and nutrient components of the container contents for 4 or longer months.

Abstract: A system for packaging a number of substantially cylindrical packages of generally elastic insulation material. The packages have open ends but are surrounded by a substantially airtight foil layer. The packages are placed close to one another and their ends are temporarily, essentially airtightly closed. The packages are pressed closely against each other by holders. The packages are then connected to a vacuum through a perforated plate to reduce their volume. The reduced volume packages are then wrapped within a tight foil enclosure after the holders are removed but before the vacuum is disconnected. The system not only reduces the volume of the individual packages but also eliminates interspaces therebetween.

Abstract: A device for reducing the quantity of oxygen in the space above the filling in a container before closing of the container, in which a vacuum is formed in the space, then a compressed gas is blown into the container in a direction running obliquely to the vertical axis of symmetry of the container and again a vacuum is formed in the space, these steps being repeated if necessary. Valving is provided in the fixed housing within which are formed, coaxially with a central column, an inner chamber and an outer, essentially cylindrical chamber enclosing it. One chamber is connected to a vacuum source and the other chamber to a source of the gas. One head face of each chamber has a plurality of openings at specific angular distances from each other and disposed on an inner and an outer circle respectively. Fixed on the central column is a disc in sealing fashion against the head faces.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for providing an inert atmosphere in airtight packages, which apparatus is adaptable for use in a packaging line. The apparatus comprises an inerting minitunnel which is provided with a ramp for purging oxygen from the packages, and an inerting ramp. The apparatus can be used with any liquid, pasty, or solid product which is packaged in an airtight package.

Abstract: A gassing apparatus for breaking bubbles at the surface of a newly filled bubbling product (beer) and thereafter removing air from the head space above the surface of the product. The gassing apparatus includes a new bubble breaker which provides for the breaking of the bubbles at lower than customary gas pressure followed by a gassing rail which is of sufficient length and gassing apertures to permit full air removal notwithstanding variations in head space. Preferably the bubble breakers are used in pairs with the gas in the second bubble breaker being at a pressure less than that in the first.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a rotary plate (1) on which are provided receptacle receiving means (2, 3, 4, 5) disposed at 90.degree. to one another. The plate is driven in rotation in 90.degree. steps by a motor-speed reducer unit (6) so that the receiving means pass in succession in front of a station for charging product into the bottoms of the receptacles, a station for laying lids of the receptacles, a station for welding the lids to the bottoms of the receptacles and a receptacle discharging station. The receiving means comprise means for maintaining the lids spaced away from the bottoms of the receptacles and means for injecting neutral gas between the lid laying station and the lid welding station.

Abstract: A sealing device for covering containers which prior to sealing has a member which reduces the volume of the container and in which the member is released after sealing to allow a vacuum circulation to exist in the sealed container. A further feature provides that the volume reducing, sealing and releasing steps occur while the containers are continuously moved along a conveyor.

Abstract: Method and device for the vacuum filling of containers by using a continuous conveyor bringing the containers straight below two successive fixed stations. At one of the stations the filling of the containers is carried out, and at the other station a vacuum sealing of the containers is carried out.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging an item in a controlled atmosphere enclosure is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor for continuously conveying a series of containers along a defined path. The path has sequentially oriented first and second portions, and defines a first side border and an opposite second side border. The apparatus introduces a covering material over the path of containers such that a space is created between the containers and the moving covering material. A vacuum gallery is disposed substantially adjacent the first border for applying a vacuum to the space only in the first portion of the path. A gas gallery is disposed substantially adjacent the second border for continuously introducing a selected gas into the space in both the first portion and the second portion of the path.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for effecting sealing of a fused quartz ampoule 24 while maintaining a vacuum on the ampoule via system 12 is disclosed. A plug 28 of fused quartz is lowered into the vertically disposed ampoule 24 (while maintaining the vacuum thereon) and heat sealed therein to prevent any vapor escape from, or contamination of, the contained semiconductor growth charge 29 during subsequent semiconductor crystal growth processes. A rotary vacuum feed-through mechanism 16 selectively rotates axle 34 and spool 32 to unwind wire 30 for lowering of plug 28 into the reduced diameter portion 24b of ampoule 24. Ampoule 24 is hermatically connected to vacuum housing 18 by quick release flange 20 wherein O-ring 22 retains ampoule 24.

