Abstract: An appliance for evacuating a flexible container, the appliance including a base housing and a vacuum source disposed within the base housing. A drip retainer is removeably disposed in the base and is in communication with the vacuum source. The drip retainer includes a chamber for holding material. The drip retainer further including a nozzle projecting therefrom, the nozzle is engagable with an opening of the flexible container. A cover is rotatably connected to the base and movable to a closed position to cover the nozzle.

Abstract: A portable vacuum unit for use with a resealable, evacuable container, comprising a vacuum pump housed within a body, an accumulator removably coupled to the body and in fluid communication with a vacuum port of the body, the accumulator comprising a receptacle, a tip, wherein a first end of the tip is coupled to a first end of the receptacle and in fluid communication therewith, the tip having a shape which facilitates interaction with a valve on the resealable, evacuable container, the tip comprising at least one support structure and a semi-rigid material coupled to a second end of the tip.

Abstract: An aesthetic and useful device for enclosing a vacuum pump within a framed enclosure for the evacuation of air from used containers is herein disclosed. An enclosure for a vacuum pump comprises a latching access door, a lid, and a container-staging area that extends downward, effectively housing a vacuum pump supported by an interior shelf. A vacuum chamber for collecting any entrained liquids or solids from used containers is coupled at one end to vacuum plumbing extending from the inlet of the vacuum pump and at the other end to a container adapter. The container adapter has a stepped female diameter opening to accommodate various sized container mouths. A sealed and latched access door maintains the integrity of the vacuum chamber as well as provides an aesthetic and protective shroud for the vacuum pump.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for creating a vacuum in, and sealing containers for the preservation of vacuum packed products. It includes a plate or tray base (11, 41) forming at least a part of a suction chamber and having at the rear a couple of constraint means, and a top body (12, 42) which forms the remaining part of said suction chamber and which houses an aspirator group and holds a sealing bar and means for controlling the functions of the device. The body is movable above the plate or tray base between a raised open position and a lowered closed position and removable by means of a free and independent manipulation of the plate or tray.

Abstract: A portable vacuum unit for use with a resealable, evacuable container, comprising a vacuum pump housed within a body, an accumulator removably coupled to the body and in fluid communication with a vacuum port of the body, the accumulator comprising a receptacle, a tip, wherein a first end of the tip is coupled to a first end of the receptacle and in fluid communication therewith, the tip having a shape which facilitates interaction with a valve on the resealable, evacuable container, the tip comprising at least one support structure and a semi-rigid material coupled to a second end of the tip.

Abstract: A steam-replacement deaeration method uses a nozzle having a double-tube structure of an inner first nozzle member and an outer second nozzle member. An insert part of the first nozzle member that is to be inserted into a bag has a flat cross-sectional configuration. The body of the second nozzle member has a circular cross-section and surrounds the insert part of the first nozzle member. At a first stage of steam injection, both the first and second nozzle members are inserted into the bag, and steam is injected from the spouts of both of them. Next, only the second nozzle member is removed from the bag, and the steam injection therefrom is stopped. While the steam injection from the first nozzle member being continued, the bag mouth is brought into a tensed state. Next, the first nozzle member is removed from the bag, and the bag is moved to the subsequent step with the bag mouth kept in the tensed state.

Abstract: A method of preserving foodstuffs in a heat-sealable plastic bag wherein three of the bag's four peripheral edges are permanently sealed together and the fourth of the edges comprises a temporary interlocking linear seal. After foodstuffs are placed into the interior of the bag, the linear seal is interlocked to form an inner chamber and to isolate those foodstuffs therein from the outside environment. The bag is then pierced to provide an opening through which the inner chamber of the bag is evacuated. Then, while the inner chamber is evacuated, heat is applied to seal around the opening or between the opening and the portion of the inner chamber containing the foodstuffs to isolate the foodstuffs within said evacuated inner chamber from the outer environment. The foodstuffs may be removed from the bag by opening the interlocking seal and the bags may be reused numerous times by re-interlocking the seal and repeating the evacuating and sealing process.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging multiple bedding products. The method includes compressing a stack of individual compressed and sealed mattresses between an upper shipping support and a lower shipping support and restraining subsequent expansion of the individual compressed and sealed mattresses with bands enclosing the upper and lower shipping supports and the stack of compressed and sealed mattresses.

