Abstract: A vacuum pump includes a case having a first discharge port in the lower membrane thereof, a piston coupled to the case to enable a vertical movement and having a second discharge port in the upper membrane thereof, a first opening/closing member and a second opening/closing member opening/closing the first discharge port and the second discharge port, respectively, based on the vertical movement of the piston, an elastic member placed between the case and the piston, a first separation preventing member coupled to the upper part of the case and preventing the piston from being separated, a second separation preventing member provided inside the case and preventing the first opening/closing member from being separated, a third separation preventing member coupled to the upper part of the piston and preventing the second opening/closing member from being separated, and a first packing member coupled to the lower part of the case.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of supplying gas or a gas mixture to the inside of partly formed packages in a filling machine before a subsequent filling and sealing of the packages involves supplying the gas or gas mixture as at least one flow into the package via an opening in the package. The supply is made such that the at least one flow flows into the package to the inner region of the package and thereafter returns back through the opening. The method also involves temporarily catching the return flow from the package in a delimited space outside the opening, and directing the return flow out from the space in such a way that a substantially vertical flow along the outer envelope surface of the package is formed.

Abstract: The machine, either in a version for open vials or in one for closed vials, has a cantilevered architecture such that at the sides of the relative conveyor line of the vials there is a substantially vertical air passage gap developing in a downwards direction and connected with a conveyor which opens into an air outlet facing externally of the machine and positioned considerably below the conveyor line. The operating organs of the machine, among which the conveyor line, are inserted in a chamber having a controlled atmosphere, to which means for forced ventilation are associated, which means generate a laminar flow of air directed from above in a downwards direction. The part of the laminar flow, which strikes the sides of the conveyor line and the vials present therein, enters, without perturbation, the air passage gap and exits from the air outlet; thus entry of polluting particles into the inlet of the vials is prevented.

Abstract: A system having a sealed container capable of storing an oxygen-degradable product and an air control device attached to the container, where the air control device includes an activation device; at least one air control valve to allow air to flow out of the container, at least one pressure relief valve, an at least one air flow device comprising a vacuum pump, at least one filtration device and at least one controller and where the air control device is designed to securely attach to the container.

Abstract: A packaging device, particularly for manually or automatically packaging trays containing food products or technical materials which can be inserted, by means of a loading platform, between longitudinally folded parts of a single-folded film and comprising elements for thermal bonding or heat-sealing for sealing, and at least one nozzle for producing a vacuum and/or for introducing the gas or mixture, and a vacuum chamber. The single-folded film is fixed and the vacuum chamber is movable and comprises at least one movable presser arranged above the single-folded film. The presser is forced on top of the tray and is provided with elements adapted to convey the streams of air and/or gas. The return of air into the vacuum chamber occurs by means of a series of holes provided between a transverse heat-sealing bar and the wall of the vacuum chamber that is parallel thereto.

Abstract: A process for pressurizing a container assembly includes engaging the outer container around a neck of the outer container at a location between a shoulder of the outer container and a mouth of the outer container with a neck clamp device. The neck clamp device is used to support the outer container as the outer container moves from one location to a different location. An at least partial seal is formed about the neck of the outer container by engaging the neck clamp device with an outer bell member of a crimper-pressurized fluid fill head.

Abstract: Blow unit for an apparatus (1) for making air-filled bags from a film material (F) having chambers (12), wherein the blow unit (8) comprises a body (26) having an outlet opening (28) for introducing air into the chambers, wherein the blow unit comprises a guiding element (30) for guiding the film material towards the outlet opening, wherein the blow unit (8) comprises an air guiding space (32) that extends from the outlet opening (28) over a distance (D) at least partly along the guiding element, wherein a length (L) of the air guiding space (32) is such that in use, during introducing air into the film material (F), the air guiding space enables introduction of air into two adjacent chambers (12a, 12b) at the same time. The invention further relates to an apparatus comprising such a blow unit, a system comprising such an apparatus and a method for making air-filled bags.