Abstract: Cells, particularly animal cells, are cultivated in roller bottles which are handled or processed by a system comprising a decapper, the first liquid sucking and filling machine in which culture medium is sucked and a bottle cleaning liquid is supplied, a bottle rolling mechanism for washing the inner wall of the bottle in a horizontally-reclined state while rolling the same, the second liquid sucking and filling machine in which the cleaning liquid is sucked and culture medium is supplied, and a capper. The decapper, the first liquid sucking and filling machine, the bottle rolling mechanism, the second liquid sucking and filling machine, and the capper are all located in an aseptic chamber in this order along a conveyor which extends between a bottle supply turn table and a bottle collecting turn table.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus are disclosed in which a substantially horizontal bed is loaded with a series of independent magazines. Each of the magazines supports a plurality of open trays which are loaded with the desired contents. The magazines are moved along the bed to a vacuum chamber where a cover film is applied and the magazines are independently supported. The vacuum chamber is then closed to allow for evacuation and sealing of the covered trays and the magazines supporting the finished packages are removed from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A series of syringe bodies with their lower ends closed is filled with a solution of medicine to a predetermined level in the bodies. The syringe bodies are placed in a lyophilizer with the bodies arranged in a predetermined pattern. A plurality of plungers for the syringe bodies is arranged in a corresponding pattern and above the syringe bodies. After the medicine in the syringe bodies is lyophilized in the lyophilizer, a reduced pressure is created in the lyophilizer and the plungers are simultaneously moved into the syringe bodies to a predetermined level above the lyophilized medicine. The pressure within the lyophilizer is then increased to atmospheric and the assembled syringes are removed. Apparatus for implementing the process can include a lower rack having openings for retaining the syringe bodies in the predetermined pattern, and an upper rack seatable on the lower rack for retaining the piston portions of plungers in facing relation to, aligned with, and above the openings of the syringe bodies.

Abstract: At the upper side of the star wheel bottle feeder of a bottle capping machine, a chamber which encompasses the bottle neck is attached at each pocket in the periphery of the star wheel in which the bottle neck is registered as it is transported in a circular orbit. At the top side, the chamber has an opening for a reciprocating sealing element which revolves with the star wheel. The chamber has a circular internal bore and an opening on its radially outermost side that allows bottles to be passed through it and into a pocket on the star wheel. There is a nozzle slot at the radial inside of the chamber diametrically opposite from the outside gas exit opening. The gas input slot has an elbow connected to it and the elbow is connected to a gas distributor valve which is, in turn, connected to a source of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A chamber, in which an atmosphere comprising a toxic vapor is established, is pneumatically isolated from the ambient environment. The isolation technique permits objects to be sterilized to be conveyed into and removed from the chamber without leakage of vapor from the chamber or of air into the chamber.