Abstract: A method of sealing a low enriched uranium (LEU) foil in a vacuum is provided. The LEU foil is inserted into a stainless steel foil pouch. Sealing components are assembled with the stainless steel foil pouch with a vacuum pump connection extending through an opening in the pouch. Then an open end of the pouch is folded over and welded to form a vacuum tight bond. A vacuum pump is attached to the connection outside the pouch and the stainless steel foil pouch is evacuated. Then the stainless steel foil pouch is folded and welded to seal the LEU foil within a welded pouch portion. The remaining pouch portion including the vacuum sealing components is cut and separated from the welded pouch portion containing the LEU foil. The method uses on inexpensive readily available equipment, eliminating the need for electron beam welding equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a container for vacuum packing, which is constructed so that food is laid on a base panel of the container, and air is easily drawn from an interior to an open end of a vacuum bag, thus allowing food or the like to be easily and hygienically vacuum packed. The container includes a base panel (100) to be put into a vacuum bag, with an item to be packed being laid on the base panel. A front panel (140) is provided at a front position of the base panel, and air holes (162) are formed on the front panel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus which facilitate the tearing of packing materials and the like into desired lengths by pre-tearing them along the rows of perforations which are provided for that purpose. In the disclosed embodiments, a packing material having inflated chambers separated by rows of perforations is fed at a predetermined speed in a direction generally perpendicular to the rows and periodically pulled upon rather abruptly to produce a partial tearing of the material along the rows of perforations.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods providing intelligent and variable speed control of a vacuum pump, intelligent vacuum pump controllers, intelligent vacuum packaging appliances, and vacuum feedback devices and methods. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention is a vacuum packaging system that is comprised of a very convenient vacuum pump and canister-sealing device that is an integral component of a refrigerator. The device is comprised of: 1) one or more external vacuum hose input ports or retractable combination hose/input ports, for applying a vacuum for packaging canisters, bottles or jars, or a remote bag sealing unit; 2) an internal configuration comprised of one or more vacuum hose input ports or retractable combination hose/input ports, canister lid storage attachments and/or carousel storage attachments; and/or 3) an external, integral or removable bagging unit (recessed into the refrigerator door) for vacuum sealing and cutting plastic bagging material.

Abstract: A system for sealing thermoplastic film includes one or more bag sealing units, each comprising a lower vacuum platen and a vacuum chamber cover adapted for sealing engagement on the platen to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly includes a sealing bar designed for constant heated operation and a pair of cooling plates which function as heat sinks. The sealing bar assembly is pneumatically reciprocated between a raised, disengaged position and a lowered position with the sealing bar engaging the neck of a bag for hermetically sealing same. The cooling plates clamp the bag neck against a sealing support assembly. A method of sealing a thermoplastic film bag includes the steps of placing a packaging object in a thermoplastic bag and placing the bag on a cradle with the bag neck extending over a bag support assembly. Avacuum chamber cover is placed on the platen and evacuated to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly melds the thermoplastic to form a sealed area across the bag neck.

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

Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting air from within flexible packages having granular or otherwise flowable contents includes a package conveyor and a downwardly-open, vacuum extraction hood through which the packages are conveyed so that an upper portion of each package is moved through the extraction hood. The interior of the hood is joined in fluid communication with a vacuum source, so that air is extracted from within each package as it is conveyed through the hood. The present apparatus further includes a closing mechanism positioned immediately downstream of and in operative association with the extraction hood, whereby the upper portion of each package is maintained in a closed configuration prior to sealing, so that the interior of each package is not exposed to ambient conditions after it is conveyed out of the extraction hood, and prior to sealing of the upper portion.

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

Abstract: A device for evacuating a container includes a nozzle for placing within the container, the nozzle having a first end and an opposite second end. The device also includes a pump for moving air, an air conduit operatively connecting the nozzle and the pump, a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface. The pump is disposed within the housing. The housing includes a ridged fitting and the first end of the nozzle is attached to the fitting and in a first position the second end of the nozzle extends away from the housing for placement in the container.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine includes a vacuum chamber and a sealing mechanism within the chamber. A product-filled package can be supported within the chamber with its open end disposed between sealing bars of a sealing mechanism. At least one of the sealing bars is continuously heated including as the package is placed within the chamber, as a vacuum is drawn in the chamber, as the sealing bars are closed around the open end of the package and as the package is removed after sealing is complete.