Abstract: A package for an article (1) comprises a pressurised outer bag (5) having gas-tight seals (7) at opposite ends, and an inner web for supporting the article within the outer bag. The web extends along the length of the outer bag and is secured to the outer bag only at the gas-tight seals (7). The web is maintained under sufficient tension by the pressure within the outer bag to suspend the article within the bag and to maintain a space between the article and the outer bag on all sides of the article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an especially panel-shaped vacuum insulation element which is wrapped in a film and is filled with a powder. According to the method, the unmolded, loose powder is filled, particularly poured, into the opening of a bag which is formed from a high-barrier film and is open on one side. A filter material that is permeable to air and impermeable to powder dust is fixed to the internal face of the film bag in the area of the opening of the filled film bag such that the interior of the bag is closed in a dust-tight manner while air can still be discharged. The interior of the dust-tightly closed film bag is then evacuated and the evacuated film bag is air-tightly closed in a vacuum.

Abstract: It is disclosed a machine for vacuum skin packaging a product arranged on a support. The support has a sidewall with at least one hole. The machine comprises a first film transfer plate configured for holding a film sheet, heating the film sheet, bringing the film sheet to a position above the support with the product arranged thereon and air tightly fixing the film sheet to the support. The machine also comprises a vacuum arrangement for removing air from within the support underneath the film sheet through the at least one hole. The first film transfer plate is configured to release the film sheet thereby allowing the film sheet to be drawn into the support while the vacuum arrangement is removing air from within the support.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for sealing and burst testing a medical device package. The system includes a nozzle, where the nozzle is configured to be inserted into a medical device package. The system also includes an air pump, where the air pump is configured to remove air from the medical device package through the nozzle and insert air into the medical device package through the nozzle for burst testing. The system further includes a sealer, where the sealer is configured to seal the medical device package.

Abstract: A method of filling flexible foil bags, wherein a foil bag is shaped at least partially by a gaseous medium and is then filled with a liquid filling material, with the gaseous medium disinfecting the foil bag. Also, an apparatus for filling foil bags comprising a shaping unit for shaping the foil bags using a gaseous medium, a filling unit for filling the foil bags with a liquid medium, with the ability of adding a disinfecting effect to the gaseous medium.

Abstract: A water bagging system (1) comprising a trailer-mounted weatherproof enclosure (10) containing a compartmentalized automatic bag filling machine (40) feeding in a string of pre-manufactured water bags out of their carton, a pump/compressor assembly (4) for pumping potable water in from an external potable source such as a TWPS, water tank or hydrant, a filtration and sterilization assembly for filtering and sterilizing the water by a combination of mechanical, carbon, UV and a filling machine sanitization system consisting of a water ozonator (48) and an air ozonator (44). The system is hardened against the harshest environments by a surrounding tent enclosure (2), and a filtered air supply (5) that over-pressures the system (1) to keep dust and sand out. The system (1) is capable of producing a high-volume of water bags within a range of commercial and specialty sizes, and the water remains stable for prolonged periods without bacterial growth and degradation of taste and odor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a packaging machine and to a method of forming a vacuum package. A first evacuable chamber is used for accommodating therein a product-accommodating section of a package, whereas a second evacuable chamber is used for accommodating therein an opening section of the package. Pressure gauges measure the pressure in both chambers, and a supply air valve serves to supply air into the first chamber. The disclosure is characterized in that the supply air valve is a control valve and is adapted to be controlled in dependence upon the difference between the pressures which prevail in the first and second chambers and which are measured by means of the two pressure gauges. The disclosure also relates to the fact that a gap is provided in a partition between the two chambers and that an adjuster is provided for varying and adjusting the cross-sectional area of said gap.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.

Abstract: A conditioning assembly for conditioning an article (D), such as a fluid dispenser, under vacuum, the assembly including an airtight enclosure (E) for receiving an article (D) for conditioning under a vacuum; the assembly being characterized in that the enclosure (E) includes a conditioning element (21) that is movable inside the enclosure, the enclosure (E) being connected to a suction chamber (C) that includes a piston (22) that is capable of causing the volume of the chamber (C) to vary, the conditioning element (21) and the piston (22) being constrained to move together in a manner such that a movement of the piston (22) in the direction for increasing the volume of the chamber (C) causes suction to be generated in the enclosure (E).