Abstract: A control system for providing a closed loop control circuit between a liquid nitrogen dispenser and apparatus for determining internal pressure within a closed can having liquid nitrogen applied thereto whereby the automatic controlling of the volume of liquid nitrogen dispensed into each can is effected. Control data from a pressure test unit is averaged and the average is compared to a preselected set point and converted into a pulse of a width varying in accordance with the average detected pressure of previously filled cans to control the time of dispensing and thus the volume of dispensed liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: The invention discloses a bell-shaped adapter which facilitates the extraction of air from canning jars fitted with metallic disc type lids. The device operates in conjunction with a vacuum pump. Used on standard canning jars (such as Mason-, Kerr-, Ball-Jars) it is suitable for vacuum sealing perishables in the kitchen or home.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for sealing jars and other containers within specialized environments, such as a vacuum, is provided. The containers are introduced into chambers of a rotary drum, and an outer enclosure for the drum is provided by means of a substantially flexible moving belt which conforms to the periphery of the drum and seals the chambers. A vacuum may then be introduced to the chamber to evacuate the interior of the container, and the lid of the container may then be secured to maintain the desired vacuum within the container. The flexible belt may move in synchrony with the rotation of the drum, eliminating relative motion between the outer enclosure and the drum and avoiding need for complex sliding seals. The device is quickly adaptable to sealing and closing numerous configurations and sizes of containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a bottle with an oxygen sensitive liquid such as beer in which the bottle is pre-evacuated, pressurized with pure CO.sub.2, over-filled with liquid at constant pressure and then brought back to the proper fill level by injecting pure CO.sub.2 and forcing the excess back into the gas pressurized liquid storage tank while the bottle is still coupled to the filling head. After uncoupling, the bottle is transported to under a closure cap applying device at which there are nozzles that project CO.sub.2 under the device and over and around the mouth of the bottle so the space even within the cap is purged of air. The CO.sub.2 used for purging is adequately free of air since it is taken from the storage tank to which CO.sub.2 is returned from the bottles as a result of filling liquid displacing the CO.sub.2 gas which is diluted only to the extent that pre-evacuation is not perfect.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus has a bag forming device for automatically forming bags each containing one or more articles and a vacuum sealing device for sealing open ends of the bags in a vacuum. The vacuum sealing device has a plurality of bag supporting devices revolving synchronously with the feeding device and having respective pillow heads for resting thereon the open ends of the bags and vacuum covers each cooperating with a respective one bag supporting device to form one vacuum box in which the open end of the bag is sealed by and between a heating member provided in the vacuum box and the pillow head. Further the pillow head or a platform of the bag supporting device is moved vertically.

Abstract: An apparatus for preserving perishables fresh and long storage of corrosive material by filling the container with an inert gas and sealing the gas therein.

Abstract: The loading apparatus of our invention comprises a filling shoe for input of small products, particularly pharmaceutical products, into a plurality of receptacles of a package component moving by and below the filling shoe. The filling shoe is provided with at least one feed chamber for receiving and dispensing the product which has a mouth opening below to the package component. A product duct for feeding the products one after the other is connected to and ends in the feed chamber. Each feed chamber is connected to at least one vacuum passage which is connected to and communicates with a vacuum source. The front side of the feed chamber in the motion direction of the package component may be formed as a guide slope running slantedly downward toward the package component opening in or to a vacuum passage with the feed chamber and to the package component. Vacuum slots may be provided running in a wall of the product duct and ending in the feed chamber to augment the vacuum effect in the product duct.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of mixtures of pharmaceutical liquids, for example infusion solutions, from storage containers containing at least two of the individual mixture components, in an arrangement with a vacuum chamber to receive the containers to be filled and with a connecting hose for each storage container as well as a tube connected to the container to be filled and also connected with the connection hoses of the storage containers via a hose connection, with the attainment of the desired predetermined amount of each mixture component being indicated by registering air intake into the individual connection hoses, clamping the respective connecting tube and sealing and cutting the hose downstream from the clamping following corresponding registration of air intake into all present connection hoses.

Abstract: A packaging machine wherein product-loaded cup-shaped receptacles are advanced with an indexing movement through a series of packaging stations. One station includes a fixed vacuum/gas chamber extending entirely over one set of receptacles. The receptacles are first evacuated through this fixed chamber, and thereafter gas is directed into the chamber to fill the receptacles. A fine wire-mesh screen is positioned between the chamber and the receptacles to constrain the air and gas flow to a vertical direction, to prevent disarrangement of the product during evacuation and gassing. A gas-curtain structure develops an enclosed region of gas above the receptacles during their movement out from under the fixed chamber over to the final sealing station. The sealing operation takes place in two successive steps within the sealing station.