Abstract: A vacuum machine for a zipper a bag comprising a casing, a motor, vanes, a suction mouth, a suction opening, a vent, a power supply, a switch and so on, wherein the suction opening is disposed corresponding to the vanes; the suction mouth is of tubular shape and is exposed out of the casing, and the rear end of which connects to the suction opening, wherein it also comprises a clamping member that connects with the casing and surrounds a section of the suction mouth; a clamping gap is formed between the clamping member and the suction mouth; the clamping member comprises an upper clamping member and a lower clamping member which are disposed substantially parallel to each other, thereby forming a clamping gap opening, the width of which is between 2 mm and 5 mm. The vacuum machine is simple in structure, small in size, convenient for use, highly flexible and suitable for zipper bags of different sizes and types.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting air from within flexible packages having granular or otherwise flowable contents includes a package conveyor and a downwardly-open, vacuum extraction hood through which the packages are conveyed so that an upper portion of each package is moved through the extraction hood. The interior of the hood is joined in fluid communication with a vacuum source, so that air is extracted from within each package as it is conveyed through the hood. The present apparatus further includes a closing mechanism positioned immediately downstream of and in operative association with the extraction hood, whereby the upper portion of each package is maintained in a closed configuration prior to sealing, so that the interior of each package is not exposed to ambient conditions after it is conveyed out of the extraction hood, and prior to sealing of the upper portion.

Abstract: A system which provides a first object defining a first volume and a second object defining a second volume wherein the second object contains the first object. A manifold apparatus is provided which allows a flowable material to flow by vacuum action into the first object and also allows any entrained gas to be transported from the first volume to the second volume without interrupting the vacuum. Methods of use of the system and structures for detachably attaching the manifold apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A system for evacuating containers. The system includes a base housing defining a recess having a vacuum inlet port in communication with a vacuum source. An inner door is hinged to the base housing and is sized to cover the recess when in a closed position, and an outer door having a sealing member is hinged to close over the inner door. A vacuum nozzle extends at least partially between the inner and outer doors and is in communication with the recess. The inner and outer doors cooperate to retain a flexible container therebetween and around the nozzle so that the nozzle is positioned for fluid communication with an inside of the container. A removable drip pan is positioned to retain fluids drawn by the nozzle.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance for forming a hermetically sealed evacuated container. The appliance includes a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the lower portion of the appliance. The trough in the lower portion of the appliance is removable from the lower portion of the appliance. In one embodiment, the appliance includes pneumatic latches that are used to hold the lid in a substantially fixed position relative to the lower portion of the appliance. Additionally, a single vacuum source can be used to active the pneumatic latches and the evacuate the vacuum chamber. The appliance is further adapted for connection to vacuum sealing attachments for various containers whereby the containers can be selectively evacuated.

Abstract: An appliance for storing articles within flexible and non-flexible containers under vacuum. The appliance comprises a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the base of the appliance. The trough is slidably removable from the base of the appliance. The appliance is further adapted for connection to vacuum sealing attachments for various containers whereby the containers can be selectively evacuated. The appliance includes a thermal sealing mechanism for sealing a flexible container as well as a cutting mechanism for cutting the flexible container to a desired size. The appliance includes a control panel for selectively operating the vacuuming and sealing processes.

Abstract: A lidless vacuum packaging appliance whereby the number of movable parts is reduced is disclosed. A lidless appliance effectively reduces wear and tear of the appliance. Further, the lidless design allows for convenient placement in the operational environment of the appliance.

Abstract: Vacuum packaging appliances and methods of vacuum packaging objects are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an appliance includes a base, a lid movably coupled to the base, a vacuum chamber portion on the base and/or the lid for receiving an open end of a bag, and a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber portion for removing gas from the vacuum chamber portion. The lid includes a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal and proximal ends. The base can also include a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A diaper is folded about lengthwise foldlines between side elastic banded edges and is folded along a widthwise foldline such that the diaper length is reduced by at least 50%. A central portion of the diaper is visible and the remainder thereof is hidden from view within the folds. Thereafter, a height of the folded diaper is reduced by compressing the diaper with opposed surfaces of a press and the diaper is sealed within an encasement having an interior volume that closely corresponds to the diaper. Sealing is done under a vacuum sufficient to result in further compression of the diaper to a very firm and dense state in which the surface of the diaper is hard. The vacuum-sealed diaper is packaged with a diaper accessory with the diaper and accessory located within separate interior spaces isolated by an air impermeable material such that a pressure differential may exist therebetween.