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, reactant sensitive substances are stored in a container where a diaphragm inside the container is expanded to reduce air in contact with the substances. In an embodiment, an inner diaphragm is expanded by pushing on an outer diaphragm and forcing the inner diaphragm towards the substance where the gas containing the reactants is forced out a one-way valve. In an embodiment of the invention, a second one-way valve allows air into a container void space between the inner and outer diaphragms when a force is applied to the outer diaphragm that pumps out the gas and brings the inner diaphragm into contact with the substance. To open the container, the vacuum can be released by pressing a first one-way conditional valve which releases air into the container. A second one-way conditional valve can release the air trapped in the container void space.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: A method for gas filling a handle portion of a container of a collapsible type. The handle portion being defined by two opposite side walls of the container and communicating, via a duct defined by the side walls, with an opening formed in one of the side walls. The method including the steps of supplying, at a gas filling station, a gas to the handle portion via the opening and the duct, blocking the duct by a squeezing action to retain the gas supplied to the handle portion, transporting the container to a sealing station while maintaining the squeezing action and, at said sealing station, sealing the duct while maintaining the squeezing action, so as to permanently enclose the gas in the handle portion. The disclosure further concerns a container of a collapsible type.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tray sealer comprising a tray conveyor, the conveyor being provided with tray reception means each configured for receiving a tray therein. The disclosure is characterized in that the tray sealer comprises, at a loading station, a loading robot for placing trays filled with a product into tray reception means and, at an unloading station, an unloading robot for removing trays which have been sealed by means of the tray sealer from the tray reception means. The disclosure also relates to a method of operating a tray sealer operable in intermittent operation cycles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus described herein relate to establishing and maintaining low gas pressure within a gas-sealed device fabricated from heat sensitive materials. Methods include transferring activated getters within the interior of an apparatus from regions fabricated from heat-resistant materials to interior regions of the gas-sealed device fabricated from heat-sensitive materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding, from a gas container with a gas under an overpressure via a pressure reducing valve unit to a bottle fully or partly filled with a liquid while utilizing a two-part valve arrangement. The first part of the arrangement is related to the valve unit and a second part of the arrangement is related to the bottle. The two parts of the valve arrangement are easily coordinated with each other and easily separable. One valve part is adapted to enclose a first check valve which, when being mechanically influenced, allows gas flow from the container and into the bottle. The other valve part is adapted to enclose a second check valve which, when being pneumatically influenced, allows gas flow into the bottle.

Abstract: A composite air and foam protective packaging product comprises a packaging cushion having, in cross-section, at least three plies of plastic film, foam between a first ply and a second ply of the three plies of plastic film, and air between the second ply and a third ply of the three plies of plastic film.

Abstract: A water balloon fill and knot device has a housing, a hose connector disposed on the housing and also a connector base. A plurality of flanges or noses are disposed on the housing and flanges may include a flange sidewall and a flange bottom wall. A stem has a water channel formed through the stem terminating at a stem opening. The plurality of noses can be two noses placed at 120° from each other or three noses placed at 120° from each other. A ball pivot valve formed on the stem is ball shaped and forms a ball pivot face that pivots relative to a housing pivot lower face. A ball cap fits over the ball pivot valve, and the ball cap has a ball cap lower surface forming a ball cap face. The ball cap face is spherical in profile.

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

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.

Abstract: A separating apparatus is described for separating interconnected cushions by breaking weakening lines provided between these cushions. To this end, the apparatus includes at least one circulating element and a conveyor for carrying the interconnected cushions along the circulating element. The circulating element is arranged for engaging the interconnected cushions at least once during a circulating movement of the circulating element, in order to carry one of these cushions along over a part of the circulating movement at a carrying speed which is higher than a conveying speed of the conveyor. An apparatus is described for manufacturing cushions by filling chambers formed in film material with a gas and then sealing them.

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

Abstract: A device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions is disclosed. The device includes an inflation assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity of a film material with a fluid such as air and a sealing assembly comprising first and second assembly portions configured for receiving and sealing overlapping portions of the film. A disengagement mechanism is associated with the first and second assembly portions for moving the first assembly portion relative to the second assembly portion for reversibly disengaging the portions for releasing the pressure therebetween.

Abstract: Loading device for loading particles through the entries of an array of tubes, the device comprising of a plate having a pattern of loading holes, which pattern corresponds to the array of tube entries, the opening of the loading holes being smaller in size than the opening of the tube entries and larger in size than the particles to be loaded, characterized in that the plate comprises sieving means between the loading holes, the sieving means comprising sieving openings.

Abstract: An air cushion maker includes a pair of forming rollers that are provided with recesses and electrothermal wires so that two consecutive plastic films passing between the forming rollers are made into air cushions with geometric puffy air cells.

Abstract: A device for producing a longitudinal seal between two juxtaposed plies of film that are conveyed along a longitudinal path of travel, the juxtaposed film plies including a series of containers therebetween, wherein the device includes a sealing mechanism that forms a sealing zone in the travel path in which the longitudinal seal is produced, and a pressure mechanism that forms a pressure zone in the travel path in which the juxtaposed film plies are compressed, the pressure zone being positioned between the containers and the sealing zone.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for packing a material in a packing container. The method includes the steps of providing a gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam in a housing; supplying a material to the gaseous atmosphere and delivering a packing container to the gaseous atmosphere. Thereafter, the material is filled into the packing container, the packing container is sealed inside the gaseous atmosphere, and filled packing container is moved out of the gaseous atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) arranged to bring about a decreased degradation of food placed in an gas tight food package (5, 45, 49), the device comprising a gas conductor (7, 39) adapted to be connected between a gas supply (9a, 9b) and the food package (5, 45, 49) for changing the composition of the gas inside the food package (5, 45, 49) to a composition with food preserving qualities. The invention also relates to a use of such a device (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an air evacuation assembly and methods of using the same, and in particular to an assembly used to evacuate air from a sealable plastic bag and to form an air tight seal, and to the methods of using the same. In a preferred embodiment, a valve assembly is provided with an inside piece that is matable with an outside piece. A plastic bag is pierced, and a gasket forms a seal with the bag when the inside piece and outside piece are threadably engaged. A check ball is contained within a spout. The ball can seal the inside of the bag, or alternatively be moved to allow air to evacuate from the bag. An external rib is provided for forming a tight engagement between the valve assembly and a pump and/or a cap.

Abstract: An air injection apparatus configured to inject air into a buffer packing bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a container includes an enclosure (11) having an opening for receiving a container (14). The apparatus may include a shuttle assembly (15), a wash station (20), a fill station (21), and a seal station (16) contained within the enclosure (11). The shuttle assembly (15) may include a frame structure (23) and a shuttle (22). The shuttle (22) may advance along a path of travel and facilitate the washing, filling, and sealing of the container (14). The apparatus may be employed in a method for consecutively washing, filling, and sealing at least one container in an enclosed housing. The method includes the steps of providing at least one container, washing the container, filling the container, and sealing the container. The method may be conducted along a path of travel.

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

Abstract: A method for reducing a cushion footprint for long-term storage may include inserting a foam core into a plastic cover, subsequently applying a vacuum to the plastic cover, and, while under the vacuum effect, sealing the plastic cover, and its contents. A device providing the vacuum effect may include a surface having protruding sections connected to non-protruding sections via tapered sections. A cushion may include an at least 20 density high resiliency foam core, and a fabric cover that includes (a) a combination of polyester and spandex and/or lycra, (b) nylon to which a thin water resistant material coating is applied, and/or (c) polyester fabric including raised anti-slip polyvinyl chloride dots, other portions of the polyester fabric at which the dots are not positioned having applied thereto a polyvinyl chloride coating. The device may compress the foam core while housed in a fabric cover, housed in the plastic cover.

Abstract: A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16).

Abstract: System for allowing removal of air from the interior of flexible packages, in which material can be found, including a conveyor transporting and supporting the bottom of the flexible packages or package, a second sub-system holding the top part of the package and an air extraction system. The package is raised vertically while being displaced along the conveyor. Removing the air from the packages before closing them results in a flat and straight flap, while reducing the distance between the product and the sealed or sewn joint. The process is accomplished through a continuous displacement of the package. These advantages result in packing material savings. A method for allowing removal of air is also disclosed.