Abstract: A method of packaging a diaper for an aesthetically pleasing appearance to a consumer includes: disposing a compressible absorbent diaper within a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement; creating a vacuum state within an interior space defined by the encasement; sealing the encasement such that the interior space of the substantially air impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and such that the compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior space; and pressing the encasement containing the diaper with a smooth surface such that the encasement includes a substantially smooth planar face. The pressing of the encasement occurs after vacuum-sealing of the diaper.

Abstract: A diaper is packed by being vacuum-sealed within a vacuum chamber. The method includes: (a) disposing a compressible absorbent diaper within an interior space defined by a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement within a chamber, the chamber for creating a vacuum state and sealing the encasement disposed within the chamber; (b) creating a vacuum state within the chamber and the interior space defined by the encasement; (c) sealing the encasement within the chamber such that the interior space of the substantially air impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and such that the compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior space; and (d) pressing at least a portion of the compressible absorbent diaper with a smooth surface to flatten a face of the diaper.

Abstract: A method of packaging a diaper includes: disposing a compressible absorbent diaper within a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement; creating a vacuum state within an interior space defined by the encasement; sealing the encasement such that the interior space of the substantially air impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and such that the compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior space; and pressing at least a portion of the compressible absorbent diaper with a smooth surface. Pressing may occur before vacuum-packing, after vacuum-packing, during vacuum-packing, or both before and after vacuum-packing.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine (10) is provided having a base (12) and a pivotally mounted lid (14) which cooperatively define a package air evacuation chamber (76) adapted to receive the open end (98) of a filled flexible package (100), thereby allowing evacuation of air from the package (100) and heat sealing of end (98). The machine (10) is characterized by an essentially flat and uninterrupted, easily cleanable base upper wall (28) which eliminates concavities in the like which can lead to unsanitary collection of fluids or solids. The machine (10) also has a vacuum source (16) and a vacuum conduit assembly (18) the latter having conduits within base (12) and lid (14).

Abstract: A positive-pressure packaging system is provided to seal a product within an open package. The system includes a pressure chamber which encloses the product and package and is configured to expel atmosphere gases initially present within the package. The system includes a seal assembly for straitening the opening of the package so as to prevent the passage of particulate and other matter from within the open package. The system also includes a pressure source configured to increase pressure within the pressure chamber so as to expel the atmosphere gases by compression of the open package. A method of using the positive-pressure packaging system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum sealer includes a base member formed with a hollow platform having a first sealing ring secured on the platform and a support. A drawing hole is defined in the top of the platform within the first sealing ring. A heating plate is laterally secured on a front edge of the platform. A pumping device is mounted on the support for drawing out the air in a plastic bag that is purposed to be sealed. A transparent presser has a rear side pivotally mounted on the platform and selectively pressed on the top of the platform. A second sealing ring is secured on a bottom of the presser and fully airtightly abuts the first sealing ring when the presser is pressed on the platform.

Abstract: An appliance for evacuating a flexible container, the appliance including a base housing and a vacuum source disposed within the base housing. A drip retainer is removeably disposed in the base and is in communication with the vacuum source. The drip retainer includes a chamber for holding material. The drip retainer further including a nozzle projecting therefrom, the nozzle is engagable with an opening of the flexible container. A cover is rotatably connected to the base and movable to a closed position to cover the nozzle.

Abstract: An opening of a plastic bag with an article stored therein is placed between a cover and a vacuum assembly of a pocket sealing machine. Moving a rib to a second slot will extend a suction head into the opening of the bag. Pressing the cover will enable an electric heater to start heat sealing the opening of the bag. The machine can be relatively moved across the opening of the bag until the suction head is wrapped. After disabling the electric heater, a switch activates a motor for disabling the heat sealing and enabling the suction head to make a vacuum in the bag. Releasing the switch will deactivate the motor. Moving the rib back to a first slot will retract the suction head, and the machine is moved to cover the opening of the bag. Pressing the cover toward the vacuum assembly at that time will enable the electric heater to seal the opening.

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

Abstract: A device for evacuating a container is disclosed. The device includes a nozzle for placing within the container, a first air conduit operatively connecting the nozzle and a separation chamber, a second air conduit operatively connecting the separation chamber and a pump. A system that includes a reusable plastic bag and methods for using a device for air evacuation, and a plastic bag are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum packing a product (1) in a flexible enclosure (2) therefor, the apparatus comprising means (6, 7) for evacuating air from within the unsealed enclosure (2), the product (1) being disposed within the unsealed enclosure (2), means (18, 19) for restraining sealable meeting portions (3a, 3b) of the unsealed enclosure (2), during the said evacuation of air, in a configuration whereby the said sealable meeting portions (3a, 3b) can be sealed without substantial rucking thereof and means (33, 34) for sealing the sealable meeting portions (3a, 3b) of the unsealed enclosure (2) in an airtight manner in the said configuration thereof, after the said evacuation of air.

Abstract: A system for evacuating containers. The system includes a base housing defining a recess having a vacuum inlet port in communication with a vacuum source. An inner door is hinged to the base housing and is sized to cover the recess when in a closed position, and an outer door having a sealing member is hinged to close over the inner door. A vacuum nozzle extends at least partially between the inner and outer doors and is in communication with the recess. The inner and outer doors cooperate to retain a flexible container therebetween and around the nozzle so that the nozzle is positioned for fluid communication with an inside of the container. A removable drip pan is positioned to retain fluids drawn by the nozzle.

Abstract: A multi-component bedding assembly, including a mattress or futon, is vacuum packaged in an air impermeable bag by drawing a vacuum at the open end of the bag and applying a ram or pushing force against the bedding assembly at the closed end of the bag. The pushing force may be intermittently cycled. The packaged bedding assembly also may be wrapped in a woven polyethylene overwrap and tied with bands before it is inserted into a shipping carton.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine for performing a vacuum sealing operation on product packages, comprises a vertical stack of vacuum chambers 4 which each manage to receive at least one unsealed product package 2 and are operable to perform an independent vacuum sealing operation on the least one product package 2. A conveyor arrangement 8, 9 is operable to load and unload a selected vacuum chamber 4 with the at least one product package, and the machine is arranged to operate the respective vacuum chambers 4 to perform the vacuum sealing operation while the conveyor arrangement is operated to load and unload another vacuum chamber 4. The conveyor arrangement loads and unloads the vacuum chambers in sequence, and the vacuum chambers are synchronously operated to perform the vacuum sealing operation to allow the conveyor arrangement to operate continuously.

Abstract: The foot-print of a vacuum packaging appliance may be decreased by decoupling the appliance into a base component and a movable receptacle unit according to certain embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A system for evacuating containers. The system includes a base housing defining a recess having a vacuum inlet port in communication with a vacuum source. An inner door is hinged to the base housing and is sized to cover the recess when in a closed position, and an outer door having a sealing member is hinged to close over the inner door. A vacuum nozzle extends at least partially between the inner and outer doors and is in communication with the recess. The inner and outer doors cooperate to retain a flexible container therebetween and around the nozzle so that the nozzle is positioned for fluid communication with an inside of the container. A removable drip pan is positioned to retain fluids drawn by the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum packaging machine for vacuum sealing by putting food into a vacuum packaging bag, removing air from the vacuum packaging bag, and sealing an open portion of the vacuum packaging bag, and a system for controlling the vacuum packaging machine. The vacuum packaging machine includes a housing (10), a hood (20) and a separation unit (60). The housing (10) has a cover (11b) with a rubber packing (12) attached to a border thereof and an outlet (110b) formed therein, and a heater (16) for sealing a vacuum packaging bag. The hood (20) is hingedly connected to the housing (10) to selectively open and close a top of the housing (10), and has a rubber packing (22). The separation unit (60) communicates with the outlet (110b) through a communicating member and is connected to a vacuum pump. The vacuum packaging machine forms a vacuum through the vacuum pump when the rubber packings (22 and 12) of both the hood (20) and the housing (10) come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A deaerating method and deaerating apparatus in a bag-filling packaging machine, using a pair of press-holding members with one of them having a main body and a slide element that fits in the main body. A vacuum passage is formed between the upper portion of the slide element and the main body, and a groove is formed on a press-holding surface side when the slide element is moved backward; and with this groove, a passage leading from the inside to the outside of a bag is formed. Air and excess liquid matter inside the bag are sucked out of the bag through the passage and are removed through the vacuum passage. When the slide element is moved forward and press-holds the portion of the mouth that corresponds to the passage, the liquid matter inside such portion is pushed and is removed through the vacuum passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating and vacuum packaging machine comprising a handling or processing machine for the handling or processing of a product to be vacuum packed, and a vacuum packing unit designed to work sequentially with said operating machine.