Abstract: An organometallic compound feeder comprising a packing container into which an organometallic compound that is in a solid state at an ordinary temperature is to be packed and a carrier gas is to be fed to sublimate the organometallic compound further comprises: a support plate which is to hold the organometallic compound carried on an inert carrier in the packing container and which is to allow the carrier gas to pass therethrough, a carrier gas inlet in an upper portion of the packing container, a carrier gas outlet which is opened below the support plate in a bottom portion of the packing container, and a baffle plate which is attached between the support plate and the carrier gas outlet and is larger than an opening diameter of the carrier gas outlet, and the feeder is configured so as to allow carrier gas to pass downward through the organometallic compound carried on the inert carrier packed on the support plate.

Abstract: To enhance evacuation of a storage bag having a one-way valve element and to reduce noise during evacuation, a handheld evacuation device includes one or more gaskets that can be made of resilient material. A gasket can be disposed about the rim of an inlet opening of the evacuation device to provide both a leak-free interface between the evacuation device and the storage bag and to reduce vibration and chatter of the evacuation device against a rigid support surface. A gasket can also be provided intermediately between a main body portion of the evacuation device and a nozzle portion that is to be placed adjacent to the storage bag during use. The intermediate gasket isolates vibrations in the main body portion thereby reducing vibrations and chatter of the evacuation device against a rigid support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating film for manufacturing packaging material in situ, wherein the apparatus comprises an inflating unit, a film conveying provision, a sealing unit and a film receiving means for receiving a film roll, wherein the apparatus is a compact apparatus with a relatively small footprint and wherein the inflating unit, film conveying provision and the sealing unit are provided in a central unit on the apparatus and are operatively positioned with respect to a center of the film to be inflated and sealed viewed in a direction at right angles to a film conveying direction, wherein the film to be inflated is operatively engaged only in or near the center thereof by the central unit, for inflating the film from or from near the center, then sealing the film tight and conveying it, as well as a method for manufacturing packaging material.

Abstract: An apparatus for evacuating and sealing a panel having a core material and a pair of walls. The apparatus includes a flexible bag that surrounds the panel and a vacuum pump assembly configured to evacuate air from within the bag. A sealing mechanism is located in the bag. The sealing mechanism is configured to bond at least one pair of adjoining edges of the pair of walls together to seal a panel with an evacuated core.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing.

Abstract: A filling machine for open, sealable sacks includes a fill pipe for filling the attached sacks with contents having a tendency to develop dust, and a cleaning device which includes a blow rail for cleaning the inner faces of the sack mouth rim and side folds of a sack by an air flow which emerges from the blow rail. The blow rail is fastened to two-armed levers which can be pivoted about a stationary axis by means of a drive. As a result, the air jets are directed onto the surfaces to be cleaned from different directions during the cleaning process and the layers of the side folds are also separated from one another and cleaned. The filling machine is suitable, in particular, for filling powdery contents.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing dunnage including a plurality of rollers for pulling a web of material through the machine, a nozzle with at least one port through which gas or liquid flows, a plurality of ceramic elements in opposing positions such that the web of material can pass between the plurality of ceramic elements. A heating element is routed through each of the plurality of ceramic elements such that heat will radiate through openings in the top surfaces of the ceramic elements that will melt the portion of the material that is passing between the opposing ceramic elements. The apparatus may be equipped to manufacture multiple pieces of dunnage simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for quickly, reliably, and inexpensively evacuating air from ordinary re-sealable plastic bags without employing special adapters to interface with vacuum pumps. The system consists of a vacuum pump, an outer re-sealable plastic bag that acts as a flexible vacuum chamber, a vacuum tray that fits inside the outer plastic bag and prevents the outer bag from collapsing onto the vacuum port. Users operate the system by inserting the re-sealable bag to be evacuated inside the outer plastic bag until the seal of the inner bag is in the proper sealing position inside the vacuum tray. The user then seals the outer bag, turns on the vacuum pump and allows the vacuum process to run to completion, during which the re-sealable inner bag is automatically sealed by the device. The user then opens the outer plastic bag and removes the vacuum-packed inner bag.